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American Girl: Molly #4
Happy Birthday, Molly: A Springtime Story
Molly is excited to learn that an English girl is coming to stay at the McIntires', and just in time for Molly's birthday! But Emily Bennett turns out to be different from the glamorous girl Molly pictured. Emily is shy, and seems unfriendly. Then Molly discovers that Emily is worried about her father, and the girls become good friends. They even plan to turn Molly's tenth birthday celebration into a real English tea party. But they can't agree about what's important, and it takes a special birthday surprise to help them patch up their hurt feelings.
65 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
27 people are currently reading
649 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Tripp
273 books439 followersValerie 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
December 13, 2019
I’m still enjoying re-reading these books, but Molly thinking a bomb shelter was a “fun pretend game” was really cringe-worthy. Her new British friend was right - Molly has no idea what the war actually means.
October 1, 2020
When I was a little girl, I wanted to have a birthday party just like Molly's with fancy British tea and little cakes. I love these books!
November 15, 2024
“I bet she looks like one of the princesses, Margaret Rose or Elizabeth.”
Maybe this one should have been 'Molly learns a lesson.' She learned some important things, like war bombings are real. The English girl that comes to stay with them knows all about those.
Molly's little brother continues to be a little brat and cracks me up.
This was an interesting one and I learned a few things!!
Maybe this one should have been 'Molly learns a lesson.' She learned some important things, like war bombings are real. The English girl that comes to stay with them knows all about those.
Molly's little brother continues to be a little brat and cracks me up.
This was an interesting one and I learned a few things!!
June 4, 2023
these american girls do not know how to read a room sometimes
April 1, 2020
I read this book more than any other American Girl book, because it was one that my sister randomly happened to own. I never liked how petty Molly and Emily were at the climax of this book, hence the three-star rating, but the story is full of interesting dynamics related to how British and American children experienced World War II differently.
The "peek into the past" section is also interesting. It goes through what the average American girl's life was like from birth to emerging adulthood in Molly's era, and it was here that I first learned that the 1940s invented the concept of a "teenager." Since I hated teenagers and dreaded becoming one, it helped me tremendously to learn that our culture's view of this age group was socially constructed several decades ago, and that I wasn't guaranteed to lose my mind and be unbearably rebellious and obnoxious as soon as I turned thirteen.
Of course, nothing that this book says conveys a negative view of teenagers. It just helped me deal with my biases and anxieties to learn that people's behaviors during this age were culturally influenced and prescribed for them, not guaranteed simply because they were a certain age.
Also! Earlier this year, I read a book that is set in the 1400s and narrated by contemporary characters. When these people from the Middle Ages referred to some boys as teenagers, I laughed out loud and watched all my suspension of disbelief shatter onto the floor. Clearly, more people should have benefited from this Molly book's peek into the past!
The "peek into the past" section is also interesting. It goes through what the average American girl's life was like from birth to emerging adulthood in Molly's era, and it was here that I first learned that the 1940s invented the concept of a "teenager." Since I hated teenagers and dreaded becoming one, it helped me tremendously to learn that our culture's view of this age group was socially constructed several decades ago, and that I wasn't guaranteed to lose my mind and be unbearably rebellious and obnoxious as soon as I turned thirteen.
Of course, nothing that this book says conveys a negative view of teenagers. It just helped me deal with my biases and anxieties to learn that people's behaviors during this age were culturally influenced and prescribed for them, not guaranteed simply because they were a certain age.
Also! Earlier this year, I read a book that is set in the 1400s and narrated by contemporary characters. When these people from the Middle Ages referred to some boys as teenagers, I laughed out loud and watched all my suspension of disbelief shatter onto the floor. Clearly, more people should have benefited from this Molly book's peek into the past!
October 17, 2017
Keeping up with the kiddo with this read. ;) This is an excellent introduction to what the war was like for a British child, and the history is conveyed smoothly. But the girls were so petty in this story, it was frustrating. I found it difficult to believe that the children wouldn't have gotten a little more explanation from adults to encourage compassion.
