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American Girl: Caroline #3
A Surprise for Caroline
Caroline Abbott imagined it would be great fun to have two girls staying at her house for the winter. But her friend Rhonda Hathaway and cousin Lydia are both twelve, and sometimes they seem to be better friends with each other than with Caroline. Worse, they’d rather stay inside styling hair than go skating and sledding. Nothing Caroline tries seems to change things, not even the special Christmas gift she gives to Rhonda. Finally, hurt feelings lead Caroline to make a rash decision—one that puts all three girls on very thin ice.
85 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2012
About the author
Kathleen Ernst
57 books387 followersI grew up in Maryland, in a house full of books! Both of my parents were avid readers, thank goodness. Before we traveled to a new area, my librarian-mom used to bring home historical novels set in that place. It was a great way to get excited about history.
I began writing stories when I was maybe 10 or 11. At 15 I wrote my first novel; I sold my first novel to a publisher 20 years later! Writing was my hobby, so during those two decades I just kept practicing, reading, writing some more. What a thrill to finally hold my first book in my hand! Still, I write because I enjoy the process (at least most of the time).
For years I wrote while working at other day jobs. I spent 12 years working at a huge historic site, which was a perfect spot for someone interested in historical fiction. I also developed and scripted instructional videos for public television. Finally, though, it got to be too much to juggle. I now write full-time, and consider myself enormously fortunate to do something I love.
I began writing stories when I was maybe 10 or 11. At 15 I wrote my first novel; I sold my first novel to a publisher 20 years later! Writing was my hobby, so during those two decades I just kept practicing, reading, writing some more. What a thrill to finally hold my first book in my hand! Still, I write because I enjoy the process (at least most of the time).
For years I wrote while working at other day jobs. I spent 12 years working at a huge historic site, which was a perfect spot for someone interested in historical fiction. I also developed and scripted instructional videos for public television. Finally, though, it got to be too much to juggle. I now write full-time, and consider myself enormously fortunate to do something I love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 7, 2024
This book totally gave the wintery/christmas vibes!
I always enjoy the lessons taught through the AG books and how each doll would be relatable to some girl!
Unlike the other AG Christmas books, Caroline didn’t get one gift that kinda pulled the story together. Huh.
Still enjoyed it, but not as much as the other AG books I’ve read. I do have to say the illustrations are GORGEOUS.
Recommend for 10 and under, but anyone can enjoy them of course!
I always enjoy the lessons taught through the AG books and how each doll would be relatable to some girl!
Unlike the other AG Christmas books, Caroline didn’t get one gift that kinda pulled the story together. Huh.
Still enjoyed it, but not as much as the other AG books I’ve read. I do have to say the illustrations are GORGEOUS.
Recommend for 10 and under, but anyone can enjoy them of course!
March 1, 2026
Such a sweet reminder of getting along with others however this book had very little historic information to it.
December 10, 2024
this one is odd, because i think it does a lot of very deft and interesting things from a writing perspective. i really like how it's engaging with a lot of american girl cliches. unfortunately i also just did not enjoy READING the book. i hate action and peril in my AG books. and boy was there action and peril. this isn't even a saves the day!
but as i was saying... this book is really interested in carolines personal life. it's concerned with the dynamics she has - being "too young" or "too old" or "too ladylike" or "too unladylike" for certain activities . it's really fascinating. and when she displays some 10 year old typical brat behavior, the book pretty firmly calls her out on it - it states plainly she was more focused on doing something *she'd* like rather then thinking of what rhonda would like.
again - really cool stuff from a narrative perspective! but it just wasn't something i enjoyed reading.
but as i was saying... this book is really interested in carolines personal life. it's concerned with the dynamics she has - being "too young" or "too old" or "too ladylike" or "too unladylike" for certain activities . it's really fascinating. and when she displays some 10 year old typical brat behavior, the book pretty firmly calls her out on it - it states plainly she was more focused on doing something *she'd* like rather then thinking of what rhonda would like.
again - really cool stuff from a narrative perspective! but it just wasn't something i enjoyed reading.
