Happy Birthday, Felicity! A Springtime Story

American Girl: Felicity #4

by Valerie Tripp

Spring brings Felicity's tenth birthday, and a visit from her Grandfather. He arrives with a precious gift for Felicity—a guitar that belonged to her Grandmother. Felicity is so enchanted with the guitar that she disobeys her Mother by taking it out of the house to show her friend Elizabeth and Elizabeth's sister, Annabelle. Her parents and Grandfather are angry when they learn what she's done. They refuse to believe a message Felicity has overheard that means danger for the colonists. Felicity risks more of her parents' anger when she decides she must alert the colonists herself!

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

77 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 1992

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

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

{July 2025 Reread}

let it be known that I would run into oncoming traffic for William

(I also really appreciate how the series allows Felicity to be a tomboy and to discover that she actually genuinely enjoys some of the more "girly" activities that Miss Manderly teaches her. She can like dancing and pretty dresses AND still want to "run wild" and ride bareback, etc. She's skeptical of Manderly's lessons at first, but the series doesn't tacitly put down other girls like the Coles for being more interested in them. We love.)

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It strikes me now what tiny snapshots we get into these characters' lives. Who would have guessed Felicity would be a careful gardener? Impatient, impetuous Felicity? Granted, the point of these books is to show readers what life was like in this time and place, but this detail feels like a stretch, even as we're watching her grow more mature and responsible (See Felicity's Surprise.)

Perhaps Valerie Tripp recognized that and deliberately balanced it out by giving the book a plot that has Felicity giving in to some of her worst impulses. There was ONE RULE about the guitar, Felicity. Her interactions with Annabelle are especially cringe-y in this book. Annabelle's a snob and is clearly written to be disliked, but I'm kind of on her side - if I'd just been given a fancy and expensive present, I wouldn't want Felicity's grass-stained hands on it. Felicity's turnabout when she brings her guitar to show off just feels petty.

When her rule-breaking is found out, naturally the adults are all very upset, but I find it out of character (mainly for her father) that no one will listen to her report of the conversation she overheard. Everyone knows she's impatient and doesn't always think things through, but it has never been suggested that she has a habit of telling lies.

Dolls of Our Liveswas very good on the problematic portrayal of Isaac, especially his role in rousing the town at night with Felicity and Ben, so I won't try to duplicate that here. But it's not great.

It feels very weird that this midnight escapade is greeted in the morning with good cheer and congratulations from her family as opposed to getting in trouble for sneaking out at night and putting herself in danger. All is forgiven VERY quickly. But hey, happy birthday, Felicity!


More Felicity babble

Meet Felicity | Felicity Learns a Lesson | Felicity’s Surprise | Happy Birthday, Felicity | Felicity Saves the Day | Changes for Felicity

Very Funny, Elizabeth

Felicity’s New Sister | Felicity’s Dancing Shoes | Felicity Takes a Dare | Felicity Discovers a Secret | Felicity’s Short Story Collection

Peril at King’s Creek | Traitor in Williamsburg | Lady Margaret’s Ghost

[Olde American Spirit (Shannon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"They were ready to give their lives to be independent. Then the argument against the king would no longer be about drinking tea or not drinking tea. It would be a matter of life and death. Felicity shivered. This time it was not a shiver of excitement. It was dread."

I've enjoyed how each book in the Felicity series shows the realistic differences among people in a respectful way. I also enjoy the focus on the changing seasons. Tis Springtime and Felicity is turning ten.

Speaking of differences, Grandfather, a devout loyalist to the king, is coming for a visit... to stay in a home of patriots. Tensions rise in the home and in Williamsburg as a whole.

Family bonds and friendships begin to be put to the test. This book does as excellent job of showing each person's character in the way they each react to those on the opposite side of this mounting conflict!

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Morning after morning, the spring days burst into beauty like blossoming flowers."

Felicity feels like she's on top of the world - her birthday is right around the corner, her Grandfather is coming for a visit, and she's doing quite well at her lessons (and she can (mostly) ignore the annoying Annabelle's fake superiority at having a guitar for music lessons).

