Module 7/SLIS 5420/July 20-26

Meet Kit

by

Valerie Tripp

Bibliography

Tripp, Valerie. Meet Kit. Pleasant Co., 2000. ISBN: 978-58485-017-5

Summary

Kitt Kittredge is a nine-year-old girl in 1934 experiencing life in the full throes of the Great Depression. When her father's business is closed, Kit's mother opens their home to boarders in order to cope with a failing economy and tenuous job market. Kit is a determined, headstrong girl who immediately assumes a more mature role as she works to help her family. Kit is clever and resourceful, making her a strong role model for young girls. She remains optimistic through the most difficult of situations and is a character, whose mere presence seems to affect everyone around her in a positive way.

A Page from My Book

I am impressed with Pleasant Co.'s continued dedication to quality products for young girls. As the company has grown so has their commitment to providing a collection of books and dolls representing different eras of history - education a priority behind those endeavors. Found at the end of each American Girl book is a pictorial history and reference to the era, or even culture, depicted in the book. I especially enjoy this aspect of each of the AG books. I love the illustrations - I have thought about their appeal and I think it because they remind me of the illustrations in the basals from which I learned to read - Dick and Jane!

One review I read said Meet Kit is an "idealized portrayal of the Depression", but I consider it the right amount of information along with an entertaining story that illustrates important lessons such as working hard, maintaining a positive outlook and the significance of making a contribution to the betterment of family or community. I found a video clip on Amazon.com advertising a movie based on the book. I have not seen the movie, but now have it on my list to find - I would encourage the viewing of the clip - and notice ... it even mentions a librarian boarding at the Kittredges!

A favorite memory is of taking my niece one Sunday afternoon to an event, "An American Girl Party", planned in conjunction with a Junior League holiday event in Lubbock, Tx. We both enjoyed our afternoon of learning songs, crafts and sampling yummy food. I will always have a fondness for anything AG-related. There is a wonderful interactive online site for girls to enjoy and I would also recommend a subscription of the magazine for the library. It would be a great addition to periodicals found in elementary schools.

Reviews

* "The newest 'American Girl,' Kit is a resourceful young woman struggling during the Great Depression. The book's 'Peek into the Past' section showcases information and photographs of the United States during the 1930's. Kit is a sure winner!" A. Braga, Parent Council Reviews, Vol. 8

Suggested Activities

Compare the 1930's to present day - Use the opportunity to discuss economy as a cross-curricular connection to Social Studies.

Invite a guest speaker who grew up in the same era to share with students their memories of this time.

Perhaps the students have grandparents who lived through the Depression. Have them supply a recorded or written interview. As a group determine questions to explore.