November 18, 2023
Enjoyed this Christmas installment and lots of outdoor winter fun! The friendship dynamic between Caroline, Lydia, and Rhonda is explored in an interesting way that I don't see a lot in books like these. There's give-and-take and, eventually, mutuality. However, after the previous two books in the series, the excitement in this one (standard AG fare) is not as high-stakes. Not a bad thing, but a bit of a letdown after the others.
February 11, 2014
Not the best written book, BUT it does deal with important issues girls go through - wanting to get your way, wanting to control others, etc. These are issues that come up in daily life, but are not usually addressed in a way little girls can relate to. This is where I think the beauty of the book lies.
January 25, 2020
The library only had books 3 and 4 of Caroline's when I last went, so starting this without reading Meet, whoops. Still, I have enough context clues to pick up on Caroline's situation with her friends and family, with the holiday lesson here about thinking before acting (and considering other people- don't give gifts that are actually for you!)
Also, know your ice conditions.
Also, know your ice conditions.
September 12, 2025
AG books can do no wrong
September 29, 2024
Again, reading for the first time as an adult, in advance of the American Girls podcast.
Book three: Merry Christmas! Naturally. The decision to call it "A Surprise for Caroline" instead of "Caroline's Surprise" is curious, since the latter can be either "for" or "from" and earlier books make the most of that.
One of the surprises here is the doll that Caroline, Lydia and Rhonda are making for Amelia, which is so sweet. The conversation about whether Amelia is old enough to care for her doll's fancy dress feels VERY meta. Let's get into it:
I want be clear: on its own terms, this is a lovely scene - the three girls are having a great time planning together. I only side-eye it because AG sells dolls, therefore you see lots of scenes where characters play with or long for their dolls just so the narrative can wink at the reader and imply See? You could be having fun with a doll just like this! Kirsten's books have it, and Samantha's and Molly's and Felicity, Addy, Josefina, Kaya....(that's as far as I've read). But when instead the story is about Caroline and company making the doll for a younger girl, it suggests to the reader that she herself is too old to play with dolls, which is a weird message for a company that sells hundred-dollar dolls. On top of which, the characters decide that yes, Amelia can be trusted with a silk doll's dress at age four - and again, ALL DOLLS IN AG BOOKS = AG DOLLS - but I don't think we should let Amelia stand in for all four-year-olds. In most cases, that's just too young for said hundred-dollar dolls.
What I'm getting at is, meta-textually, this plotline is not exactly toeing the company line.
But this book isn't really about dolls. It's about friendship and ice skating.
I was watching for Mama's admonition to remember the rule about never skating alone to be early foreshadowing like "I hope there's no war!" and "I want to sail across the lake!" But no. Caroline instead makes OTHER poor choices related to ice. The Amy March comparison I made two books ago comes to mind again, though Caroline manages to not actually fall in. Actually, the Jo March comparison is apt here again, too, as Caro happily joins the boys for some sledding. I still maintain that she manages to be both March sisters at once.
This is very much a learning and growing and figuring out friendships book, and it's all completely relatable content. As often happens with a trio, Caroline worries that she's the third wheel. But it comes out perfectly in the end, as the three work out their emotional issues and also find ways to include Grandmother and little Amelia in the ice fun.
In the midst of some very dramatic plotlines, it's nice for this one to sit back and center the kind of problems kids have been working through since the beginning of time.
Two last notes:
- For all that we keep hearing about how busy the shipyard is, the girls keep asking the workers for favors in this book.
- If anyone is unclear about the age difference that Caroline keeps fretting over, the illustration on page 22 spells it out: Caroline is still wearing calf-length skirts of a young girl, but Lydia and Rhonda have the ankle-length skirts of a young lady. I wish the text explained the distinction for young readers who might not have encountered it before.
More Caroline babble
Meet Caroline | Caroline’s Secret Message | A Surprise for Caroline | Caroline Takes a Chance | Caroline’s Battle | Changes for Caroline
Traitor in the Shipyard | The Traveler’s Tricks | The Smuggler’s Secrets
Book three: Merry Christmas! Naturally. The decision to call it "A Surprise for Caroline" instead of "Caroline's Surprise" is curious, since the latter can be either "for" or "from" and earlier books make the most of that.