But, oh does Felicity want to show up the older Annabelle - just this once! AND THEN the opportunity presents itself.

"Felicity cradled the guitar in her arms. She felt as if she had been given something magic..."

Felicity knows she must not take the guitar from the house...but maybe, if she were quick? And brought it back right after?

Meanwhile, the civil unrest between the loyalists and the patriots is growing - so much that the governor is being accused of doing terrible things.

"But the governor isn't a thief," insisted Felicity. "He wouldn't steal."
Isaac said softly, "A frightened man may do anything."

When Felicity overhears highly secretive information, she knows she must do something drastic - and quick!

Overall, I was quite pleased with this one except for one bit.

Now, the plot was overall good if it was a bit predictable from an adult perspective but I feel that if I were younger, I would be absolutely riveted.

Of course, this being the Happy Birthday book, we see Felicity being given a pet - though not Penny, the horse she's dreamed of since book 1 - she gets a random lamb (Posie)...who is promptly forgotten about (seriously, the next few books don't mention the lamb at all).

Anyone who was hoping for books about the two of them frolicking in the fields - forget about it! I also question the grandfather here.

Having a lamb is cute and all, but Felicity and her family live in Williamsburg, not in the countryside. And the lamb is only going to be tiny for a season, then it's a hulky fleecy-sheep. Not a particularly fun pet...?

Annnnyway, something that did really stand out to me in this book is the inclusion of Isaac, a free black boy who lives in a shed with his brother nearby Felicity.

This is my first time going through Felicity's story and while I noticed that the first book mentioned her family's two black servants (Rose and Marcus), this is the first time Felicity has addressed free vs enslaved people in her series.

One thing that I always commend the American Girl series on is their inclusion, diversity and refusal to shy away from difficult subjects.

The loss of Kirsten's best friend to disease, Rebecca's conflict with Judaism vs Christian holidays, Addy's story of running to freedom (which had me crying more than any book) were so moving, so real, and so steadfast.

And yet, I felt very dissatisfied by this book's consideration for racial tensions in Felicity's time.

Felicity seems wholly unbothered by the fact that Isaac, who is only a little older than her, is living in a shed. And she seems flippant at best when asking him to stick his neck out.

Isaac looked hard at Felicity. "It is very dangerous for a black person like me to be seen on the streets in town at night," he said. "If I were found . . . " He shook his head. "It would not go well for me."
"I know," said Felicity...

To her, it seems like the consequences are merely a blip, not to be worried about. And that does bother me.

I understand that each American Girl tends to have "a thing" - Samantha was social justice, Molly was WWI, and Felicity's is the revolutionary war...I guess I just expected more from Felicity than a bland acknowledgement of Isaac's personal risk for her hairbrained plan.

[Morgan's Endless Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felicity gets to be quite the heroine here, but I also think there was a good focus on the conflicting nature of this war and how people who otherwise are great friends are on different sides and how they handle that.

[Hannah Showalter · Rating 4 out of 5]

most badass american girl birthday book ever. felicity saved the day!!

[Lizzie Lodinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandpa is a loyalist, felicity knows better than that
👑👎

[Bronwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m starting the American Girls podcast, so I’m rereading my AG books before I listen to the episodes.

I liked this one pretty well. The Revolution was brought more into it. Felicity was still her impulsive self, and it had consequences and rewards. Nicely done.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not my favorite of the Felicity series, it is nice to see her take part in a real historical event: the stealing of the gunpowder from the Magazine.

[Ruby Boswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately- my least fav of the series so far 😞 BUT I found out Felicity is a Taurus and that was an excellent discovery! Also Felicity literally stops a gunpowder heist?? Anyways….

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

the revolution is HEATING UP !!

[Katelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. This was was disjointed and all over the place. I’m sure the stakes feel much higher and more exciting as a child reader, though. I did appreciate that this book touched more on race, but, to me, this is where Felicity’s lack of concern for her family’s slaves feels most apparent. She doesn’t even compare Rose to Isaac, which I find really confusing. Definitely my least favorite Felicity book so far.

