Kit an American Girl: 1934

American Girl: Kit #1-6

by Valerie Tripp, Walter Rane (Illustrator)

Presents the adventures of nine-year-old Kit Kittredge during the Depression.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fiction, Historical, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Audiobook

405 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

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

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tripp wrote most of the original character series--Samantha, Molly, Felicity, Josefina--and like the others she handles challenging history with sensitivity and realism. Instead of watering down history, she makes it child-appropriate. The illustrations, historical notes, and more provide helpful context though they can be a bit heavy.

It is still the height of irony to me that a brand like AG had a line for a girl whose entire story is about "penny-pinching" during the Great Depression. There's something a little strange to me about selling a doll dress from a story where it was made from flour sacks. But I'm pretty sure these books are where I got my lifelong love for 1930s art, decor, and fashion. I'm sure Aunt Millie would be proud that I picked up my copies of these books used!

[Miranda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew. By no exaggeration, of the 200+ American Girl books I've read...this is one of the BEST.

This collection contains the six original Kit Kittredge books - which truly are iconic! If you are looking for a great read, then pick this one up.

Meet Kit: An American Girl - ★★★★★

"I wish something would happen around here. Some dramatic change."

Be careful what you wish for Kit Kittredge! Her nuclear family is about to implode with the Great Depressing rearing its ugly head - and turing everything Kit has ever known upside down.

I don't want to spoil but gosh dang this was such a great start to the series. Kit was a wonderfully three-dimensional character. And I loved how the author created that balance between a realistic child reacting to the stressors of living in the Great Depression and someone who wanted to empathetic and grown-up about what was happening. Overall - fantastic start to the series!

Kit Learns a Lesson: A School Story - ★★★★★

"I am not sorry I shoved you Roger," she said. "I'd do it again, no matter what the punishment is."

Kit knows that the boarders are helping their family pay for their home...but gosh dang she's tired of them. Her father is hopefully finding another job soon, so she can't wait to say goodbye to all the extra people. Then Kit comes upon some knowledge that forces her to look at all the facts in a whole new light.

WHEW. Valerie Tripp did NOT pull any punches with her sequel. I have fully read six of the historical American Girl series and I have NEVER had back-to-back 5-star reads but gosh dang, I could not rate this one any less. I don't want to give it away, but there's a reveal that happened in this story that genuinely shocked me and immediately brought tears to my eyes.

Kit's Surprise: A Christmas Story - ★★★★☆

"There's nothing wrong with make-believe."
"Maybe not," said Kit. "But imaginary stuff doesn't solve any problems or help anything."

As temperatures plummet and Christmas approaches, there's only one thing on Kit's mind: money. No matter how she looks at it, there just isn't enough. Meanwhile, Kit's friendship with Ruthie is being strained for the first time. Ruthie keeps trying to help - offering to buy this or that - but she doesn't realize just how much all this "help" is affecting Kit. Until Kit explodes.

Whew. I know I keep saying this but GOSH DANG I'm impressed by Kit's story. The author was working overtime and it shows. In short, I went into this book figuring I'd know how the story would go based on the various set-ups by the author - only to be turned around again and again. Fantastic writing, excellent story direction, and great character development.

Happy Birthday, Kit: A Springtime Story - ★★★★☆

"I meant," Kit faltered, "it's. . . hard to be poor in front of people."
"Being poor is nothing to be ashamed of," said Aunt Millie stoutly, "especially these days with so many people in the same boat."

Kit is turning ten and any other year this would be a day of excitement and joy...but this year, it's a bit different. The Great Depression has pivoted the entire Kittredge household from a place of fun to necessity. And birthdays are not necessities. But then Aunt Millie plans a birthday party of Kit...and immediately, Kit feels a deep, burning shame.

This story did a great job of highlighting a rich-in-spirit sort of family, regardless of their financial status. I loved Aunt Millie's outlook on life though I was questioning some of her decision-making skills in this story. That being said, I do like how everything was wrapped up in the story!

Kit Saves the Day: A Summer Story - ★★★★☆

"What she longed for was a real adventure of her own."

