Changes for Kit!: A Winter Story, 1934

I was a tutor for a 5th grade girl this past semester, and I asked her to choose a book that we would read together as a way to work on her reading comprehension. When she chose this book, I groaned to myself, thinking it was going to be about on the babysitters club level. Well, it was. But it contains a historical background appendix in the back, and a character list in the front. These two tools helped to boost my reader's background knowledge and confidence in her reading. Lesson learned: useful books are not always "great literature." Sometimes pop cannon fodder like this book can be of enormous use as a teaching tool. All in all, I would recommend the American Girl series to you readers- but I'd sure make sure that their intellectual diet was a little bit richer than this, as well.

I bought this book for my daughter, but I both read it on my own and along with her. (She also read it on her own.) Though the writing itself isn't very spectacular, we both found the story and characters engaging. It was the right about of challenging for my daughter - the plot and sentence construction being fairly simple, but using larger words she's not use to reading in children's books. I read it myself while I was sick and unable to follow more complex adult books, but stuck in bed and feeling like reading - it was perfect for that. My daughter has all of the Kit books and has enjoyed them all, probably most of all of the core American Girl Historicals.

The moment Margaret Mildred Kittredge "Kit" walks into her home that blustery February afternoon after school, her best friends Stirling and Ruthie alongside her, she knows that she's in for some changes. Wonderful changes. And she's absolutely right, for her mother presents her with a refurbished coat to keep her warm during the winter months, which instantly sets the wheels in Kit's mind moving. Kit decides that a homeless child at the nearby soup kitchen could probably use her old winter coat, and soon finds that her kindness has left a cold young girl quite happy. However, her own happiness is compromised when ornery Uncle Hendrick and his spiteful pup Inky come to stay with Kit's family as his broken ankle and wrist heal. Sadly, Kit is left with the responsibility of taking care of the cantankerous old man, who orders her to take dictation regarding letters about unemployed drifters, and hoboes, in general. It is while helping Uncle Hendrick that Kit comes up with the idea to write her very own letter to the editor of the local newspaper. A letter that doesn't put down drifters and hoboes, like the ones Uncle Hendrick makes her write. But, rather, one that informs Cincinnati residents of the misfortune and hard-times that these people have fallen on, and the hardships they must endure each and every day. Kit even goes so far as to illustrate how young, innocent children are being sheltered at the soup kitchen, owning less than a warm coat and shoes that keep their toes warm from the harsh wind. It is through this letter that Kit hopes to make a difference, and with her nose for news, there's no telling what she can do! While I love the fact that I have finally reached the end of Valerie Tripp's KIT series, I have to admit that I'm a bit saddened, as I really enjoyed the time I spent delving into Kit's world. From learning about the Depression to seeing the hardships Kit and her family had to succumb to. As with the previous tales in this delightful series, Kit is as spirited and good-natured as always, and it was a privilege to have the opportunity to see what a difference she made in her community. As well as how interested she was in helping those less fortunate than herself. Kit is a marvelous character, who will live on in my heart, as well as any reader who has had the opportunity to step inside her world. Kit's tales may be told, but her adventures will live on for generations, making readers of all ages interested in learning more about this wonderful young girl. An inspirational conclusion that will leave you cheering! Erika Sorocco Freelance Reviewer

In Changes for Kit, Kit outgrows her old red coat she got for a Christmas present and her friends and family make her a new one with old materials that came from their own clothe. Kit, Stirling, and Ruthie decide to donate Kit's old coat to the hobo jungle where there were a lot of children who were cold and hungry. However when they get to the jungle they learn from the few remaining hoboes that most of the families had gone to the soup kitchen for the winter months. So Kit, Stirling, and Ruthie continue their journey to the soup kitchen. The children are all alarmed when they see the poor condition the children at the soup kitchen are in. Kit sees many children who need coats and many who need shoes. She feels very helpless when all she can donate is ONE winter coat. Meanwhile, back at home her parents get the news that Uncle Hendrick broke his wrist and ankle and is coming to live with them accompanied by his dog Inky. Kit couldn't be more annoyed that mean and crabby Uncle is coming again, and guess whose job it is to look after him? Kit's. She hates how her uncle make her write letters to the newpaper editors and complain about the president and his programs which Kit knows has helped her family get through the hard times. Such as her brother Charlie who worked in the CCC and earned money for the family. However Kit learns from Uncle Hendrick too! She could write a letter about all those kids who need clothing and shelter in the soup kitchen! So she, Ruthie, and Stirling go to the soup kitchen and took pictures of the poor condition the children were in. However Kit knows that since she isn't rich and doesn't have a reputation like Uncle Hendrick she probably won't get her article printed. Well, is her family and Uncle Hendrick in for a surprise when they recieve the paper one morning. Not only are they surprised but Kit's letter affects the whole city of Cinncinati! The conclusion to Kit's story was another great one in the American Girl's Collection. I can't wait for the next girl's story to come out! They are really beautiful books with their pictures and the Peek into the Past. Lastly I have to say Hooray for Kit!!!

This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Kit Kittredge, a ten-year-old girl living in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is 1934, and Kit and her family are struggling to make ends meet as the Great Depression deepens. Kit's life seems to suddenly get much worse, when her dour Uncle Hendrick is injured during a fall and moves in with the family. However, it's not her own plight that hurts Kit, it's that of the children she sees in the local soup kitchen. She wants to do something, but what? Perhaps she can steal an idea from her Uncle!As with the other Kit books, this is a great story. It succeeds brilliantly in teaching history while also teaching a life lesson. The book is wonderfully put together, with great illustrations. The final chapter is a short history of the Great Depression, which makes the book even more informative. This is a great book, one my daughter and I highly recommend.