Kit Kitteredge, the newest nine-year-old character of the American Girl historical fiction series will introduce girls across the country to the world of the 1930s. Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, during the Great Depression, Kit reveals a time in America when jobs were scarce, families fell on hard times, and Americans banded together to help those in need.
Meet Kit and Kit Learns a Lesson are the first of a series of six books that are intended to give girls ranging from ages 7Ã12 a compassionate view of an important time in American history. Joining her fellow American Girl characters, Kit will have a namesake doll as well as an array of historically accurate clothing and accessories, giving girls a realistic view of the 1930s.
Kit’s story starts in Cincinnati in 1932, when the Depression and unemployment were in full swing. Kit’s father loses his job, and the family turns their home into a boarding house to help ends meet. Although everyone pitches in, Kit’s family still encounters emotional and financial difficulties. Kit is a spunky girl who learns through experience and observation what it means to struggle, survive, and feel deep compassion for others. Kit and her family are forced to rely on their own inventiveness and strength as well as their ability to work together to survive the harsh reality of the Great Depression.
In the second book, Kit’s Surprise (released this month as well), Kit is full of hope that her dad will find a job. But when Kit and her friends deliver a Thanksgiving food basket to a soup kitchen, she learns a lesson about how much the Depression has changed her life and what it truly means to be thankful.
To introduce readers to Kit, American Girl is sponsoring a Kit’s Care and Share Party, a program to raise funds for charities that benefit children. As part of the campaign, American Girl will encourage the spirit of giving as well as community awareness through Kit’s Can-Do Challenge, which is a national food drive, running September 15ÃNovember 22. Those interested in donating food are invited to support their local food pantries and then track the progress at www.americangirl.com.
Three more Kit adventures will follow in 2001.
Katie McAllaster Weaver writes from her home in Benicia where she can often be found meeting new people, learning lessons and feeling thankful.
