Addy, an American
Girl in 1864 during the American Civil War
Descriptions of the six books about Addy
in the American Girls Series are provided at the links shown
below. These stories tell about a girl growing up in 1864 during
the American Civil War. The books are beautifully illustrated.
At the back of each book is a "A Peek into the Past"
that includes photos, drawings, and sketches about people, places
and things during this period of American History that relate
to the specific book. Recommended for Ages 7 and up.
Book
One - "Meet Addy, An American Girl"
 "One night during the summer of 1864, Addy
Walker overhears her parents talk about an exiting yet terrifying
idea - escaping slavery. But before Addys's family can make the
escape, the worst happens to them. The family is separated when
Master Stevens decides to sell some of his slaves. Addy and her
mother take the terrible risk of escaping by themselves because
they want to be free, and because they hope the family eventually
will be together again in Philadelphia. Set during America's
own struggle over slavery, during the Civil War, Addy's story
is one of great courage and love - love of family and love of
freedom."
8.5 x 6 inches, 69 pages
Book
Two - "Addy Learns a Lesson, A School Story"
 "Addy and her mother arrive in Philadelphia
to begin life as free people. Everything is new to them in the
big city. Addy is most happy about two changes. She has a friend
for the first time, Sarah, and she goes to school, where she
learns to read and write. In school, Addy sits next to Harriet.
Harriet is smart, wealthy, and popular, and Harriet has the life
that Addy thought freedom would bring her. Addy hopes to be Harriet's
friend and Sarah's friend. But Addy ends up having to make a
choice. As a result, she learns about real friendship and real
freedom."
8.5 x 6 inches, 69 pages
Book
Three - "Addy's Surprise, A Christmas Story"
 "Addy
and her mother know that Christmas will be hard wihhout Poppa,
Sam and Esther. When Addy spots a beautiful red scarf in a secondhand
shop, she determines to get it for Momma to brighten her holiday.
To save the money, Addy decides to keep half the tips she earns
by making deliveries for Mrs Ford's dress shop,. But when Addy
sees the plight of newly freed slaves, she feels torn. Can she
help them and still get the scarf for Momma? Addy's Christmas
surprise for Momma ends up being different from what she planned.
And a surprise awaiting Addy is better than she evern dared to
hope for.
8.5 x 6 inches, 65 pages
Book
Four - "Happy Birthday Addy!, A Springtime Story"
 "It's
springtime in Philadelphia, and Addy and her parents have moved
from the garret into a boarding house. There Addy finds a wise
and inspiring friend, M'dear. Like may people who grew up enslaved,
Addy doesn't know when she was born. M'dear encourages Addy to
claim a special day for her birthday, but no day seems just right.
One day, M'dear falls ill. When Addy and Sarah take a streetcar
to get medicine for her, they face prejudice -- and danger. M'dear
helps Addy overcome her anger and hurt and gives her a deeper
understanding of freedom. When Addy finally claims a birthday,
she has grown in many ways. Her birthday is a special day indeed,
and the whole city celebrates."
8.5 x 6 inches, 61 pages
Book
Five - "Addy Saves the Day, A Summer Story"
 "It's summer in Philadelphia. The Civil War
has ended, and families like Addy's that have been separated
are searching for their loved ones. The church is putting on
a fund-raising fair to help people hurt by the war. When Addy
has to work on the fair with her snobby friend Harriet, their
feud heats up again -- until tragedy forces the girls to soften
their hearts. The fair is a great success. Then, suddenly, they
discover that the money they've raised has been stolen. Addy
saves the day and is rewarded with a wonderful surprise."
8.5 x 6 inches, 67 pages
Book
Six - "Changes for Addy, A Winter Story"
 "As
1865 ends, Addy still longs to have her whole family together.
She's begun to give up hope when the Walker family finally gets
word that baby Esther, Auntie Lula, and Uncle Solomon have started
out for Philadelphia. Addy begins to search the city for them.
Her search is rewarded, but the reunion she dreamed of is mixed
with joy and sorrow. Freedom has cost her family dearly. As Addy
prepares for the Emancipation Celebration at church, she wonders
if she even believes the famous words about freedom she is supposed
to read. Momma reminds Addy that their family will always be
together as long as their love and courage live in her heart."
8.5 x 6 inches, 61 pages |