Addy's Story Collection

American Girl: Addy #1-6

by Connie Rose Porter, Dahl Taylor (Illustrator)

Addy 1861 - Addy walker and her mother risk everything to make a daring and dangerous escape to freedom in the north. When staying safe means leaving Addy's baby sister behind in the slave quarters, Addy must find a way to turn pain into courage, hope into triumph.

Genres: Childrens, Historical Fiction, Fiction

369 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2008

About the author

Connie Rose Porter is an American author best known for her books for children and young adults. She was the third youngest of nine children of a family living in a housing project.
She has since taught English and creative writing at Milton Academy, Emerson College, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She was a fellow at the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference and was a regional winner in Granta's Best Young American Novelist contest.

Reviews

[Julia Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decided to make a tradition of rereading one American Girl book series each winter and this one did not disappoint. In the 18 years since I read it for the first time, I’ve grown able to appreciate the tact with which Connie Porter explained the harsh conditions and family splitting situations of both slavery and newly freed life in the 1860s in a way that’s age appropriate to the 8-12 year old intended audience. Book 5 was my favorite overall story, and that along with book 6 were so moving. Has the be the best-written collection of all the American Girls.

[Meadow Frisbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

FAVORITE American Girl.

[J]

Yep, I read some more American Girl books. The world is in shambles, so rereading the books from my childhood is really not the worst thing I could be doing right now :)

[Joey Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This as a cute compilation of Addy stories, filling in some extra stories within her main series. Addy learns a lot within just three books. They were really interesting reads and it’s nice to learn more about this wonderful character and the hard time she grew up in.

Addy Studies Freedom: This was a sad story everyone was so excited about their final success of freedom and then the president is killed. Addy is seeing all the different types of freedom the good and the bad all around her during this sorrowful time In their lives. She is learning that though the president have them freedom from slavery, he didn’t manage to give them equal freedom.

It was good but It was sad, it was really interesting too as Addy really learnt a lot. (3/5 Rating)

Addy’s Little Brother: I was t personally much of a fan of this particular story, Addy’s jealousy gets the better of her in this book. When Addy’s brother is spending more time with Daniel than Her it makes her think he doesn’t care for her anymore. Until she learns the real reason behind it she is unable to accept why her brother isn’t around for her so much.

It was an okay story, but I just didn’t find it as interesting as the other stories. (2/5 Rating)

High Hopes For Addy: Addy’s dreams come true and get shattered all at the same time in this story. Poor Addy really deals with a lot in this short story, she had dreamed but never expected them to come true but her dreams come with a cost she knew her parent couldn’t afford so gave them up to help them. Her little sister who likes to mess with all her stuff changes that and surprises come for Addy.

I really liked this story it was so cute, she really had to overcome a lot in this one. (3/5 Rating)

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite American Girl history so far. Definitely a sunshine look at a heart wrenching topic but probably just the introduction that a 9-10 year old girl needs into slavery and what it did to families before and during the Civil War. Will definitely keep this as part of our curriculum along with the companion book: Welcome to Addy’s World

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these series of books. The age appropriate coverage of history was a favorite part for me as a kid and I still love it as an adult. The stories, while a bit rose colored for the times they are set in, offer a kid sized look into the past.

[Holly Trowbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addy's books are an amazing read, and a good introduction to plantation life and escaping slavery. I love that these books don't shy away from heavy topics like you may expect from a book for children. #iloveaddywalker !

[Eva Chaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

all elementary school/middle school aged children should read this. this is honestly what taught me the most about slavery and racism at that age- through the eyes of a child going through it herself. it’s a beautifully written series that emphasizes the importance of hope and empathy. loved it

[Catie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eloise and I had some great introductory discussions about slavery and race.

[Bento · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the first American girl book I read. I don't think I will ever read any more

[Keturah Whetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 4 year old loved this set. Some things seemed a bit above her, but overall a good introduction to slavery.

[San Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is taking me so long to read anything these days... Anyway the reason behind this read was to get the youngun interested in the history of our country and what it all means from the perspective of someone around her age. yes know the story us fiction but it used quite a bitbof facts when talking aboutvthe importance of the conversation of slavery and freedom. Itbis such a wonderful story. We have loved reading about Addy and all that her family had to go through to get back together.we known that in reality that did was not always thye case. We will continue to read about what happens next in Addy's life and let you guys know whgwhgat we think about how her stories unfold.