November 10, 2018
January 2018
3 stars
3 stars
August 2, 2022
I’m glad this British girl came along to tell Molly and her friends that they were being cringe
November 4, 2024
wasn't sure if this deserved 3 or 4 stars but i decided to give it the bump for featuring my name-twin. bomb-shelter-gate is molly's most infamous crime, and i mean. yeah it was very thoughtless of her. that's kind of the point of the book.
But also... what the hell happened to Molly's dog after this book??? I'm not a fan of dogs so like. It's not like I was crushed to not get further dog content. But it seems wild to introduce a dog and then have the dog disappear so swiftly.
But also... what the hell happened to Molly's dog after this book??? I'm not a fan of dogs so like. It's not like I was crushed to not get further dog content. But it seems wild to introduce a dog and then have the dog disappear so swiftly.
November 14, 2024
I love Emily so much!
March 12, 2025
July 9, 2023 – 4 stars:
Molly and her friends after demanding Emily tell them about the most traumatic experiences of her life: gee, I wonder why this silly English girl won't talk to us!
March 12, 2025 – 5 stars: I think this is actually such an excellent way to explore the different experiences of war between British and American children. I've been thinking a lot lately about how American Girl is very much supposed to be an introduction to U.S. History for young girls. Some would likely criticize Molly's books for not actually showing the war, which is unfair as American children were obviously not in Europe during WWII. But I think Happy Birthday, Molly! is the perfect way to gently introduce that the war was very different and far more traumatizing for European children and there's more to learn, eventually, when you're old enough.
March 12, 2025 – 5 stars: I think this is actually such an excellent way to explore the different experiences of war between British and American children. I've been thinking a lot lately about how American Girl is very much supposed to be an introduction to U.S. History for young girls. Some would likely criticize Molly's books for not actually showing the war, which is unfair as American children were obviously not in Europe during WWII. But I think Happy Birthday, Molly! is the perfect way to gently introduce that the war was very different and far more traumatizing for European children and there's more to learn, eventually, when you're old enough.
July 27, 2013
Molly, an American girl in 1944, during WWII, thinks she has it very tough. She misses her father terribly and doesn't like that they have to live without some things. An English girl named Emily comes to stay with Molly and her family and she thinks Molly is spoiled compared to her. Molly then realizes that she has it easy compared to Emily in some ways. Her and Emily plan a birthday party together that is going to be a princess tea party, but they disagree on some things. Will they put their differences aside and have a great party?
I enjoyed this story because it really showed the differences between the Americans' lives during the war and the British. It showed how different kids grew up during this time and how hard it was for both countries.
I enjoyed this story because it really showed the differences between the Americans' lives during the war and the British. It showed how different kids grew up during this time and how hard it was for both countries.
March 20, 2022
In this story Molly and her family end up hosting Emily, a girl from England, for a few weeks. She helps teach Molly empathy as she realizes that Emily has had a very different wartime experience than she has had. While planning a birthday party, the girls get into an argument, but are able to learn to appreciate and value each other's experiences, which is an important lesson to learn.
Update: I think my kids enjoyed this one. Bringing in an English friend was a nice way to contrast the way Americans experienced WW2 with how children closer to the war did.
Update: I think my kids enjoyed this one. Bringing in an English friend was a nice way to contrast the way Americans experienced WW2 with how children closer to the war did.
July 20, 2014
In this Molly story there is a new arrival at the McIntire home, Emily Bennett a refugee girl from England has been sent to America to escape the bombings and is staying with Molly's family. Molly is excited at first, but finds it really hard to get to know Emily, she hardly talks and never smiles, but soon Molly learns how to befriend Emily and they end up planning Molly's birthday party together.
April 5, 2023
This was my favorite book in the Molly series so far!!!!