[RaspberryRoses · Rating 2 out of 5]

shocked that this book had the awareness to a) feature a free Black character and b) have him discuss that certain actions would be more dangerous for him as a Black man.

this doesn't really improve how the series handles race overall, but it's something. why was posie the lamb introduced btw. where does posie go after this book.

[Julia Kerrigan]

This story is a little all over the place but when I went to Felicity’s collection page it’s easy to see why. Most of the book tie-in collections have 5-6 items in them, but look at all the accessories they needed to fit into this book:
Spring Gown with Pinner Apron and Pompon
Posie the Lamb
Tilt-Top Table and Chairs
Chocolate Set
Felicity's Party Treats
Colonial Tea Set
Tea Treats
Felicity's Guitar
Needlework Kit and Frame

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reliving my youth with these American girl books.

[Charlie - disableddaydreamer | itsbarbieparis (looking for mutuals) · Rating 3 out of 5]

the most tolerable of felicity’s books so far.

i like the spring stories right now with the changing seasons so that was nice.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the “Felicity: An American Girl” series. I am reading the series to participate in the “American Girls” podcast with Allison Horrocks and Mary Mahoney.

Out of the series, so far, this book was definitely my least favorite Felicity. The story was the biggest issue for me, personally. I felt like the story was just absolutely everywhere from beginning to end. It starts off with Felicity helping her mother do chores, her mother saying, yet again, how wild Felicity is and then them getting into a conversation about her grandfather visiting, but then we get into Felicity foreshadowing about her missing Penny (who I believe is coming back in the fifth book), Felicity being envious of Annabelle playing the guitar even though she’s never expressed an interest in musical instruments ever (??), an introduction to Isaac, then war discussions, suddenly Felicity is an expert gardener (??!!), grandfather giving Felicity and her family a lamb, grandfather giving Felicity a guitar surprisingly just after Felicity wanted one (PSYCHIC), then Felicity being disobedient again, then Ben wanting to join the militia suddenly even though he cannot break his apprenticeship (which he clearly doesn’t care two fucks about even though Felicity’s family is so nice to him and I’m really disappointed how Ben’s character has grown in this book series???), then Felicity overhearing something she definitely shouldn’t have, then Felicity getting in trouble for her first disobedient act, then being disobedient again, getting Ben and Isaac to be disobedient, upsetting the town, and then throwing a birthday party for Felicity, basically reinforcing that it’s okay to be disobedient if it’s for a good enough cause (even though she could have gotten really hurt for what she was doing the second time she chose to be disobedient, which also makes no sense because how are we going to get mad at her leaving the house with a guitar BUT not for the fact that she started an angry mob in the middle of the night???).

This book just felt like it was a lot and the plot of it just felt everywhere compared to some of the other books. A lot of the time, the books are able to tie together Felicity’s nine year old thoughts & wants (now ten!) with what’s going on in the historical setting, but because so many characters had so many different things going on, it became a struggle to follow along (not intellectually, but mentally - like, at one point, you just mentally did not care for what everyone wanted or what anyone did... you just wanted the book over with). At one point, Felicity is getting a lamb and a guitar (both she can barely take care of) and then suddenly she’s defending her people, her town, and fighting for independence. Personally, this one was just not my cup of tea (irony) at all (and honestly, it was very exhausting to read). Happy birthday, Felicity?

[Felicity The Magnificent · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Felicity's birthday was coming soon in the spring. One day her grandfather wanted to show her something. Her little sister was holding a lamb. Her little brother and sister went to go get her mom and dad to show them the lamb. One day her grandfather showed her a guitar and told her it was her grandmother's, so she had to keep it safe. Then finally it was the day before her birthday. When she went to bed late that night she could hardly wait until the next day. The next day she woke up later after afternoon. She came downstairs in her prettiest clothes. Then, sitting on the table was all the stuff she had hoped for. Then her grandfather came in the room with a beautiful vase of flowers. And he told her that in the middle was her weed that sprouted into pretty pink flowers. I liked this book because it was her birthday. -by Felicity

[Chrissi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit too of a neat wrap-up for me, but it has that all’s well that ends well charm like most AG books do so it’s hard to actually dislike it.