One of the surprises here is the doll that Caroline, Lydia and Rhonda are making for Amelia, which is so sweet. The conversation about whether Amelia is old enough to care for her doll's fancy dress feels VERY meta. Let's get into it:
I want be clear: on its own terms, this is a lovely scene - the three girls are having a great time planning together. I only side-eye it because AG sells dolls, therefore you see lots of scenes where characters play with or long for their dolls just so the narrative can wink at the reader and imply See? You could be having fun with a doll just like this! Kirsten's books have it, and Samantha's and Molly's and Felicity, Addy, Josefina, Kaya....(that's as far as I've read). But when instead the story is about Caroline and company making the doll for a younger girl, it suggests to the reader that she herself is too old to play with dolls, which is a weird message for a company that sells hundred-dollar dolls. On top of which, the characters decide that yes, Amelia can be trusted with a silk doll's dress at age four - and again, ALL DOLLS IN AG BOOKS = AG DOLLS - but I don't think we should let Amelia stand in for all four-year-olds. In most cases, that's just too young for said hundred-dollar dolls.
What I'm getting at is, meta-textually, this plotline is not exactly toeing the company line.
But this book isn't really about dolls. It's about friendship and ice skating.
I was watching for Mama's admonition to remember the rule about never skating alone to be early foreshadowing like "I hope there's no war!" and "I want to sail across the lake!" But no. Caroline instead makes OTHER poor choices related to ice. The Amy March comparison I made two books ago comes to mind again, though Caroline manages to not actually fall in. Actually, the Jo March comparison is apt here again, too, as Caro happily joins the boys for some sledding. I still maintain that she manages to be both March sisters at once.
This is very much a learning and growing and figuring out friendships book, and it's all completely relatable content. As often happens with a trio, Caroline worries that she's the third wheel. But it comes out perfectly in the end, as the three work out their emotional issues and also find ways to include Grandmother and little Amelia in the ice fun.
In the midst of some very dramatic plotlines, it's nice for this one to sit back and center the kind of problems kids have been working through since the beginning of time.
Two last notes:
- For all that we keep hearing about how busy the shipyard is, the girls keep asking the workers for favors in this book.
- If anyone is unclear about the age difference that Caroline keeps fretting over, the illustration on page 22 spells it out: Caroline is still wearing calf-length skirts of a young girl, but Lydia and Rhonda have the ankle-length skirts of a young lady. I wish the text explained the distinction for young readers who might not have encountered it before.
More Caroline babble
Meet Caroline | Caroline’s Secret Message | A Surprise for Caroline | Caroline Takes a Chance | Caroline’s Battle | Changes for Caroline
Traitor in the Shipyard | The Traveler’s Tricks | The Smuggler’s Secrets
March 17, 2023
Caroline was perhaps the shortest-lived American Girl, and no wonder--when she came out, I, and apparently plenty of other girls, found her boring. Now, from an adult's perspective, however, I cannot help but wonder what was wrong with us! This was taking place during the War of 1812, takes place near a shipyard, and (in books such as these) involves ice and ice skating! The illustrations are lifelike and gorgeous, and the author weaves in little bits and pieces of historical facts (not just that the War of 1812 existed).
The only problems with the book would perhaps be that there could have been more illustrations--small ones taking up half the page, like there were in the older American Girl books--and that Caroline made so many immoral choices. Of course, she made up for them, and she was only 10 years old, but I'm still not certain that she learned from her mistakes. Perhaps we will see in the next book--which I look forward to with great anticipation!
The only problems with the book would perhaps be that there could have been more illustrations--small ones taking up half the page, like there were in the older American Girl books--and that Caroline made so many immoral choices. Of course, she made up for them, and she was only 10 years old, but I'm still not certain that she learned from her mistakes. Perhaps we will see in the next book--which I look forward to with great anticipation!
December 14, 2012
This series isn't quite the typical one that you would expect from the classic American Girl stories, but it's still a good one.
It is Christmastime, but that only plays a small role in this book. Caroline's father is a still a prisoner and the war is still going on. But now Caroline has a house full of guests, a boarding family, and her cousin's family has moved in. While Caroline hopes the girls can spend time outside playing and ice skating (awesome!), the other two girls don't like being outside in the cold as much. Feelings get hurt as the girls misunderstand why they don't like doing the same things - like that never happened growing up, right?
As Caroline makes a risky trip out on the ice, the girls bond over the nearly disastrous escapade. And end the book finding out a way they can all be happy ice skating. Cute read.
It is Christmastime, but that only plays a small role in this book. Caroline's father is a still a prisoner and the war is still going on. But now Caroline has a house full of guests, a boarding family, and her cousin's family has moved in. While Caroline hopes the girls can spend time outside playing and ice skating (awesome!), the other two girls don't like being outside in the cold as much. Feelings get hurt as the girls misunderstand why they don't like doing the same things - like that never happened growing up, right?
As Caroline makes a risky trip out on the ice, the girls bond over the nearly disastrous escapade. And end the book finding out a way they can all be happy ice skating. Cute read.
August 28, 2014
Childhood memory: None ... Okay, so this isn't technically one of the American Girl books I read as a kid. But, my memories of those I did enjoy keep me interested in checking in on the historical American Girl books as AG publishes them.
Revisited review: This was a great series, in a great setting. I wasn't sure what to expect, I thought the Caroline series would be boring and bland but I was pleasantly surprised. The War of 1812 time frame and key location setting really kept the stories engaging. The Christmastime story was the weakest of the series, just lacking some of the same excitement of the other stories. Though the titles (for the most part) don't follow the old AG method, the overall story arc felt familiar (in a good way).
Revisited review: This was a great series, in a great setting. I wasn't sure what to expect, I thought the Caroline series would be boring and bland but I was pleasantly surprised. The War of 1812 time frame and key location setting really kept the stories engaging. The Christmastime story was the weakest of the series, just lacking some of the same excitement of the other stories. Though the titles (for the most part) don't follow the old AG method, the overall story arc felt familiar (in a good way).
September 18, 2020
This is one of the weaker books in the Caroline series. She is the first American Girl to have a winter birthday, which is interesting, but too much of the story revolves around frustration and hurt feelings with her cousin and friend. The situation is realistic and believable, but I don't particularly enjoy reading about it, and the life lessons that the story offers are easily available elsewhere. This book is less unique than the others, and my favorite parts were simply the ones that progressed the overall series arc.
December 10, 2025
I'm falling in love with Caroline. In this book she displays some major character flaws (selfishness, impulsiveness) that make her believable and relatable. She bravely faces another dangerous situation with the help of her friends. She learns some important lessons about friendship and compassion. Her grandmother continues to be a kick-ass lady.
April 8, 2020
The plot fits more closely with the "Learns a Lesson" plot than the "Surprise" plot. Caroline was quite annoying, though the other girls weren't great either.
December 23, 2023
Ice skating queen.
Learning how to socialize queen.
Not dying on the ice queen.
Learning how to socialize queen.
Not dying on the ice queen.
December 27, 2017
The American Girl authors follow a prescribed plot outline for the main character's stories (meet, birthday, Christmas, school, changes, saves the day). In the earlier books (Samantha, Kirsten, Felicity, Josefina, Addy, Kaya, Kit) we get solid writing incorporating the culture and social norms of the eras depicted (Josefina would stand, avert her eyes, and clasp her hands when an adult entered the room). Mistakes were made over pride or a need to feel more grown up and responsible; and even in trying to help (good intentions gone awry). I've noticed in the newer books (especially Girl of the Year) the main conflict revolves around hurt feelings with the main character throwing a tantrum of sorts or two or more throughout the series.
In the previous two books, Caroline had hurt feelings and was able to figure out how to handle them with a bit of grace. Not in this one. Throughout the majority of this story I felt Caroline was petulant and whiny.
I can see this portion of her story resonating with young readers who are the middle or youngest sibling.
In the previous two books, Caroline had hurt feelings and was able to figure out how to handle them with a bit of grace. Not in this one. Throughout the majority of this story I felt Caroline was petulant and whiny.
I can see this portion of her story resonating with young readers who are the middle or youngest sibling.
