American Girl Books: Better Than Nothing.
Alert: Those of you without daughters can skip this review.
I’m in the mood for understatement, so let’s just say at the outset that I’m not a fan of the American Girl commercial machine. Outrageously expensive dolls and ever-multiplying accessories for them, not to mention glammed-up stores complete with tearooms and hair salons for the dolls and their captive small owners, just don’t do it for me (consider this an understatement – see above). Among the accoutrements, though, are books. Lots of them. At latest count, there are eight dolls, each representing a different moment in history; one doll is Hispanic, another American Indian, a third African American. As of this writing, each doll has seven separate stories. You can do the math.
It’s hard to argue with even a rapacious commercial enterprise aimed at children that includes books among its objects of desire, so I won’t even try. I’m a big fan of anything that gets kids hooked on reading. Aimed at girls eight and above, the American Girl books are pretty harmless – no great compliment. Neither rollicking adventures nor seriously plot driven, here small occurrences –one girl musters the courage to admit a fib and sing in public, another learns how to be thankful despite her family’s suffering during the depression – take the place of big events. There’s little suspense, not much to jump-start a girl’s imagination, and a tone of mild moralizing. But if the books are bland (and they are) they do afford glimpses into other places and times and they do try to celebrate girls. If your daughter hasn’t already fallen under the American Girl spell, consider that a good thing. There’s a dazzling array of imaginative and stimulating literature out there for her – just ask her school librarian. If your daughter is already a fan of these books, it’s ok. At least she’s reading.
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Hear what Featured Columnist Risa Green has to say about American Girls: "Barbie Flashback and the American Girl Addiction."
02.18.09
I believe the concept was wonderful when it was first created and developed. However, since the original founders sold the company, the line is much more commercial. My partner and I co-created the "Handy Girls" concept in the 1980's to promote positive role models for children, especially girls, and to provide them with more choices and opportunities. "The Handy Girls Can Fix It!" was chosen by the International Reading Association/Children's Book Choices List -- one of the readers said it was "the most exciting book she had ever read." Please check out www.handygirls.com to read about us and the "Handy Girls." We have now republished the award-winning book through BookSurge, a division of Amazon.com and hope that you find it appealing and worthwhile for our girls.
02.12.09
If you can find the oldest versions of the books--they should actually have historical commentary in the back. These first came out in the early 90s and I was too old for them but "checked them out" for my younger sister. At some point they became much more commercial with the dolls, etc., and eliminated the history lesson epilogues.
Wigglerooms, I was a Babysitters Club fan who went on to major in English as well! My parents later commented that they thought the BSC books were a terrible waste of time, but didn't say anything to me because I read such a wide range of books that they felt a little drivel was OK.
02.11.09
Glad to hear a review of them; I guess I didn't expect much more from them than the things you point out. I watched the Kit Kittridge movie while stuck in a hotel room with my 3 year old, and we both enjoyed it. I agree with the comment that the movie comes at a good time in our nation's history, helping young girls understand the teetering position of today's economy. I will admit that I read my fair share of Babysitter's Club and Sweet Valley Twins growing up, but graduated to classics, became an English major and got a masters in Philosophy of Religion. It's a harmless foray. Kids deserve the chance to try out all kinds of literature, and determine for themselves what's good.
02.11.09
You know, my 8 year old daughter LOVES these books - most of them are written by authors she reads anyway, like the author of the Judy Moody book series. I'm sure the books vary in quality, but they are somewhat historical, teach about different cultures and she sits and reads sometimes for 2 hours at a time. I'm sure for people who live in the suburbs, perhaps this dose of multiculturalism is good for them.
As for the commercialism, my daughter doesn't own an American girl doll and she gets the books from the library.
Perhaps you should aim your ire at Disney or someone who deserves it more!
02.10.09
While I agree with you that they are "neither rollicking adventures nor seriously plot driven", the books do bring up issues that girls have to deal with -- lying, making new friends, developing courage, overcoming small (and large) adversities, etc. While Nancy Drew may one up the AG books on adventure, she certainly doesn't provide the comfort that girls find in someone who faces the same issues they do.
And I have to say that the AG books have sparked countless wonderful discussions between my daughters and myself about history, economics, fashion, language and class barriers, orphans, etc. Anything that captures their attention and helps them to question the world around them gets a huge thumbs up in my book.
The Kit Kittridge movie has also served as a well timed lesson. The dire economics of our country are effecting even 8 year old girls and explaining it to her is so much more effective because she can say, "Oh, I know what you mean by foreclosure. Kit's neighbors had to leave their home because of that." A point of reference makes all the difference.
I'm fairly sure that any girl reading the AG series is not limiting herself to only those books. They, like all books, are just a small part of the reading menu.
Kate
www.deliciousaspie.com