There were some VERY real conversations about war in this book that I didn’t remember being quite so heavy, but I liked that Emily taught Molly about the realities of war and that it isn’t something to take lightly (ie no more play bomb shelters 😳). I also loved the dialogue between Molly & Emily as they compare English and American cultures, because they’re a lot like conversations that Glenn and I have had!! I ADORE their birthday dresses and crowns, and was so excited all over again by the introduction of Yank & Bennett. 🐶🐶
There were some VERY real conversations about war in this book that I didn’t remember being quite so heavy, but I liked that Emily taught Molly about the realities of war and that it isn’t something to take lightly (ie no more play bomb shelters 😳). I also loved the dialogue between Molly & Emily as they compare English and American cultures, because they’re a lot like conversations that Glenn and I have had!! I ADORE their birthday dresses and crowns, and was so excited all over again by the introduction of Yank & Bennett. 🐶🐶
June 7, 2024
Molly is not what I would consider delicate in her friendships. The first thing she did when Emily (who is seeking refuge in America from England during WWII) is suggest they play in a pretend bomb shelter. Yikes! Eventually the two blow up at each other but resolve their argument quickly after a night of rest.
July 22, 2023
I'd read this before when I was closer to Molly's age, but it didn't stick as well as some of the other ones. I would have liked more actual birthday scenes (this mostly takes place leading up to her birthday) but it was still an interesting little story.
May 12, 2025
There's a hot second where Molly realizes how messed up it is for her to play "bomb shelter" when Emily came to the US to escape the bombings, and then she's back to being selfish.
December 29, 2025
Enjoyed reading out loud to Tanner. Surprisingly funny/witty. I like how Molly manages to be a flawed heroine with a reasonably complex emotional portrayal given the short length of these books.
April 21, 2023
This might be my favourite Molly book so far!
September 13, 2025
This one was tougher to get through. Molly was a bit tone deaf. Glad it ended nicely, but slightly concerned about the puppies…? Are they loaners or did Mrs. McIntyre buy two puppies as a single mom of four DURING A WAR..?!
October 15, 2025
This was one of my favorite books as a child and I had forgotten it until now. I love everything about this book!
March 17, 2021
Rereading for the first time in many years, I was surprised that the book ends before the party! I could have sworn I remembered a party scene, but I must be conflating the Molly catalog spread with Happy Birthday Samantha.
The main thing I remembered was Molly feeling overlooked and acting out on her birthday because everyone was paying attention to Emily. Which, unlike the party, is an element that is actually in the book, though it's only one moment in a much longer journey. I liked it better than I remembered, which is always nice.
I did vaguely remember that the British princesses come up in this one. If Molly is still alive in 2020, she is 200% following The Crown. Avidly.
The main thing I remembered was Molly feeling overlooked and acting out on her birthday because everyone was paying attention to Emily. Which, unlike the party, is an element that is actually in the book, though it's only one moment in a much longer journey. I liked it better than I remembered, which is always nice.
I did vaguely remember that the British princesses come up in this one. If Molly is still alive in 2020, she is 200% following The Crown. Avidly.
March 3, 2021
When I was 8 I was still struggling to read. I found this book at a yard sale one day and was so bored that I started reading it. It immediately interested me and I read the whole book. It the first time I ever read a whole book by myself because I wanted to. I then started reading more American Girl books and then just lots of books. And it was the start of my interest in history. I am very thankful for this book because it was to first book that I enjoyed reading when I was a kid!
January 25, 2021
I liked some of the character development Molly had throughout the story but I can’t imagine how she thought a bomb shelter would be a good place to “play pretend” in. It took her a while to see through Emily’s eyes but I think once she did, it was much better. I’m glad I listened to this one and I’m looking forward to the rest of this series!
June 15, 2015
Molly was my favorite American Girl growing up. I loved reading these stories.
July 27, 2023
I mean, it's kind of strange that there's a book dedicated to Molly learning a lesson, considering that she learns a lesson in pretty much every book in the series. Again, I feel for Molly here, as she regrets her decision to share her birthday with the displaced English girl. No one wins when you play the who-suffers-most game, except in fiction.
I thought these books might be silly or feel too light, since these books were written to go along with actual dolls, thus they could have been very quick and simple. However, they don't smack of a marketing ploy; the author did a great job with them, and they're really just like any other book series written for kids this age. Also, the "Looking Back" section at the end of each book is really interesting! I love that it gives a little history of the time period, generally relating to the story, with pictures and even examples of ads/posters/propaganda from that time period. The focus is on children and even women, which is something that you really aren't going to see a lot of places. I think these books could be a great resource for teaching kids age 7+ about the time period, how kids lived in those days, and the hardships they had to deal with. If I'd gotten to these books when my daughter was younger, I would have had her read them and then discussed them with her afterward.
