Addy's Short Story Collection

American Girl: Short Stories

by Susan McAliley, Dahl Taylor (Illustrator), Gabriela Dellosso (Illustrator)

Five short stories starring the African American girl Addy are followed by brief actual accounts of what life was like for African Americans after the Civil War ended.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fiction, Short Stories, Middle Grade, Historical

229 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's really such a shame these short story collections were available for such a relatively short time, because this is just a lovely edition - even when, as mine is, the outside is covered in ex-library stickers. The size and shape are just so satisfying to hold in your hand, the illustrations are lovely, there's even a little ribbon bookmark. Just, A+ production.

And the material inside is just as good. Addy's short stories - all written by original Addy author Connie Rose Porter - are lovely vignettes into her life outside the core series. By nature of the project, Addy's stories have to tackle a lot of tough moments in U.S. history, but she's a case where AG really rose to the challenge.

Notes on the stories:
Addy Studies Freedom
Addy's Wedding Quilt
Addy's Little Brother
High Hopes for Addy
Addy's Summer Place

[Karol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, Addy’s short stories are full of history and life lessons. I learned quite a bit between Addy’s life and the “Looking Back” sections at the end of each story. “Addy’s Wedding Quilt” and “High Hopes for Addy” are the stories that I felt most connected to Addy.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I remember liking the Addy short stories more than some of the others, but I didn't remember just how expertly crafted they are. Then again, I appreciate this far more as an adult, since I now have experience with writing and know more about history. It amazes me to see how well Connie Porter wove history and life lessons into these stories, and even though they are very brief, they each convey a strong character arc and powerful messages.

I don't want to spoil any of the stories, but my favorite is "Addy's Wedding Quilt." It is a beautiful testimony to resilience, family, and the meaning of marriage, and was my introduction as a child to the concept of "jumping the broom." This story is even better than I had recalled through the lens of childhood nostalgia, and "High Hopes for Addy," which I had only vague remembered as a school story, was incredibly powerful and left me choked up at the end.

I highly recommend this book, or the individually published short stories, to anyone who is interested in American Girl, Black history, or historical fiction in general. These are phenomenal, and the beautiful illustrations and detailed historical notes elevate this book to another plane entirely. This is everything that I love about American Girl, and I am so grateful that I was able to buy a nice, reasonably priced copy of this rare, out-of-print book.

[Dee Dee G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contained 2 stories that I already read. Very nice book with a short history lesson after each story.

[Rubi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of short stories about Addy! Some stories were ok and others were great. Reviewed each one on their own listings 🙂

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read: So far, all of these short story collections are better when read with the Central Series, and this one is no exception. The stories are largely fairly serious, with Addy encountering racism, jealousy, and poverty. The two best stories are the first: Addy Studies Freedom is an emotional look at the reactions to Lincoln's murder, and Addy's Wedding Quilt shows Addy's parents getting legally married for the first time. This collection also advances the story of Addy's family, and I actually feel like I know what her future will hold, which is not exactly the case with Felicity, Kirsten, or Josefina.

[Kaylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as a Christmas gift when I was younger. It was such a sweet read about friendship, love and endurance. I loved it and have kept it for my little girls to read.

[Amanda Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just a really lovely set of Addy stories. Each story builds on the Addy character, unlike other AG short stories - which often take place in the middle of the central series.

[Tami Lowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this to teach the Civil War and slavery with the box set. So helpful.