The worst part of the Great Depression for Kit is the unrelenting drudge of it all. No job for Dad, borders needing to be taken care of, and the inane sameness of it all. Kit meets Will, a nice hobo boy, who tells her tales of the hobo jungle and the freedom that comes from being unhoused. The more Kit learns, the more she wants just try a little bit of that lifestyle.

I'm a bit torn on this one, because the story itself felt like a companion book rather than a story that fits into main series. It was definitely still quite good...but it just didn't "fit" as nicely with the rest of the books.That being said, the author did a really great job of showcasing the freedom and benefits of a nomadic lifestyle but also curbing in that enthusiasm with the harsh realities.

Changes for Kit: A Winter Story - ★★★★★

"I want to help," Kit said simply. "Especially the children"

Kit knows her family is poor, but when she visits the soup kitchen or the "jungle" (a homeless camp near the rail station), she soon realizes just how dire things are. These people need food, shelter and warm clothing - and she decides that while she might just be a ten-year-old girl...she will find a way to help.

Ultimately, this felt like a very satisfying end to the main series. As always, I appreciated how the author blended the realities of living during the Great Depression into this work of fiction. There are moments that felt harsh, but wholly realistic. Overall though, this story really wrapped up the series nicely and I cannot WAIT to start on the companion books!!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

One big detracting factor from an otherwise enjoyable set

What I appreciated about the Kit books: Like the original American Girl doll books (more on this later) after the story of each book there is a "Peek into the Past" containing a few facts about the era using the story read as a springboard. There are also pictures of people/artificats/etc from that time.

The stories are engaging and age appropriate. You don't have to worry about inappropriate words or other content.

The illustrations are well done and throughout the books.

What I did not like: These stories are set during the Great Depression. Instead of telling a story without making policy calls, the author is decidedly on the side that FDR is awesome as is everything he did. The one character who takes issue with FDR's policies is mean, crotchety, tightfisted, unreasonable, and generally unlikeable. I believe there is good reason to doubt the effectiveness of some of FDRs programs and policies and believe it unfair to paint such a stark, unreasonable picture of those dilemmas to such a young audience.

Kit is the first American Girl doll made after the Pleasant Company sold out (hence my distinction between the dolls before Kit & the ones following & including her) . I cannot help but wonder if the stark political inclusion shows a shift in who was managing things. Original dolls still sometimes touched on political issues, but I believe they were better handled and more age appropriate.

Personally, I have no interest in any of the dolls& their stories after the original ones. When I have tried one of the newer sets I have been disappointed.

[Alice4170 🌙 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐

[Emily Summerville]

I had to read this to get back to my roots. Reminded me of why I fell in love with reading back in elementary school

[Loraena · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are great. I really appreciate the themes of justice, compassion, anti-materialism, and perseverance in the Kit series.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only really liked one of the Kit books. That I didn't enjoy them makes me more sad than anything.

I've loved her movie as long as I can remember, and was excited to learn her full story.

There was some interesting character backstory! A lot of cool historical tidbits, too! The historical notes at the back of each book were the biggest highlight for me!

But... I don’t like Kit. There were a few times I almost did, but she frustrated and disappointed me consistently throughout her books.

Watch the movie! It's phenomenal! The acting, the plot, the history, the mystery! It's one of the things that aged with me. I loved it when little, and I love it now for more than nostalgia.

[claire carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

truly so nostalgic for me to read these stories!! i love how valerie tripp doesn’t shy away from saying how hard things were for kit and her family but also weaved in hope throughout the whole saga, because without hope, as shown in these stories, all would be lost

[Hannah Deges · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorites of the American Girls, I love hearing the story of the depression and how they make ends meet!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years ago I had decided to read through the "original" run of American Girl books; I use "original" lightly cause I did include Kaya and Kit. For whatever reason I never read the last two...so I've decided to complete the series by reading on Kit and Molly's adventures. So...we have Margaret "Kit" Kitteredge. She loves writing newspapers about what happens at home while her father is at work. However, the Great Depression hits, her father loses his job and they're forced to take in Boarders to get their mortgage payments. Her entire collection was mostly her trying to cope with the changes to her life. Including when her Aunt Millie comes to stay and teaches her to "upcycle" used items. It was cute and Kit wasn't as annoying as we used to think as kids; she wanted adventure and was very mature for a 12 year old. I enjoyed her collection and I think Valerie Tripp has once again breathed life into a tense time period for younger audiences to experience.