As much as Felicity has growing up to do (and she has done a lot since the first book!) I think this book was a little more focused on how her family sees her. Yes, she’s impulsive and stubborn and makes mistakes, but I think between the last book and this one her family is starting to recognize that Felicity truly does have a good and brave heart, not in a child’s way but in a deep and true way, and she *can* be trusted.

Also, I love that Felicity loves gardening. I think that’s a really cute detail and suits her well (she has to focus and be careful but also gets to stick her hands in the dirt! Best of both worlds!) especially with the symbolism of the weed in the bouquet.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all ten year old girls, Felicity is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her birthday. Her dreams of a small but delicious party filled with her mother’s pastries upon fancy serving sets is her greatest wish. Also during this time her Grandfather, a loyalist to the King, is staying for an extended visit. The pending revolt seems eminent and young patriots like Ben, her father’s apprentice speaking out against the Governor and by extension the king, this can make for a tense visit with Grandfather.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is barely a happy birthday book
felicity ruins a precious family heirloom and eavesdrops on government officials. is she responsible for starting the revolutionary war? this book makes you want to believe

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is particularly enjoyable for its historically based climax, and for its inclusion of a major black character who was involved in the local militia.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy Birthday, Felicity! is definitely the weakest book in Valerie Tripp’s Felicity series, combining two storylines that don’t complement each other super well and feel a bit disjointed at times. Still, it teaches lessons about trust and responsibility while also being the first book of the series to depict a real-life event that preludes the American Revolution. You can probably skip this one if you’re reading the Felicity series for continuity, but it’s got its fun moments and certainly is a high-quality historical book for kids.

In the spring of 1775, Felicity Merriman anxiously anticipates her tenth birthday, especially as her beloved grandfather comes to visit them, bringing a lamb named Posie as a gift for the children. Grandfather also gifts Felicity with a precious heirloom — her grandmother’s beautiful wooden guitar — with the understanding that Felicity is old enough and responsible enough to not take it out of the house for safekeeping. However, Felicity cannot resist the temptation to show the guitar off to bossy Annabelle Cole at their lessons with Miss Manderly, leading to disastrous consequences. Felicity also accidentally overhears a plot by British Governor Dunmore’s men to steal gunpowder from the colonists’ Magazine to prevent an uprising, and Felicity, whose interest is increasingly being drawn by the presence of the Williamsburg militia, must decide how she can help her countrymen and win back the trust of her family.

This book is the first one fully set in the year 1775, and Tripp highlights the increasing tension between the Americans and the British, especially as the Williamsburg militia has begun doing public demonstrations. Tripp also includes her first foray into an actual historical event — the attempted theft of the colonists’ gunpowder by Dunmore’s men — and makes the bold choice to incorporate Felicity into that event. According to the closing notes of Happy Birthday, Felicity!, historians still don’t know who raised the alarm that alerted the militia to the robbery, and Tripp depicts Felicity, Ben, and Isaac as the ones who learned of the plot and warned the militia. Though the historical drama is a bit removed from the Felicity series as a whole, Tripp does a nice job of paralleling Felicity losing the trust of her family with Governor Dunmore losing the trust of the colonists. The theme that trust once lost is hard to regain is a powerful one, as is Tripp’s narrative parallel with showing that Loyalists believe the Patriots to be irresponsible.

Tripp begins to really showcase the increasing seriousness of the American Revolution: the inclusion of the militia sparks a realization for Felicity that these men are willing to die for their freedom. The smaller-scale conflicts between family members and friends pave the way for bigger conflicts to come, especially those that reflect the schism of the American colonists. The historical information at the end of the book mostly focuses on family life, childhood, and the militia, including the real-life raid depicted in Happy Birthday, Felicity! Dan Andreasen’s lovely springtime illustrations complement the overall story of birthdays, changing of seasons, and excitement in the air. Tripp uses gardening as a metaphor for stubbornness and growth, the guitar as a picture of maturity, and caring for animals as a symbol of responsibility (though the inclusion of Posie into the plot kind of comes out of nowhere and goes nowhere).

