Turning Things Around: A Kit Classic Volume 2

American Girl: Kit #4-6

by Valerie Tripp, Juliana Kolesova (Illustrations), Michael Dworkin (Illustrations)

Kit is delighted when Aunt Millie comes to visit! Aunt Millie has a special way of turning ugly things into beautiful useful ones, and she has ideas for helping the whole Kittredge family. But what will Kit and her friends think of Aunt Millie's penny-pincher birthday party? Then, a train-hopping adventure makes Kit appreciate the safety of home, and learning about homeless children inspires Kit to make a difference. But what can she do to bring the children hope and help?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Historical

184 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2014

About the author

Valerie Tripp is a children's book author, best known for her work with the American Girl series.

She grew up in Mount Kisco, New York with three sisters and one brother. A member of the first co-educated class at Yale University, Tripp also has a M.Ed. from Harvard. Since 1985 she has lived in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her husband teaches history at Montgomery College.

Right out of college, Tripp started writing songs, stories, and nonfiction for The Superkids Reading Program, working with Pleasant Rowland, the founder of American Girl. For that series, Tripp wrote all the books about Felicity, Josefina, Kit, Molly, and Maryellen and many of the books about Samantha. She also wrote the "Best Friends" character stories to date, plays, mysteries, and short stories about all her characters.. Film dramatizations of the lives of Samantha, Felicity, Molly, and Kit have been based on her stories. Currently, Tripp is writing a STEM series for National Geographic and adapting Greek Myths for Starry Forest Publishing. A frequent speaker at schools and libraries, Tripp has also spoken at the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, The New York Historical Society, and Williamsburg.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter and I enjoyed this one more than the first book in this series. The story just seemed to flow smoother and was more engaging to read. We thought this one had more adventures and little moments to gain wisdom from. I also felt as though Kit's attitude was sweeter and happier than it was in the first book. The information about the great depression and how it was effecting people was done in a way that young children could easily relate to. Great little story for American Girl fans.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

American Girl strikes again!! I got choked up at least 3 times in this installment of Kit's story, a young girl living through the Great Depression of the 1930's. There were a few times where Kit is pretty clueless, like when she romanticizes the life of hobos but she learns and grows and her giving heart shines through. It was interesting/sad to see that the same arguments that went on then, still happen now, that the poor are just "lazy and looking for a handout". It made my blood boil a bit and gave me renewed inspiration to ask myself, what more can I do to help those who need it most? Thanks Kit!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, which takes place during the Depression, Kit's brother works for the CCC, Kit befriends a hoboe and learns how to "waste-not, want not" from her Aunt Millie. This story was especially meaningful to me as my parents and in-laws grew up during the Great Depression. My father-in-law was an orphan who ran away from the orphanage at the age of 14 and rode the rails until he was picked up by the CCC and put to work. My mother-in-law was raised on a farm in Oklahoma without electricity or indoor plumbing. When I cleaned out her cupboards after she died, I found that she had saved old tuna cans and peanut butter jars, no doubt with some purpose in mind. A quilt she made out of scraps of material hangs on the wall in our hallway.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kit: Turning Things Around is a much happier book than the first one in the series. It addresses topics from the Great Depression including hoboes, riding the rails, and FDR’s New Deal. As with all American Girl books, even serious topics are covered in a gentle, but straightforward and truthful way. This book is truly historical fiction done right. I recommend it to all middle grade age kids.

[Brittany Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have loved reading this series again. It's a heartwarming tale and one that inspires you to think of others, try hard things, and restore faith in humanity. The world always needs more books like this!

[Emmeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because I've really come to love Kit and the way she writes on her typewriter.

[Rdschislergmail.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Next three books on the Kit series. Some issues could use more context, but still a good read.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, like the first in the series, is full of great lessons for young people. Reading this book, they will learn a bit about history, but also things like how to be generous, how to be thrifty and the importance of hope. Most of all, it will teach them that, even young people can make a difference. Kit is just a 10-year old girl, but her letter to the editor brings attention to an important need.

[Rebecca Grabill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I might wish for a little more overarching theme to the plot, I can honestly say these books are a delight. Sweet, spunky protagonist, lots of action and fabulous setting. I really enjoy them! And the best part: hurrying to finish the last page while my 10-yr-old daughter waits impatiently because then it'll be her turn to read it!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great American Girl book. I read this out loud to my 10 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. They are able to learn about historical significant times...the Kit books teach them that bad things can happen and you need to work together as a family and a community to pull through those times!