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to re-read these as an adult after loving them as a kid. While Kits attitude is not always good, I think she still teaches kids an important lesson about being happy with what you have and learning to see the value in every person. I love that her problems have not just gone away at the end of the book, and she has to work hard to achieve her dreams.

[H.J. Swinford · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This series is one of the strongest of all the American Girl series. They are steeped in the history of the time while showing a strong cohesion of events and characters throughout the six books. The fact that the same author who wrote the Molly books wrote these is wild. Kit's are SO much stronger.

[Kaylee Jobeun · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girl Kit.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kit is so darn cute.

[Indigo Hinton ward]

I'm not gonna...

[Sivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood staple

[Michaela Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well done series. They did such a good job showing the hardships of the great depression in a serious but child-appropriate way. I think adults and children alike could learn a lot from Kit.

[Elise • valkyrieslanding · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really well written story to understand what life might have been like for a young girl in the 1930s. I loved Kit as a character.

[Catie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eloise and I had great discussions surrounding the Great Depression and the value of a dollar.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was our second go with an American Girl story collection for a family road trip. It was fine, but not quite the hit of our first, the Addy stories. But to clarify: that's the opinion of two adult listeners. My 7-year-old loves this collection and has listened to it multiple times over. And I'm more than fine with that.

Kit's story is set during the Great Depression. Her family falls somewhere in the middle of the crisis, not escaping unscathed but definitely managing to avoid the most painful effects.

Like other American Girls, Kit learns and grows over the course of a year, in this case learning to live joyfully with less and broadening her views on "hobos" and others who are experiencing the worst of the depression's rage. Her foil is a stodgy rich uncle who lumps everyone who's struggling under the heading Lazy. He regularly shares his opinions in the local paper - and inspires Kit to find her own voice.

My criticisms are probably picky:

American Girls are all plucky, but Kit seemed almost unbearably, unbelievably so.

I also thought that while the range of opinions made sense, they were all a little too black and white to ring true.

Finally - and I admit, this is probably and predictably my major hangup - the newsroom. The editor. The reporters. It just wasn't believable that a young girl would have the standing with them that is depicted here. But in fairness, I can't think of a single fictional depiction of a newsroom that has fully satisfied me. And I imagine every lawyer, doctor, priest and ... whoever feels the same about his own craft on the page.

We've got Molly and Julie on deck and more than a thousand miles stretched out before us. I expect to be more than satisfied, if not overwhelmed. And I expect my kids to pass many hours happily with decent writing, engaging stories and a reasonable primer on two more eras in American history.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kit. Oh, Kit! These books were really good! I loved reading them with my sister and mom! It was very fun to go on her journey.

[Jerzi McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you read it

[Nat Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is me and my daughter’s favorite historical character. I find it perplexing - as someone whose college education is in history - that anyone finds it to be propaganda that the family felt supportive of FDR. It would be extremely strange for a family in the same position as the Kittredge family to feel oppositional towards FDR. His policies were in direct support of families who were affected by the depression. That Uncle Hendrick didn’t like him made sense because he was wealthy and self important. But it also made sense for the Kittredge family to feel grateful for FDR’s policies and programs. I also think the nation was less rabidly and vehemently divided back then, before the advent of televised news. (There is direct data that shows how more divided and less cooperative Congress, the senate, and their constituents have become as the tone and shape of new media has changed). Historically it makes sense. As for people finding it it problematic that AG has a Great Depression doll since it’s typically a high end heirloom toy brand: why is that shocking? They have always been in the business of making collectible dolls that generally hold their value. The stories are *actually* for children, who are not usually as directly connected to understanding the prices of things. I never had an American Girl as a kid (my parents blew all their spending money on themselves, rarely the kids). I was aware that other kids dressed nicer than I did and had nicer things; but I never knew why I didn’t have an American Girl doll nor what the buzz was about. My world did not revolve around American Girl. It was far and away from the cultural and economic bubble I lived in. I knew other girls were proud of theirs, but I think it’s a stretch to say I was adversely affected by that. That said, stories have enriched my daughter’s understanding of history and the economics of others. That’s net positive for my household. I guess in other words: perfect is the enemy of good. The stories are good. The educational and empathy development benefits of them are good. They’re not an inexpensive toy; but they’re also not really meant to be used then thrown into a landfill a year later like many inexpensive toys. They tend to be treasured; sometimes resold later for a decent price, or handed down to another generation. I think part of what makes that happen is not only the quality or the refurbishment service that’s available; it’s the stories and the culture that have been built over time, starting with the stories. You get what you pay for; and some people who can afford that culture and quality appreciate it. I also believe you can enjoy the stories without owning the corresponding doll. And the stories are frequently available in used book shops (cheap) and libraries (free).