I thought these books might be silly or feel too light, since these books were written to go along with actual dolls, thus they could have been very quick and simple. However, they don't smack of a marketing ploy; the author did a great job with them, and they're really just like any other book series written for kids this age. Also, the "Looking Back" section at the end of each book is really interesting! I love that it gives a little history of the time period, generally relating to the story, with pictures and even examples of ads/posters/propaganda from that time period. The focus is on children and even women, which is something that you really aren't going to see a lot of places. I think these books could be a great resource for teaching kids age 7+ about the time period, how kids lived in those days, and the hardships they had to deal with. If I'd gotten to these books when my daughter was younger, I would have had her read them and then discussed them with her afterward.
March 4, 2022
A lot of telling, very little showing. We don't even get to read about the birthday party at the end.
I did like the introduction of Emily into the series as it shines a light on what children in a war zone endure. I also like that she eventually understands how Molly feels with her dad gone for so long and sympathizes with her despite her own hardships. Molly, on the other hand, wasn't all that interesting in this book, although it was nice of her to offer to share her birthday with Emily. I didn't expect such a generous gesture from Molly.
I read the historical notes about toys at that back of the book with interest. My dad would have been about Ricky's age when the U.S. entered WWII and the biggest toy he and his friends were interested in was one not mentioned. War cards. The cards came in a pack like baseball cards and were traded in the same manner. The bloodier the better. I think that would have been an interesting tidbit to add into the notes, especially as it emphasizes Emily's point. Children who are lucky enough not to live in war zone don't truly understand what it's like. I sincerely doubt kids in London or Germany or Japan or France or Italy would have been trading war cards.
I did like the introduction of Emily into the series as it shines a light on what children in a war zone endure. I also like that she eventually understands how Molly feels with her dad gone for so long and sympathizes with her despite her own hardships. Molly, on the other hand, wasn't all that interesting in this book, although it was nice of her to offer to share her birthday with Emily. I didn't expect such a generous gesture from Molly.
I read the historical notes about toys at that back of the book with interest. My dad would have been about Ricky's age when the U.S. entered WWII and the biggest toy he and his friends were interested in was one not mentioned. War cards. The cards came in a pack like baseball cards and were traded in the same manner. The bloodier the better. I think that would have been an interesting tidbit to add into the notes, especially as it emphasizes Emily's point. Children who are lucky enough not to live in war zone don't truly understand what it's like. I sincerely doubt kids in London or Germany or Japan or France or Italy would have been trading war cards.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2023
Plowing through the original American Girl books, #16: Happy Birthday, Molly
This.... is complicated to me, because I absolutely think there are lessons to be learned here (like how America, to this day even, is out of touch with what war is like for people in other countries and it's not a game and for gods' sake please read the room, Molly). However... both Molly AND Emily were acting like little bitches here. In different ways, obviously. But Emily doesn't get a pass just because she's been through hardships. She was still being unnecessarily confrontational at times, and it was shitty of her. So what I'm saying is that even though I think there is merit in this, and kids should read it, it's so cringy.
This.... is complicated to me, because I absolutely think there are lessons to be learned here (like how America, to this day even, is out of touch with what war is like for people in other countries and it's not a game and for gods' sake please read the room, Molly). However... both Molly AND Emily were acting like little bitches here. In different ways, obviously. But Emily doesn't get a pass just because she's been through hardships. She was still being unnecessarily confrontational at times, and it was shitty of her. So what I'm saying is that even though I think there is merit in this, and kids should read it, it's so cringy.
February 15, 2024
Happy Birthday Molly was my favorite book so far in the series. An English girl comes to stay with the Mcintires till her grandma is better. Molly and her friends were playing in the basement pretending it was a bomb shelter. Molly's mom calls her and Molly runs up the stairs with Linda and Susan. Standing by the table was the English girl. She came to America to get away from the war but her grandma was sick and had to stay with Molly. They were arguing about what was important and not getting along. They went to sleep and in the morning they were surprised with new puppies for Molly's birthday. Their names were Yank and Bennett. The girls feelings felt better after getting puppies and they became friends again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews