Kit's Story Collection (The American Girls Collection) [Hardcover]

Valerie Tripp (Author), Walter Rane (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Series: The American Girls Collection

Girls can enjoy all six beloved Kit stories in one keepsake volume. Set in 1934, each story reveals more of this resourceful girl who has bright hopes during the dark days of the Great Depression. The richly illustrated hardcover offers a glimpse into Kit's world. Inside, this book features even more full-color illustrations and words of inspiration that will delight girls who love Kit.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 390 pages
• Publisher: Amer Girl; Limited edition (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584854464
• ISBN-13: 978-1584854463
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #642,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An irresistible collection that will lift your spirits, and leave you cheering for the undeniably adorable Kit!, October 27, 2006

By 

Erika Sorocco (Southern California, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Kit's Story Collection with Other (American Girl) (Hardcover)

MEET KIT - The year is 1934, and nine-year-old Margaret Mildred Kittredge - better known as "Kit" to her friends and family - is going through a lot of changes. The Great Depression is taking jobs away from more and more people everyday, and in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kit's father is feeling the heat. Before long, he must sell his car dealership, and join the ranks of the unemployed surrounding him. This brings about problems, for now Kit's family must worry about making the house payments on time, and sending Kit's older brother Charlie to college. But things look up when Kit's mother comes up with the idea to turn the family's private home into a boarding house - that way they can make money without leaving the house. But Kit's unsure of whether this is a good idea, especially when a sick boy named Stirling moves in, and lands Kit in hot water with his overprotective mother, and her very own burdened mother. 5 stars.

KIT LEARNS A LESSON - Kit is upset that the "bothersome boarders" who have moved in with her family will be celebrating Thanksgiving with her. But when she finds that her father may have to leave his family behind, in an attempt to find a job in Chicago, Kit's thoughts quickly change, and she begins trying to come up with a way for her father to earn money, without going away. With the help of her best friend Ruthie, and an unlikely ally, who goes by the name of Stirling, Kit realizes that there is plenty of money to be earned right here in Cincinnati, and that maybe, just maybe, having a house full of boarders isn't the worst thing in the world. After all, if there are boarders in the house, Kit's father doesn't have to move away. 5 stars.

KIT'S SURPRISE - Nine-year-old Kit Kittredge is growing more and more concerned about her family's welfare, now that the Great Depression is getting increasingly worse. The fact that Christmas is slowly creeping up, only brings more worry into her life, as Kit's best friend, Ruthie - whose family is doing quite well in the midst of disaster - is counting on Kit and her mother to accompany her and her mother on a lavish day-after Christmas excursion - a tradition that can't possibly continue this year. The idea makes Kit upset, and soon the two girls are no longer speaking. Now, with the extra free time on her hands, Kit has begun doing various odd jobs for her rich Uncle, and is pocketing the money, in an attempt to give it to her mother as a surprise on Christmas morning! 5 stars.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIT - Kit's tenth birthday is quickly creeping up, and while she would love to have a Robin Hood party like the one she saw in the newspaper, she knows that the Depression has left her family strapped for cash, and decides to put her party out of her mind. That is, until Aunt Millie shows up. Aunt Millie is an eccentric, thrifty woman, who helps to stretch the Kittredge budget quite far. However, within a few days of her arriving, Kit's mother becomes quite embarrassed by Aunt Millie's money-saving ways. Kit is unsure of what is embarrassing her mother. That is, until Aunt Milie shows up at her school, and announces to Kit's entire class that they are all invited to a Penny-Pincher Party to celebrate Kit's tenth year. Soon Kit is just as embarrassed of Aunt Millie as her mother, and wishes the kind old woman had never come to Cincinnati. 5 stars.

KIT SAVES THE DAY - Ten-year-old Kit Kittredge can't stand the fact that she never has the chance to experience any adventure or excitement. With her older brother, Charlie, away in Montana with the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), having all sorts of fun and adventurous times, Kit feels left out of the loop, and begins to realize that the Great Depression is seriously cramping her style. Especially when her parents demand that she help out in the garden, and with tons of different chores, when she could be upstairs, clacking away on her typewriter, creating the newspapers that she loves so much. So when a young hobo named Will appears on Kit's doorstep, with tales of the hobo jungle, and riding the rails, Kit feels that her life just got more boring. It seems that everyone is doing something exciting besides her. And when Will informs Kit that girls just a bit younger than Kit are seen riding the rails all the time, Kit begins to fume. What she wouldn't give to do something so daring. So when Kit convinces her parents to allow her and Stirling to visit the hobo jungle, with some snacks for Will and the other starving hobos, she has no idea what she will encounter. Soon she sees that the hobo jungle isn't as exciting as she thought, with people suffering, and children going hungry each and every night. But when an acquaintance of Will's dares her to hop the rails, Kit feels that it's her duty to take the dare, and hop the train, even though it's illegal. But then something unexpected happens. Something that makes Kit realize the error of her ways, and it's up to her to save the day before something terrible happens. 5 stars.

CHANGES FOR KIT - The moment Margaret Mildred Kittredge "Kit" walks into her home that blustery February afternoon after school, her best friends Stirling and Ruthie alongside her, she knows that she's in for some changes. Wonderful changes. And she's absolutely right, for her mother presents her with a refurbished coat to keep her warm during the winter months, which instantly sets the wheels in Kit's mind moving. Kit decides that a homeless child at the nearby soup kitchen could probably use her old winter coat, and soon finds that her kindness has left a cold young girl quite happy. However, her own happiness is compromised when ornery Uncle Hendrick and his spiteful pup Inky come to stay with Kit's family as his broken ankle and wrist heal. Sadly, Kit is left with the responsibility of taking care of the cantankerous old man, who orders her to take dictation regarding letters about unemployed drifters, and hoboes, in general. It is while helping Uncle Hendrick that Kit comes up with the idea to write her very own letter to the editor of the local newspaper. A letter that doesn't put down drifters and hoboes, like the ones Uncle Hendrick makes her write. But, rather, one that informs Cincinnati residents of the misfortune and hard-times that these people have fallen on, and the hardships they must endure each and every day. Kit even goes so far as to illustrate how young, innocent children are being sheltered at the soup kitchen, owning less than a warm coat and shoes that keep their toes warm from the harsh wind. It is through this letter that Kit hopes to make a difference, and with her nose for news, there's no telling what she can do! 5 stars.

It has been years since I've read through one of the entire AMERICAN GIRLS Collections of stories, but when I learned that Kit was a wannabe reporter, I knew that I would have a hard time resisting her adventures. I couldn't have been more right. From the very first tale in Kit's series, we are introduced to the nine-year-old girl, who is inquisitive, and bright, and possesses a nose for news. Living during the Depression, Kit's family has fallen on hard times, and must take in boarders in an attempt to make their mortgage payments each month. Throughout these six tales, we see Kit take on many daring adventures and predicaments, from hopping a freight train with a band of hoboes to writing a controversial letter to the editor of a widely read newspaper; and even entering the hobo jungle and local soup kitchens to volunteer her time. From book one, the reader falls in love with each and every character, from the fairytale loving, quirky Ruthie; to the oft-times sickly Stirling; all the way through to the teenage hobo, Will; and even ornery Uncle Hendrick and his yappy dog Inky. Each character leaves a lasting impression upon the reader, and gives you an in-depth look at the life and times of a family during the Great Depression. Accompanied is a short PEEK INTO THE PAST section which even gives you the opportunity to view pictures from the 1930's and '40's, and learn more about the children and adults who lived during that time. An irresistible collection that will lift your spirits, and leave you cheering for the undeniably adorable Kit!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Stories for Young Readers, November 29, 2009

By 

Silvan Perch (Falls Church, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Kit Story Collection (American Girl) (Hardcover)

My 5-year-old daughter is an early reader and it is sometimes challenging to find stories with content that is appropriate for a 5-year-old that can read at the 8/9-year-old level. My Daughter has thoroughly enjoyed the American Girl books that she has read (I read them first). Kit's stories give an excellent perspective of the great depression, and are very good for explaining the current economic situation to young children. I particularly enjoyed the Aunt who brings all her ideas for "penny pinching" and ultimately saves Kit's family from ruin. In addition, Kits 2 best friends Ruthy and later Stirling (I think that was the boy's name, can't remember now) are stellar examples of how good friends help us grow and see life with more perspective. In fact, the supporting characters in this series are particularly complementary to the stories -- very well done! I also love! this hard back collection although it does not include all of the historical inserts at the end of the individual books (only one smaller historical section at the end of all 5 books). The small American Girl dolls are beautifully made and are a nice "reward" for reading the stories (after my daughter has read and become "friends" with the American Girl, she gets the little doll to play with, a great motivator for continued reading).

A summary of other American Girl books that we have read that you might be considering buying:

Kaya's books were the first of the American Girl books that my daughter read and she loved the stories. From a parental perspective, Kaya does make some bad choices but always with clear consequences and ultimately shows understanding and growth in the end. Reading the Kaya books inspired excited further reading and lots of discussion of that period in American History. 5 stars for Kaya.