[Samantha Bartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize how unbalanced my emotions were until I read this book series this week. WHY AM I CRYING?

Meet Kit
I really like how this story starts during the Depression, but before it really effected Kit and her family. Seeing what her life was like prior to her father losing his job and where her priorities were at the start of the series and where they were at the end was such a great transformation. This one was a little slow but I enjoyed it.
3/5 Stars

Kit Learns a Lesson
Stirling is like the coolest character in this series, and this is the book where the reader really gets to learn more about him. This one held so many emotions, learning about Stirling's family situation and ultimately how bad off Kit's family really was. It's well written and one of the best in this collection.
5/5 Stars

Kit's Surprise
I have said this before, but the Christmas stories are always the best in my opinion. I liked the storyline about Kit, who up to the Depression lived a very comfortable life, now feeling embarrassed to wear her clothes that don't fit right, yet too proud to accept help from her best friend. This book really has a nice Christmas feel to it, even when reading it in August. Probably my favorite in this series.
5/5 Stars

Happy Birthday Kit!
Aunt Millie is such a cool character! Reminds me of my grandmother from Kentucky and her resourceful ways of living. This was a sweet addition to the series. The scene with Grace, the chickens, and the garden club meeting is the best!
4/5 Stars

Kit Saves the Day
First off, I love Will Shepherd. They should have added him earlier in the series so he could be in more of the books, but he is such an interesting character, and opens Kit's eyes to the hobo way of living. This one was the most exciting one in this collection, and definitely foreshadows the conclusion to this series.
4/5 Stars

Changes for Kit
This one seemed pretty short, but I really like how the author included little scenes that at the time did not seem overly important and later made them actually vital to the story's plotline. I don't like Uncle Hendrick at all, and was really hoping his attitude would change at the end of the series. I loved how this one ended, and how it made me feel the need to go out and just help people in need. This book also does a great job of showing that even kids can make a difference when attempting to make a change. A good lesson that concluded a great series.
4/5 Stars

Final Rating: 4/5 Stars

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listennnnn...if you haven't read this, you don't know what you're missing. Kit was my doll growing up. Don't know why, but I decided she was my favorite and stuck with that to this day. I cut my hair in a bob when I was 6, I saved all of my money from my 7th birthday to buy Kit (and I did the same when Ruthie came out!), and was even able to visit American Girl Place Chicago for one of my birthdays. I love Kit's story- it will always be a 5/5 for me no matter what, but I'll talk about some specific things I like about the books here:

1. Frugality: we were not wealthy growing up (obviously not as poor as Kit or the average family in the Great Depression), but it was so nice to have someone to relate to in Kit, as she understood what it meant to have old clothes, to not be able to afford things you wanted, and to go without. I think that this is a reality for so many people and is a good lesson against the materialism that so dominates our culture today. I still quote Aunt Millie's 'Waste not, want not.' on a weekly basis!
2. Friendship: throughout the stories, Kit learns about being a friend, even to those she doesn't particularly like and even when disagreements come up. It's a great message for young kids and just a wholesome theme throughout the series.
3. History: one of the charms of the American Girl series is that you get to learn about history while you experience these stories. I know quite a bit about the Great Depression now as a result of these books and the 'Peek into the Past' that's included at the ends. I really appreciated how they included the full spectrum of the Depression from the apple sellers on the street, to Kit's family who had to take in various boarders, to Ruthie's family and Uncle Hendrick who appeared to remain relatively comfortable. It speaks to a fuller picture of the time and shows us that life is rarely 'fair.'
4. Adventure: I love the way these books are written to show what kinds of wonderful adventures can be found in every day life. From selling eggs, to Aunt Millie's 'Penny Pincher Party', to writing a newspaper about the goings-on of all the boarders in the house, Kit & her friends manage to make the most of plenty of bad situations. Not to mention I still want to hop a train every time I see one!