Happy Birthday, Felicity! feels a bit disconnected from the rest of the Felicity series, mostly because Tripp alternates between light and heavy tones unevenly. The two storylines — Felicity disobeying the rule about her guitar, and the governor’s scheme to steal the colonists’ munitions — don’t mesh all that well, despite their similar themes of trust and responsibility. Felicity’s involvement in the plot to save the gunpowder, while exciting, stretches the imagination a bit and puts her in some serious physical danger, a fact that is not really addressed by the narrative. The conclusion, with Felicity being forgiven for her disobedience and praised for her actions in saving the gunpowder, is pretty rushed and doesn’t feel as satisfying as most of the other books’ endings. The fact that only one scene in the entire book (the one where Felicity and Elizabeth watch the horses and the militia) was included in the 2005 Felicity movie is unsurprising, given how disjointed it feels from the rest of the series.

In Happy Birthday, Felicity!, Felicity displays a lot of the character traits we’ve come to know and love in her: courage, leadership, reliability, and a strong desire to do what she believes is right. Again we see her in a bit more of a coming-of-age narrative as she learns tough lessons, loses her family’s trust for awhile, and makes her first dangerous foray into the world of political matters. Felicity has slowly come to enjoy things like stitchery and dancing, and her longing to learn to play music comes alongside the reveal that Felicity is an accomplished gardener, something that enhances her character nicely. Her poor choice of disobeying and taking the guitar to Miss Manderly’s house shows some pride and pettiness we haven’t seen much in Felicity, but Tripp shows some serious consequences for her actions and genuine remorse from Felicity. Her choices at the end of the book are bold but feel in character for Felicity, and it’s nice to see her reconciliation with her family after she’s proved her reliability once again.

A few of our familiar characters are back and showing off their differing political opinions as Felicity struggles to make her own decisions. Elizabeth’s Loyalist leanings are starkly thrown into the light as she and Felicity watch the militia drill, and Ben’s Patriot beliefs are especially noticeable as he hints at his willingness to run away from his apprenticeship contract and join the militia. The involvement of Mr. Cole (however indirect) in the governor’s theft is surprising, but most shocking is Felicity’s parents’ reaction to her story about overhearing the plot. Felicity has never shown a proclivity to lie, especially about something so important, and the fact that Mr. Merriman instantly dismisses her warning and scolds her for lying is very out of character. The whole family’s instant brushing aside of Felicity’s dangerous nighttime escapade is a bit uncharacteristic as well, which is yet another reason Happy Birthday, Felicity! feels out of place in the series.

In this book, we are introduced for the first time to Felicity’s grandfather, a traditional Loyalist who was born in England and who vehemently disagrees with Patriots like Ben and Mr. Merriman; Grandfather’s clashes with them sets up an interesting, timeless depiction of families divided against one another politically, but Tripp does a good job of showing that family love and respect should always supersede differing opinions. We also meet Isaac Wallace, a freed Black man who serves in the Williamsburg militia. The Felicity books have taken a bit of heat over their depiction of slavery, and I understand why: Tripp’s focus is not on slavery and doesn’t need to be, but it certainly would have been impactful to highlight the injustices of slavery, especially with the Felicity series’ overall themes of liberty and independence. Isaac Wallace’s character is the closest we get to seeing a Black person’s unique struggles in 1775, as he fears being seen on the streets after dark, but it is a bit unusual to see that theme when the fact that Felicity’s family (her father and grandfather, both of whom are sympathetic) owns several slaves is never brought up. American Girl released the Addy series to actively address slavery and did a great job with that, but Felicity would have been a good opportunity to at least mention it as well.

Happy Birthday, Felicity! gets some points for its bold inclusion of Felicity as a linchpin to igniting the colonists’ anger against Governor Dunmore, but the pacing of the novel is erratic and the tone uneven. Kids can certainly learn lessons from Felicity’s disobedience and irresponsibility, but Tripp’s usually excellent pacing and blending of themes is just off in this installment.

[Faith Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...the argument against the King would no longer be about drinking tea or not drinking tea. It would be a matter of life and death."

Now, the adventures of American Girl's Felicity series are no longer Felicity's own; though she is still the spunky, independent girl many readers love her to be, and although Valerie Tripp comes up with yet more original plots and subplots, so begins the conflict of war. Yes, there were already sentences about Patriots and Loyalists in the first Felicity book. But now, a strange feeling of dread and excitement looms as the two opposite parties no longer disagree, but release signals of fighting.

I found this conflict alone gripping, but I must say the rest of the book was wonderful as well. The reader cannot help but love Felicity's grandfather like she does; the illustrations of a new pet make one's heart melt; the conflict is complicated and yet simple to understand; and, even though hers was old-fashioned and more simple than mine, I could not help but feel like it was my birthday when it was Felicity's! There were thought-out messages of first priorities, responsibility, and forgiveness.

On the other hand, Felicity was disobedient... twice. In one major plot point, she goes against what her parent asks of her, even though she knows it is wrong. Guilt floods her conscience as she does it, and she deeply regrets it later. Her relatives scold her to what seems like no end, and she is humiliated. In another major plot point, she willfully does what she knows her parents will disapprove of, sneaking away from her house in the night. Her father is shocked that she did so, but he is happy she made a certain accomplishment through her actions.

So, what should the readers' reactions be? Should we say that it is fine for kids to read this, since Felicity knows, in the first major plot point, that what she is doing is wrong? Or does that teach the reader of roughly Felicity's same age that, even if he or she feels guilty, it is okay to do wrong? Should we say that severe scolding from her family is not enough punishment? Or should we look at the historical context and understand there were not spankings on civilized girls (and time-outs did not exist) during this time period?

As for the second major plot point, when Felicity sneaks away from her house in the night, should we see Felicity as a bad role model? Or did her father approving--almost being pleased--with her accomplishment mean that her action was alright? Does her seeking forgiveness and being bold, taking dares, make her a good role model?

I believe there is more good than bad in the book and that it is worth reading. It gave me a warm, wonderful feeling that belongs to the American Girl books I adore, the American Girl books I remember!

However, my enjoyment of the book is partially because of my age and the way I was raised. Instead of deciding whether or not to respect the book and its main character, perhaps parents and children should read it together and discuss it afterwards.

Which way is the book to be viewed? You decide.

[Sarah Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felicity is so excited that her grandfather has come to visit right before her tenth birthday and brought her a guitar that belonged to her grandmother. However, she quickly gets in trouble when she defies her mother by taking the guitar out of the house without permission, leading to them not believing Felicity when she tells them she overheard something of grave importance that means potential danger to the colonists of Williamsburg. Undeterred, Felicity decides the matter is too important and she must act, even if she risks upsetting her parents even more.

I loved that this book is set in springtime, and we get to meet Felicity's grandfather. The unrest between the colonists and British rule continues to rise in prominence in this novel. I re-read this book with my daughters and my younger daughter (five) was scared of the scene where Felicity sneaks out of the house to try to raise the alarm about the raid on the Williamsburg magazine. I will say, it was crazy to me to imagine a ten-year-old sneaking out of the house for such a purpose! While I understand Felicity's presence in the scene allowed a real historical event to be described and explored, Felicity continues to be the most defiant AMerican Girl, who is always risking her own safety in pursuit of her own goals.

My daughters and I particularly enjoyed the focus of the "Looking Back" section at the conclusion of the book in this novel. It focused on childhood in the colonies, including what babies and children would have worn, toys they would have had, and their education. My girls were particularly struck by learning that all children, including boys, wore dresses as babies and toddlers before boys were "breeched." They were also upset to learn about the rate of infant and childhood mortality during the time period before modern medicine. I love that these books help children learn and explore history in a fun and entertaining way.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am continuing my re-read of Felicity's books, one of my favorite series from childhood, while I listen to the American Girls podcast. When I think about the structure of the classic American Girl series (ie how the books always follow the order of Meet, Learns A Lesson, Surprise, etc.) for some reason the Happy Birthday books always strike me as the most forgettable. So I'm not entirely surprised that this is my least favorite installment of Felicity's stories so far.

In this book, Felicity is enjoying the seasonal change to spring after her family's stressful winter. She is looking forward to a visit from her beloved maternal grandfather and her birthday. When Grandfather arrives, he gives Felicity a beautiful guitar that belonged to her grandmother. Felicity is (according to social custom) not allowed to learn how to play guitar for a couple more years, so her mother makes the rule that the guitar must stay in the parlor to keep it safe. Felicity, who has recently been envious of Annabelle's new guitar, immediately decides to shirk this rule to show off her new guitar and make Annabelle jealous. Felicity then forgets the guitar at Annabelle and Elizabeth's house and damages it. While at Annabelle and Elizabeth's house, Felicity overhears Elizabeth's father talking to a British soldier and learns that the governor is planning to have British soldiers sneak into the Magazine and steal all of the colonist's gunpowder that night. Felicity tries to warn her parents and grandfather, but they don't believe her due to her damaging the guitar. So Felicity must sneak out again with Ben to warn the colonists about the governor's plan.

I felt that this story was a little too disjointed and did not flow as well as the previous Felicity stories. I think that might be because there were a lot of big plot elements (Grandfather's visit/Felicity's birthday, the entire guitar scenario, ramped up Patriot vs Loyalist conflict, the attack on the Magazine) and there really wasn't room for all of them in so short of a story. Not to mention there was a lot of unnecessary and obvious toy marketing crammed into an already busy story (cough cough, Posie the lamb).

As another reviewer said, it doesn't make sense that the adults in Felicity's life believe she is lying about the British attack on the magazine, as she has never been shown to be dishonest before. I felt like that entire conflict could have been written better. Another tiny thing I would have changed was to introduce Felicity's interest in learning the guitar and envy in Annabelle's ability to learn music while Felicity and Elizabeth are still too young in an earlier book (maybe in Felicity's Surprise) so that Felicity's interest in music doesn't just come out of nowhere and her acquisition of a guitar doesn't come off as so convenient. Also, the story almost gave me whiplash with how quickly Felicity goes from being in trouble, to sneaking out and basically inciting an angry mob, to being back at home again and not being in trouble just in time for her birthday party. Similarly to Meet Felicity I felt that the messaging from the adults in Felicity's life on what is right or wrong in this situation is unclear in this story.

I also felt that Felicity herself took a bit of a back-step in this story compared to the Felicity we saw in Felicity's Surprise. She is still just a kid and I don't expect her to be perfect just because she had some character development, but I felt that her choices in regards to the guitar were particularly self-centered and immature - especially for her character considering we are over half way through the series. I was also surprised by Felicity's lack of empathy towards Elizabeth. In one scene, Elizabeth and Felicity's grandfather share a moment discussing how much they miss England, and Felicity is surprised to hear Elizabeth say this because it never occurred to her that Elizabeth (who has only been in Virginia for a few months) would be homesick for England. In another scene Felicity drags Elizabeth to watch the Williamsburg militia practice, and is surprised that Elizabeth - a loyalist - is frightened by the Patriot soldiers rather than just finding them exciting as Felicity does.

One thing that I really liked about this book was how much they incorporated spring and the changing of the seasons in the story. It reminds you of how much more connected to the seasons people in Felicity's day were, and it made me feel like I was enjoying a beautiful spring day despite reading this on a cloudy February day. I thought it was clever how the plot incorporated an actual historic event (the theft of the gunpowder from the Magazine) into the story. I appreciate that conflicts between the Loyalists and the Patriots have been slowly building up over the course of Felicity's series, rather than just being a huge plot point from the start or introduced suddenly into one book. It feels like they are starting to come to a head now and things are becoming more serious. Even Felicity comes to the realization in this book that war is a frightening inevitability. I can't help but feel empathy for Felicity and the stress she feels being surrounded loved ones on the opposite sides of the political spectrum and being constantly worried that one will say something to upset another. Also, although it was kind of a disjointed end to the story, I really enjoyed Felicity's birthday party scene and thought that the kind words her grandfather said about her were super heartfelt and sweet.

Overall I am kind of bummed that I didn't like this one as much as Felicity's other stories, but I'm hopeful that the next two will be better.

[TheBookishHobbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful entry in the series. I love the addition of Poise the little lamb. I also do like her Grandfather as another cast member as well. I think he shows that families can still love each other despite their different views. Now, when Felicity got her grandmother's guitar I just knew she would do something to it... I was right about that. I couldn't help but think "oh no Felicity don't do it" lol. I also think her grandfather was right to react the way he did, since it was his wife's favorite item and it was nearly destroyed.

I do think Felicity also more than redeems herself by her, Ben, and Isaac, alerting everyone their gun powder was being stolen. What was interesting to me is when I read the little historical section was that actually happened! (Please don't be mean, my American history is rusty I enjoy learning more about European history and Egyptian history despite being American lol). And what also intrigued me is no one knows who the real "whistle blower" was so it may have been some younger people. Overall, this was an exciting edition to the series as the beginnings of the revolutionary war begin to unfold.

Also side note: How EPIC would it be if American Girl would release adult books similar to these series. Like one thick novel of historical characters facing adult issues in their respected time periods just as these girls do. Like how interesting would it be to get their mother or older sister's perspective in these stories?

Anyways, onto the next one!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one seems to make a big shift in paying more attention to the local history. Felicity even gets to play a direct role.

The story is that Felicity's grandfather (a loyalist) comes for a visit, and now everyone has to worry that Ben (the apprentice, mind you) won't keep his damn mouth shut about politics. Other than that, Felicity is envious of Annabelle's guitar. This threw me off for a second and I had to look it up to see that there was indeed an "English guitar" at the time. I'm curious how popular it was for women to play the guitar, because in books from near this time (such as those written by Jane Austen), I just remember pianos (pianoforte), harp, singing, etc.

There is a lot of stuff in this book that is thrown in but not given attention. For example, the cute lamb? Barely gets a mention. Maybe they were just putting those things in so they could sell them as doll accessories.

The main event centers on the seizure of the colonists' gunpowder, which happened in Williamsburg at the time this book is set (the old-school cover says 1774 for all the books even though they stretch over 2 years). Felicity also first comes to realize the seriousness of the conflict and that the militia isn't just practicing for fun.

A freed black makes an appearance a couple of times. He's a teenager and drummer for the militia. While that's all well and good, I wonder if the apparent slaves of the Merriman family are ever even going to be acknowledged as slaves.

[Joey Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this one at all but that’s okay. It was Felicity’s birthday, her grandfather had come to stay and the militia was getting stronger.

What I did like was that Felicity got some nice gifts for her birthday with the baby lamb, the grandmothers guitar and her birthday party. I didn’t like that her mother was so controlling over the guitar, if her teacher offered lessons I saw no reason why she couldn’t have taken it there, but they were very harsh on her. I get she shouldn’t have taken it to Elizabeth’s but, they didn’t need to be so rude.

Her grandfather coming whilst the militia were around starting to cause more drama was an interesting take as he is on the opposing side and has his own strong opinions. I did like how he and Elizabeth got to have a conversation together that was sweet. Felicity really put herself and her friends at risk to stop the military, it was really rather reckless and scary that she did that.

So yes I honestly didn’t enjoy it at all, there were very small parts I liked but most of it I didn’t at all, from the way Felicity got treated to all the goings on within it, I wasn’t a fan of this story at all.

[Meghan McFarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who else can say they became a revolutionary on their 10th birthday? 👏🏻

This one was a little all over the place, but still enjoyable. I really like how the character of Felicity is depicted as being both a “tomboy” and into really girlie things. So many other AG historical characters are one way or the other, so I love that they show Felicity as being a wild child who also loves attending her sewing lessons. I also like how introspective she is— she is aware of exactly why she wants to bring the guitar to her lessons even though she shouldn’t. I also found it cool they made her part of a real life historical event.

In regard to the character of Isaac— ah, I see now where the series starts to become problematic. The lack of awareness or concern on Felicity’s part when she asked Isaac (a free Black man) to come with them to the Magazine and sound his drums even after he said it was very dangerous for him to be seen out at night… ugh🤦‍♀️. Felicity shows so much compassion and a sense of justice when it comes to horses or a blossoming revolution, but not a Black man’s life?? Yikes. He taught her the drum beats, couldn’t her or Ben have borrowed the drum??? Ugh ugh ugh.