Josephina is the best of the American Girl books that we have read. Josephina has to overcome the loss of her mother and shows great character, intelligence, and personal growth throughout the 6 books. Some of the other American Girls make bad decisions without consequences, or are sassy or disobedient to their parents, but there is non of that in Josephina (she is kind, a peace maker among her older sisters, a hard worker, intelligent, yet very realistically portrayed in her fears and trials). Highly recommended reading for impressionable young girls. 5+ Stars!

Felicity - Did not like 1st book much at all. Felicity is disobedient and dishonest with almost no consequence for her actions. However, the rest of the books are quite good and give a good picture of the historical period. In the last book Felicity shows better character and it is more clear why the author went in the direction she did with the 1st book (her friend Elizabeth shows even better character and is a good example of how good friends help us grow and give us perspective). Still, it would be best for a parent to discuss Felicity's good and bad behavior with their child. Then go to Williamsburg with your child for a real history lesson! 4 stars.

Kirstin - Liked the historical aspect of the story (images, basic storyline), but Kirstin definitely has some character issues. She is disobedient and headstrong, and clearly makes some very bad choices which have pretty serious consequences (although the book shows the consequences, I do not think Kirsten really is held accountable for her actions -- this child almost gets her brother killed and then burns down her house, both through being headstrong or disobedience to direct instructions by her parents; she also considers running away from her family because she doesn't like school). A good story overall, but you will definitely want to read the book and discuss Kirstin's behavior with your child. 3.5 stars.

Samantha's stories are enjoyable and true to the historical period, but truly Nelly's story is the compelling historical focal point of this series (Nelly is Samantha's friend who is a working child, in contrast to Samantha's upper middle class life). Small warning that the chapter on Nelly's work in the factory may be difficult for young readers because of the graphic depiction of child labor at that time (and which still exists in some countries). Read and discuss that chapter with your child, particularly if they are an early reader like mine. The most memorable book of this series is perhaps Samantha's Christmas, in which she prepares homemade gifts/decorations and then is disappointed when her holiday plans go sour; but she ultimately learns not to focus her frustrations on others and that upset plans can become more joyous events than what was planned (my daughter is now excitedly making gifts for her loved ones this Christmas). 4 stars.

We did not buy Abby right now because it has too much early black English in it, which of course is appropriate for the character and historical setting. However, because my daughter is an early reader (age 5), I do not want to feed her page after page of incorrect grammar when she is still in the formation years herself. We will probably get Abby when she is older. From a cursory reading of the library book, the story appears to be good, although I am a little hesitant about how the author handled the mother leaving an infant so that she could escape slavery with Abby (upon closer reading this could be a problem). Unrated.

We did NOT buy Molly because she appears to be a total brat. I recommend you get the book from the library and page though it before buying this book. It is not at all like the previously reviewed American Girl books, and seems to have little historical perspective (other than perhaps a comment on society in that, with time, some American children are becoming more sassy, bratty, and self absorbed). I did not read the entire book, but the pages I did look at did not impress me favorably (I certainly would not want this girl to be influencing the behavior of my daughter!). I chose not to give this collection to my daughter and I'm a bit disappointed with the American Girl series because they could have done a lot with this period in history. 0 stars.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great story collection!, December 11, 2010

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Kit Story Collection (American Girl) (Hardcover)

This wonderful book combines the six basic Kit books into one! Kit Kittredge is a rambunctious nine-year-old girl living in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1934. In Meet Kit, we are introduced to Kit Kittredge - it is 1934 and the Great Depression is deepening, and Kit must do what she can to help her family through the crisis. In Kit Learns A Lesson, Kit is feeling sorry for herself until she visits a soup kitchen and makes a truly disturbing discovery. It's time for Kit to take action in Kit's Surprise, when she goes to work for her rich but peevish uncle so she can earn some money to help out the family. Happy Birthday Kit tells the story of Kit's tenth birthday, when Aunt Millie shows up and turns the family upside down - for the better! In Kit Saves The Day, Kit takes a journey to a hobo jungle where she learns just what a hard life some people are living. And finally, Changes For Kit tells the story of Kit wanting to do something for the children she see in the local soup kitchen, and using an idea given to her by her dour uncle to do it!

As with the other American Girls books, this is a great story collection. It succeeds brilliantly in teaching history while also teaching a life lessons. The book is wonderfully put together, with great illustrations. This is a great book, one my daughter and I highly recommend.