Overall, and obviously I am extremely biased on this, I would highly recommend anyone interested in the American Girls read Kit's books, as they are the best of the AG series.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am continuing my quest of re-reading the American Girl series as an adult alongside the Dolls of Our Lives podcast (formerly American Girls Podcast), which is hosted by two U.S. historians. Kit's books were not my absolute favorite as a kid, but I definitely had read them several times.

The Kit books are fantastic. The stories begin in 1932, and Kit is a 9-year-old girl living in a middle class family in Cincinnati. The first book opens with Kit's father losing his job, and her parents struggling to pay off the mortgage on their large house. They decide to open a boarding house, which helps them to scrape by throughout the years. Kit's stories deal with class — as she has drastic changes to her life, helping her parents run the boarding house and living uncomfortably in too-small clothes and shoes, she is mortified by taking any help from her friend, Ruthie, whose parents, as bankers, have not been hit hard by the Depression. As she struggles to accept how her life has changed, she learns that things are much worse for others, as she befriends a teenage hobo and witnesses the devastation of hobo jungles and soup kitchens. Kit's adoptive Aunt Millie comes up from Kentucky and teaches her family "penny-pinching" tips — raising chickens, making bloomers out of chicken feed bags, harvesting dandelion greens, and haggling at the market. I appreciate that Kit is less stereotypically "girly" than the previous dolls — her hair is short, she loves baseball, she idolizes Amelia Earhart, and she dreams of becoming a newspaper journalist. Her stories are equal parts heart-wrenching and hopeful. Valerie Tripp once again helps children learn about the past in honest, but age-appropriate ways.

[Kirstin Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐, rounded down.

Kit's books are the first set I don't remember reading as a child and they just blew me away. Kit is an endearing, deeply real narrator and the author (almost always) deftly blends addressing the realities of living through the depression with maintaining the voice, cares and hopes of a young girl in a natural way.
My girl Kit is a JOURNALIST - what's not to love?

(Had to make a deduction for the absolutely bonkers action twist of book five. That diversion knocks it down the star rating a bit for sheer incredulity!!)

Reenie's Review - 5⭐
"I liked how Kit helped her father in the Great Depression and how Kit tried to help all the hobos, giving the children new clothes and new shoes. She tried hard to be patient with Uncle Hendrick and was always kind and courageous.
Even when she and Ruthie had their friendship broken, she worked hard to put it back."

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minus book 1

These were great books. Kit is a very fun, likable, and sympathetic character. The Depression is a unique time in our history, and I thought the author did a great job bringing it to life from a child's perspective.

Made me wonder if someday there will be an American Girl series set during 2020, with COVID-19 and the extreme political unrest. A lot of American families are experiencing similar circumstances as Kit with things the way they are.

Anyway, I very much enjoyed Kit as a character and this series. It was entertaining, educational, and memorable. Kit was a new American Girl; I grew out of them before she was released, so it was fun to meet her and enjoy her experiences and lessons learned.

[Leago · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who recently got into American Girl and is slowly working my way through the characters’ books, I have to say that Kit’s story is my absolute favourite so far. It’s so bright and hopeful despite the sad setting, and Kit herself is an amazing character. I loved how resourceful and determined she was, and I loved reading about her friendships with the other characters. These books just warmed my heart, honestly! American Girl in general is such a unique and amazing franchise because not only are the dolls immaculate, the novels are also charming and brilliantly written and you find yourself learning a whole lot about the time periods they’re set in. All in all, a fantastic book collection that deserves to be remembered as a modern children’s classic!

[ClaraTheCactus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly used to be my favorite as a kid, but relistening to the american girl books as a teenager, Kit is definitely my favorite so far. I love how confident and inspiring she is, and how through her stories I learned a lot about the depression that I didn’t know before (the extent of my knowledge before was little orphan Annie). When I was listening to Molly, I was a little dissapointed about the lack of very developed side characters; Kit, however, had a lot more of those, and that was fun. I also love the fact that there’s a boy character her age that I can ship her with 😅 (theoretically if they were older I mean)