March 22, 2024
Honestly not what I was expecting from this book, it’s titled surprise but she didn’t get any sort of surprise in this book. Regardless it was a sweet story and Caroline again is dealing with her heavy emotions, this time for feeling left out and unwanted. Her cousin Lydia and friend Rhonda who are older don’t want to do the same things as her and she doesn’t want to do the things they want, so she feels upset and tries to find ways they can still do what she wanted.
I was glad when she finally gave Amelia a chance, that little girl has literally nothing and no one and just wanted company to play with too, so it made me happy when Caroline finally stepped up to play with her. I’m also glad that Lydia and Rhonda finally found a way to go out on the Ice and realise why Caroline loved doing it so much.
I honestly kept thinking the surprise was going to be her father arriving back, but alas it wasn’t but that’s okay. It was a good story and I enjoyed reading it, just wasn’t sure what event was supposed to be her surprise.
I was glad when she finally gave Amelia a chance, that little girl has literally nothing and no one and just wanted company to play with too, so it made me happy when Caroline finally stepped up to play with her. I’m also glad that Lydia and Rhonda finally found a way to go out on the Ice and realise why Caroline loved doing it so much.
I honestly kept thinking the surprise was going to be her father arriving back, but alas it wasn’t but that’s okay. It was a good story and I enjoyed reading it, just wasn’t sure what event was supposed to be her surprise.
May 27, 2019
This one I'm giving 4 stars only because of one thing: I did not like how Rhonda said to Caroline "...They were a gift that you gave to yourself." Yes, Caroline tried to make Rhonda happy, but it's impossible to make people happy sometimes.
This book was mainly about friendships, social situations, knowing what's right and wrong, thinking about others, and the other lesson that it's not easy to make everyone happy, no matter what you say or do.
It would have been better if Caroline used more of her social cues rather than just trying to please everyone. Otherwise though, it was pretty good.
This book was mainly about friendships, social situations, knowing what's right and wrong, thinking about others, and the other lesson that it's not easy to make everyone happy, no matter what you say or do.
It would have been better if Caroline used more of her social cues rather than just trying to please everyone. Otherwise though, it was pretty good.
December 29, 2023
Caroline feels left out of the older girls fun. She wants to play outside and the other girls want to stay inside and play there. Caroline wants to find a way for all the girls to play. When danger finds the girls on the lake they have to find a way to work together. This was a great book about feeling left out and leaving out. The girls all have to learn to play together and finding things they can all do.
February 20, 2025
3.5 stars. Not as good as the others in the series, but not bad either. I feel like it was at certain points trying too hard to fit into the Christmas story mold without fully delivering. I’m also slightly annoyed they keep showing Hosea Barton in the character portraits at the beginning yet he only ever has one or two line mentions. Are they just throwing him in there to show there’s “diversity” in the characters?
April 16, 2018
This was good. I also liked that it taught some lessons to readers, like
Enjoy
Enjoy
July 19, 2021
I didn't think the artwork was quite up to the standards of the previous two books. Also, Caroline was a little annoying in this one. I will say she acted like most kids would when she is the youngest in a group (of three here). There is frustration because the things she finds fun and wants to do are not what the others are interested in anymore.
March 5, 2025
This was my first time reading this entry (I only ever owned the first two books in the series as a kid). This was a much calmer story compared to the rest of the series, but had valuable friendship lessons especially friendships with age gaps like Caroline, Lydia, and Rhonda's. Great entry to the series!
October 13, 2017
Maybe closer to 3.5 stars now, but I'm not giving it that because I can tell that this would have been a favorite if I'd read it when I was younger. It's such a great story! The stakes aren't as high as other books, but that didn't matter.
January 7, 2018
Good, but didn't really pick up until the final act.
January 25, 2019
Cute addition to the Caroline series. Takes place during the Christmas/winter season.
December 20, 2020
Still enjoying these Caroline stories and learning the tidbits about life during this time in history at the end of the story.
September 19, 2021
A nice lesson to teach young readers. I wish the series kept the original naming convention of the American Girl Historical Dolls series though.
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May 8, 2022continuing my American Girl journey
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews