Felicity Saves the Day

This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Felicity Merriman, a nine-year-old girl living in the America of 1774. In this book, Felicity begins another charming summer at her grandfather's plantation. However, when Ben, her father's runaway apprentice, shows up, Felicity must make some very profound decisions.The final chapter of this book contains an interesting look at outdoor life in 1774 America. This is another very good American Girls book. Not as gritty as some others, it is nonetheless highly informative, and a really good read. My daughter and I both highly recommend it to you.

While all of the books in the American Girls series teach young girls about the role of women throughout American history, the Felicity stories show a young woman well ahead of her time in Colonial Virginia. In this book, she rescues her friend Ben Davidson after he unsuccessfully tries to sneak away from his apprentice contract to join George Washington's army. Because the idea of young girls rescuing older men is radical even by today's standards (tradditional culture says it should be the other way around) this is inspiring for young women. Ms. Tripp shows that women have as much right to take charge of a dangerous sittuation as young men do. In this book alone, Felicity argues with Ben, gets dirty and sweaty and devises a successfull rescue plan. This is a long ways from the "dainty behavior" that was prefered by her society. Throughout the book other characters attempt to remind her to be more ladylike only to come up short--Felicity is too independent for their tastes. Even though the fictional story is set in the past, I am willing to bet it will inspire more than a few girls to acchieve their dreams.

When Felicity goes to grandfathers plantation, she finds a message in a bird bottle that starts her off on another adventure.I love Felicity Saves The Day and you should definitly read it!