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American Girl: Felicity #4
Happy Birthday, Felicity
Spring brings Felicity's tenth birthday and a visit from Grandfather. He gives Felicity a precious gift--a guitar that had belonged to her grandmother. Felicity is so enchanted with the guitar that she disobeys her mother and takes it out of the house to show her friend Elizabeth. Her parents are angry when they learn what she’s done. They refuse to believe a message Felicity has overheard that means danger for the colonists. Felicity risks her parents’ anger again when she decides to alert the colonists herself!
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 1992
29 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Tripp
243 books413 followersValerie Tripp is a children's book author, best known for her work with the American Girl series.
She grew up in Mount Kisco, New York with three sisters and one brother. A member of the first co-educated class at Yale University, Tripp also has a M.Ed. from Harvard. Since 1985 she has lived in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her husband teaches history at Montgomery College.
Right out of college, Tripp started writing songs, stories, and nonfiction for The Superkids Reading Program, working with Pleasant Rowland, the founder of American Girl. For that series, Tripp wrote all the books about Felicity, Josefina, Kit, Molly, and Maryellen and many of the books about Samantha. She also wrote the "Best Friends" character stories to date, plays, mysteries, and short stories about all her characters.. Film dramatizations of the lives of Samantha, Felicity, Molly, and Kit have been based on her stories. Currently, Tripp is writing a STEM series for National Geographic and adapting Greek Myths for Starry Forest Publishing. A frequent speaker at schools and libraries, Tripp has also spoken at the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, The New York Historical Society, and Williamsburg.
She grew up in Mount Kisco, New York with three sisters and one brother. A member of the first co-educated class at Yale University, Tripp also has a M.Ed. from Harvard. Since 1985 she has lived in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her husband teaches history at Montgomery College.
Right out of college, Tripp started writing songs, stories, and nonfiction for The Superkids Reading Program, working with Pleasant Rowland, the founder of American Girl. For that series, Tripp wrote all the books about Felicity, Josefina, Kit, Molly, and Maryellen and many of the books about Samantha. She also wrote the "Best Friends" character stories to date, plays, mysteries, and short stories about all her characters.. Film dramatizations of the lives of Samantha, Felicity, Molly, and Kit have been based on her stories. Currently, Tripp is writing a STEM series for National Geographic and adapting Greek Myths for Starry Forest Publishing. A frequent speaker at schools and libraries, Tripp has also spoken at the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, The New York Historical Society, and Williamsburg.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
July 25, 2024
"They were ready to give their lives to be independent. Then the argument against the king would no longer be about drinking tea or not drinking tea. It would be a matter of life and death. Felicity shivered. This time it was not a shiver of excitement. It was dread."
I've enjoyed how each book in the Felicity series shows the realistic differences among people in a respectful way. I also enjoy the focus on the changing seasons. Tis Springtime and Felicity is turning ten.
Speaking of differences, Grandfather, a devout loyalist to the king, is coming for a visit... to stay in a home of patriots. Tensions rise in the home and in Williamsburg as a whole.
Family bonds and friendships begin to be put to the test. This book does as excellent job of showing each person's character in the way they each react to those on the opposite side of this mounting conflict!
I've enjoyed how each book in the Felicity series shows the realistic differences among people in a respectful way. I also enjoy the focus on the changing seasons. Tis Springtime and Felicity is turning ten.
Speaking of differences, Grandfather, a devout loyalist to the king, is coming for a visit... to stay in a home of patriots. Tensions rise in the home and in Williamsburg as a whole.
Family bonds and friendships begin to be put to the test. This book does as excellent job of showing each person's character in the way they each react to those on the opposite side of this mounting conflict!
March 23, 2024
It strikes me now what tiny snapshots we get into these characters' lives. Who would have guessed Felicity would be a careful gardener? Impatient, impetuous Felicity? Granted, the point of these books is to show readers what life was like in this time and place, but this detail feels like a stretch, even as we're watching her grow more mature and responsible (See Felicity's Surprise.)
Perhaps Valerie Tripp recognized that and deliberately balanced it out by giving the book a plot that has Felicity giving in to some of her worst impulses. There was ONE RULE about the guitar, Felicity. Her interactions with Annabelle are especially cringe-y in this book. Annabelle's a snob and is clearly written to be disliked, but I'm kind of on her side - if I'd just been given a fancy and expensive present, I wouldn't want Felicity's grass-stained hands on it. Felicity's turnabout when she brings her guitar to show off just feels petty.
When her rule-breaking is found out, naturally the adults are all very upset, but I find it out of character (mainly for her father) that no one will listen to her report of the conversation she overheard. Everyone knows she's impatient and doesn't always think things through, but it has never been suggested that she has a habit of telling lies.
Dolls of Our Liveswas very good on the problematic portrayal of Isaac, especially his role in rousing the town at night with Felicity and Ben, so I won't try to duplicate that here. But it's not great.
It feels very weird that this midnight escapade is greeted in the morning with good cheer and congratulations from her family as opposed to getting in trouble for sneaking out at night and putting herself in danger. All is forgiven VERY quickly. But hey, happy birthday, Felicity!
More Felicity babble
Meet Felicity | Felicity Learns a Lesson | Felicity’s Surprise | Happy Birthday, Felicity | Felicity Saves the Day | Changes for Felicity
Very Funny, Elizabeth
Felicity’s New Sister | Felicity’s Dancing Shoes | Felicity Takes a Dare | Felicity Discovers a Secret | Felicity’s Short Story Collection
Peril at King’s Creek | Traitor in Williamsburg | Lady Margaret’s Ghost
Perhaps Valerie Tripp recognized that and deliberately balanced it out by giving the book a plot that has Felicity giving in to some of her worst impulses. There was ONE RULE about the guitar, Felicity. Her interactions with Annabelle are especially cringe-y in this book. Annabelle's a snob and is clearly written to be disliked, but I'm kind of on her side - if I'd just been given a fancy and expensive present, I wouldn't want Felicity's grass-stained hands on it. Felicity's turnabout when she brings her guitar to show off just feels petty.
When her rule-breaking is found out, naturally the adults are all very upset, but I find it out of character (mainly for her father) that no one will listen to her report of the conversation she overheard. Everyone knows she's impatient and doesn't always think things through, but it has never been suggested that she has a habit of telling lies.
Dolls of Our Liveswas very good on the problematic portrayal of Isaac, especially his role in rousing the town at night with Felicity and Ben, so I won't try to duplicate that here. But it's not great.
It feels very weird that this midnight escapade is greeted in the morning with good cheer and congratulations from her family as opposed to getting in trouble for sneaking out at night and putting herself in danger. All is forgiven VERY quickly. But hey, happy birthday, Felicity!
More Felicity babble
Meet Felicity | Felicity Learns a Lesson | Felicity’s Surprise | Happy Birthday, Felicity | Felicity Saves the Day | Changes for Felicity
Very Funny, Elizabeth
Felicity’s New Sister | Felicity’s Dancing Shoes | Felicity Takes a Dare | Felicity Discovers a Secret | Felicity’s Short Story Collection
Peril at King’s Creek | Traitor in Williamsburg | Lady Margaret’s Ghost
July 25, 2024
Felicity gets to be quite the heroine here, but I also think there was a good focus on the conflicting nature of this war and how people who otherwise are great friends are on different sides and how they handle that.
August 31, 2023
most badass american girl birthday book ever. felicity saved the day!!
February 11, 2020
I’m starting the American Girls podcast, so I’m rereading my AG books before I listen to the episodes.
I liked this one pretty well. The Revolution was brought more into it. Felicity was still her impulsive self, and it had consequences and rewards. Nicely done.
I liked this one pretty well. The Revolution was brought more into it. Felicity was still her impulsive self, and it had consequences and rewards. Nicely done.
March 24, 2021
While not my favorite of the Felicity series, it is nice to see her take part in a real historical event: the stealing of the gunpowder from the Magazine.
March 7, 2025
Unfortunately- my least fav of the series so far 😞 BUT I found out Felicity is a Taurus and that was an excellent discovery! Also Felicity literally stops a gunpowder heist?? Anyways….
August 28, 2023
the revolution is HEATING UP !!
January 31, 2025
Meh. This was was disjointed and all over the place. I’m sure the stakes feel much higher and more exciting as a child reader, though. I did appreciate that this book touched more on race, but, to me, this is where Felicity’s lack of concern for her family’s slaves feels most apparent. She doesn’t even compare Rose to Isaac, which I find really confusing. Definitely my least favorite Felicity book so far.
November 5, 2024
shocked that this book had the awareness to a) feature a free Black character and b) have him discuss that certain actions would be more dangerous for him as a Black man.
this doesn't really improve how the series handles race overall, but it's something. why was posie the lamb introduced btw. where does posie go after this book.
this doesn't really improve how the series handles race overall, but it's something. why was posie the lamb introduced btw. where does posie go after this book.
December 8, 2024
Reliving my youth with these American girl books.
March 1, 2025
the most tolerable of felicity’s books so far.
i like the spring stories right now with the changing seasons so that was nice.
i like the spring stories right now with the changing seasons so that was nice.
February 4, 2020
This is the fourth book in the “Felicity: An American Girl” series. I am reading the series to participate in the “American Girls” podcast with Allison Horrocks and Mary Mahoney.
Out of the series, so far, this book was definitely my least favorite Felicity. The story was the biggest issue for me, personally. I felt like the story was just absolutely everywhere from beginning to end. It starts off with Felicity helping her mother do chores, her mother saying, yet again, how wild Felicity is and then them getting into a conversation about her grandfather visiting, but then we get into Felicity foreshadowing about her missing Penny (who I believe is coming back in the fifth book), Felicity being envious of Annabelle playing the guitar even though she’s never expressed an interest in musical instruments ever (??), an introduction to Isaac, then war discussions, suddenly Felicity is an expert gardener (??!!), grandfather giving Felicity and her family a lamb, grandfather giving Felicity a guitar surprisingly just after Felicity wanted one (PSYCHIC), then Felicity being disobedient again, then Ben wanting to join the militia suddenly even though he cannot break his apprenticeship (which he clearly doesn’t care two fucks about even though Felicity’s family is so nice to him and I’m really disappointed how Ben’s character has grown in this book series???), then Felicity overhearing something she definitely shouldn’t have, then Felicity getting in trouble for her first disobedient act, then being disobedient again, getting Ben and Isaac to be disobedient, upsetting the town, and then throwing a birthday party for Felicity, basically reinforcing that it’s okay to be disobedient if it’s for a good enough cause (even though she could have gotten really hurt for what she was doing the second time she chose to be disobedient, which also makes no sense because how are we going to get mad at her leaving the house with a guitar BUT not for the fact that she started an angry mob in the middle of the night???).
This book just felt like it was a lot and the plot of it just felt everywhere compared to some of the other books. A lot of the time, the books are able to tie together Felicity’s nine year old thoughts & wants (now ten!) with what’s going on in the historical setting, but because so many characters had so many different things going on, it became a struggle to follow along (not intellectually, but mentally - like, at one point, you just mentally did not care for what everyone wanted or what anyone did... you just wanted the book over with). At one point, Felicity is getting a lamb and a guitar (both she can barely take care of) and then suddenly she’s defending her people, her town, and fighting for independence. Personally, this one was just not my cup of tea (irony) at all (and honestly, it was very exhausting to read). Happy birthday, Felicity?
Out of the series, so far, this book was definitely my least favorite Felicity. The story was the biggest issue for me, personally. I felt like the story was just absolutely everywhere from beginning to end. It starts off with Felicity helping her mother do chores, her mother saying, yet again, how wild Felicity is and then them getting into a conversation about her grandfather visiting, but then we get into Felicity foreshadowing about her missing Penny (who I believe is coming back in the fifth book), Felicity being envious of Annabelle playing the guitar even though she’s never expressed an interest in musical instruments ever (??), an introduction to Isaac, then war discussions, suddenly Felicity is an expert gardener (??!!), grandfather giving Felicity and her family a lamb, grandfather giving Felicity a guitar surprisingly just after Felicity wanted one (PSYCHIC), then Felicity being disobedient again, then Ben wanting to join the militia suddenly even though he cannot break his apprenticeship (which he clearly doesn’t care two fucks about even though Felicity’s family is so nice to him and I’m really disappointed how Ben’s character has grown in this book series???), then Felicity overhearing something she definitely shouldn’t have, then Felicity getting in trouble for her first disobedient act, then being disobedient again, getting Ben and Isaac to be disobedient, upsetting the town, and then throwing a birthday party for Felicity, basically reinforcing that it’s okay to be disobedient if it’s for a good enough cause (even though she could have gotten really hurt for what she was doing the second time she chose to be disobedient, which also makes no sense because how are we going to get mad at her leaving the house with a guitar BUT not for the fact that she started an angry mob in the middle of the night???).
This book just felt like it was a lot and the plot of it just felt everywhere compared to some of the other books. A lot of the time, the books are able to tie together Felicity’s nine year old thoughts & wants (now ten!) with what’s going on in the historical setting, but because so many characters had so many different things going on, it became a struggle to follow along (not intellectually, but mentally - like, at one point, you just mentally did not care for what everyone wanted or what anyone did... you just wanted the book over with). At one point, Felicity is getting a lamb and a guitar (both she can barely take care of) and then suddenly she’s defending her people, her town, and fighting for independence. Personally, this one was just not my cup of tea (irony) at all (and honestly, it was very exhausting to read). Happy birthday, Felicity?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2011
In this book, Felicity's birthday was coming soon in the spring. One day her grandfather wanted to show her something. Her little sister was holding a lamb. Her little brother and sister went to go get her mom and dad to show them the lamb. One day her grandfather showed her a guitar and told her it was her grandmother's, so she had to keep it safe. Then finally it was the day before her birthday. When she went to bed late that night she could hardly wait until the next day. The next day she woke up later after afternoon. She came downstairs in her prettiest clothes. Then, sitting on the table was all the stuff she had hoped for. Then her grandfather came in the room with a beautiful vase of flowers. And he told her that in the middle was her weed that sprouted into pretty pink flowers. I liked this book because it was her birthday. -by Felicity
May 29, 2020
Bit too of a neat wrap-up for me, but it has that all’s well that ends well charm like most AG books do so it’s hard to actually dislike it.
As much as Felicity has growing up to do (and she has done a lot since the first book!) I think this book was a little more focused on how her family sees her. Yes, she’s impulsive and stubborn and makes mistakes, but I think between the last book and this one her family is starting to recognize that Felicity truly does have a good and brave heart, not in a child’s way but in a deep and true way, and she *can* be trusted.
Also, I love that Felicity loves gardening. I think that’s a really cute detail and suits her well (she has to focus and be careful but also gets to stick her hands in the dirt! Best of both worlds!) especially with the symbolism of the weed in the bouquet.
As much as Felicity has growing up to do (and she has done a lot since the first book!) I think this book was a little more focused on how her family sees her. Yes, she’s impulsive and stubborn and makes mistakes, but I think between the last book and this one her family is starting to recognize that Felicity truly does have a good and brave heart, not in a child’s way but in a deep and true way, and she *can* be trusted.
Also, I love that Felicity loves gardening. I think that’s a really cute detail and suits her well (she has to focus and be careful but also gets to stick her hands in the dirt! Best of both worlds!) especially with the symbolism of the weed in the bouquet.
February 9, 2012
Like all ten year old girls, Felicity is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her birthday. Her dreams of a small but delicious party filled with her mother’s pastries upon fancy serving sets is her greatest wish. Also during this time her Grandfather, a loyalist to the King, is staying for an extended visit. The pending revolt seems eminent and young patriots like Ben, her father’s apprentice speaking out against the Governor and by extension the king, this can make for a tense visit with Grandfather.
April 18, 2024
this is barely a happy birthday book
felicity ruins a precious family heirloom and eavesdrops on government officials. is she responsible for starting the revolutionary war? this book makes you want to believe
felicity ruins a precious family heirloom and eavesdrops on government officials. is she responsible for starting the revolutionary war? this book makes you want to believe
April 10, 2020
This book is particularly enjoyable for its historically based climax, and for its inclusion of a major black character who was involved in the local militia.
May 21, 2021
"...the argument against the King would no longer be about drinking tea or not drinking tea. It would be a matter of life and death."
Now, the adventures of American Girl's Felicity series are no longer Felicity's own; though she is still the spunky, independent girl many readers love her to be, and although Valerie Tripp comes up with yet more original plots and subplots, so begins the conflict of war. Yes, there were already sentences about Patriots and Loyalists in the first Felicity book. But now, a strange feeling of dread and excitement looms as the two opposite parties no longer disagree, but release signals of fighting.
I found this conflict alone gripping, but I must say the rest of the book was wonderful as well. The reader cannot help but love Felicity's grandfather like she does; the illustrations of a new pet make one's heart melt; the conflict is complicated and yet simple to understand; and, even though hers was old-fashioned and more simple than mine, I could not help but feel like it was my birthday when it was Felicity's! There were thought-out messages of first priorities, responsibility, and forgiveness.
On the other hand, Felicity was disobedient... twice. In one major plot point, she goes against what her parent asks of her, even though she knows it is wrong. Guilt floods her conscience as she does it, and she deeply regrets it later. Her relatives scold her to what seems like no end, and she is humiliated. In another major plot point, she willfully does what she knows her parents will disapprove of, sneaking away from her house in the night. Her father is shocked that she did so, but he is happy she made a certain accomplishment through her actions.
So, what should the readers' reactions be? Should we say that it is fine for kids to read this, since Felicity knows, in the first major plot point, that what she is doing is wrong? Or does that teach the reader of roughly Felicity's same age that, even if he or she feels guilty, it is okay to do wrong? Should we say that severe scolding from her family is not enough punishment? Or should we look at the historical context and understand there were not spankings on civilized girls (and time-outs did not exist) during this time period?
As for the second major plot point, when Felicity sneaks away from her house in the night, should we see Felicity as a bad role model? Or did her father approving--almost being pleased--with her accomplishment mean that her action was alright? Does her seeking forgiveness and being bold, taking dares, make her a good role model?
I believe there is more good than bad in the book and that it is worth reading. It gave me a warm, wonderful feeling that belongs to the American Girl books I adore, the American Girl books I remember!
However, my enjoyment of the book is partially because of my age and the way I was raised. Instead of deciding whether or not to respect the book and its main character, perhaps parents and children should read it together and discuss it afterwards.
Which way is the book to be viewed? You decide.
Now, the adventures of American Girl's Felicity series are no longer Felicity's own; though she is still the spunky, independent girl many readers love her to be, and although Valerie Tripp comes up with yet more original plots and subplots, so begins the conflict of war. Yes, there were already sentences about Patriots and Loyalists in the first Felicity book. But now, a strange feeling of dread and excitement looms as the two opposite parties no longer disagree, but release signals of fighting.
I found this conflict alone gripping, but I must say the rest of the book was wonderful as well. The reader cannot help but love Felicity's grandfather like she does; the illustrations of a new pet make one's heart melt; the conflict is complicated and yet simple to understand; and, even though hers was old-fashioned and more simple than mine, I could not help but feel like it was my birthday when it was Felicity's! There were thought-out messages of first priorities, responsibility, and forgiveness.
On the other hand, Felicity was disobedient... twice. In one major plot point, she goes against what her parent asks of her, even though she knows it is wrong. Guilt floods her conscience as she does it, and she deeply regrets it later. Her relatives scold her to what seems like no end, and she is humiliated. In another major plot point, she willfully does what she knows her parents will disapprove of, sneaking away from her house in the night. Her father is shocked that she did so, but he is happy she made a certain accomplishment through her actions.
So, what should the readers' reactions be? Should we say that it is fine for kids to read this, since Felicity knows, in the first major plot point, that what she is doing is wrong? Or does that teach the reader of roughly Felicity's same age that, even if he or she feels guilty, it is okay to do wrong? Should we say that severe scolding from her family is not enough punishment? Or should we look at the historical context and understand there were not spankings on civilized girls (and time-outs did not exist) during this time period?
As for the second major plot point, when Felicity sneaks away from her house in the night, should we see Felicity as a bad role model? Or did her father approving--almost being pleased--with her accomplishment mean that her action was alright? Does her seeking forgiveness and being bold, taking dares, make her a good role model?
I believe there is more good than bad in the book and that it is worth reading. It gave me a warm, wonderful feeling that belongs to the American Girl books I adore, the American Girl books I remember!
However, my enjoyment of the book is partially because of my age and the way I was raised. Instead of deciding whether or not to respect the book and its main character, perhaps parents and children should read it together and discuss it afterwards.
Which way is the book to be viewed? You decide.
October 21, 2024
Felicity is so excited that her grandfather has come to visit right before her tenth birthday and brought her a guitar that belonged to her grandmother. However, she quickly gets in trouble when she defies her mother by taking the guitar out of the house without permission, leading to them not believing Felicity when she tells them she overheard something of grave importance that means potential danger to the colonists of Williamsburg. Undeterred, Felicity decides the matter is too important and she must act, even if she risks upsetting her parents even more.
I loved that this book is set in springtime, and we get to meet Felicity's grandfather. The unrest between the colonists and British rule continues to rise in prominence in this novel. I re-read this book with my daughters and my younger daughter (five) was scared of the scene where Felicity sneaks out of the house to try to raise the alarm about the raid on the Williamsburg magazine. I will say, it was crazy to me to imagine a ten-year-old sneaking out of the house for such a purpose! While I understand Felicity's presence in the scene allowed a real historical event to be described and explored, Felicity continues to be the most defiant AMerican Girl, who is always risking her own safety in pursuit of her own goals.
My daughters and I particularly enjoyed the focus of the "Looking Back" section at the conclusion of the book in this novel. It focused on childhood in the colonies, including what babies and children would have worn, toys they would have had, and their education. My girls were particularly struck by learning that all children, including boys, wore dresses as babies and toddlers before boys were "breeched." They were also upset to learn about the rate of infant and childhood mortality during the time period before modern medicine. I love that these books help children learn and explore history in a fun and entertaining way.
I loved that this book is set in springtime, and we get to meet Felicity's grandfather. The unrest between the colonists and British rule continues to rise in prominence in this novel. I re-read this book with my daughters and my younger daughter (five) was scared of the scene where Felicity sneaks out of the house to try to raise the alarm about the raid on the Williamsburg magazine. I will say, it was crazy to me to imagine a ten-year-old sneaking out of the house for such a purpose! While I understand Felicity's presence in the scene allowed a real historical event to be described and explored, Felicity continues to be the most defiant AMerican Girl, who is always risking her own safety in pursuit of her own goals.
My daughters and I particularly enjoyed the focus of the "Looking Back" section at the conclusion of the book in this novel. It focused on childhood in the colonies, including what babies and children would have worn, toys they would have had, and their education. My girls were particularly struck by learning that all children, including boys, wore dresses as babies and toddlers before boys were "breeched." They were also upset to learn about the rate of infant and childhood mortality during the time period before modern medicine. I love that these books help children learn and explore history in a fun and entertaining way.
March 29, 2022
I am continuing my re-read of Felicity's books, one of my favorite series from childhood, while I listen to the American Girls podcast. When I think about the structure of the classic American Girl series (ie how the books always follow the order of Meet, Learns A Lesson, Surprise, etc.) for some reason the Happy Birthday books always strike me as the most forgettable. So I'm not entirely surprised that this is my least favorite installment of Felicity's stories so far.
In this book, Felicity is enjoying the seasonal change to spring after her family's stressful winter. She is looking forward to a visit from her beloved maternal grandfather and her birthday. When Grandfather arrives, he gives Felicity a beautiful guitar that belonged to her grandmother. Felicity is (according to social custom) not allowed to learn how to play guitar for a couple more years, so her mother makes the rule that the guitar must stay in the parlor to keep it safe. Felicity, who has recently been envious of Annabelle's new guitar, immediately decides to shirk this rule to show off her new guitar and make Annabelle jealous. Felicity then forgets the guitar at Annabelle and Elizabeth's house and damages it. While at Annabelle and Elizabeth's house, Felicity overhears Elizabeth's father talking to a British soldier and learns that the governor is planning to have British soldiers sneak into the Magazine and steal all of the colonist's gunpowder that night. Felicity tries to warn her parents and grandfather, but they don't believe her due to her damaging the guitar. So Felicity must sneak out again with Ben to warn the colonists about the governor's plan.
I felt that this story was a little too disjointed and did not flow as well as the previous Felicity stories. I think that might be because there were a lot of big plot elements (Grandfather's visit/Felicity's birthday, the entire guitar scenario, ramped up Patriot vs Loyalist conflict, the attack on the Magazine) and there really wasn't room for all of them in so short of a story. Not to mention there was a lot of unnecessary and obvious toy marketing crammed into an already busy story (cough cough, Posie the lamb).
As another reviewer said, it doesn't make sense that the adults in Felicity's life believe she is lying about the British attack on the magazine, as she has never been shown to be dishonest before. I felt like that entire conflict could have been written better. Another tiny thing I would have changed was to introduce Felicity's interest in learning the guitar and envy in Annabelle's ability to learn music while Felicity and Elizabeth are still too young in an earlier book (maybe in Felicity's Surprise) so that Felicity's interest in music doesn't just come out of nowhere and her acquisition of a guitar doesn't come off as so convenient. Also, the story almost gave me whiplash with how quickly Felicity goes from being in trouble, to sneaking out and basically inciting an angry mob, to being back at home again and not being in trouble just in time for her birthday party. Similarly to Meet Felicity I felt that the messaging from the adults in Felicity's life on what is right or wrong in this situation is unclear in this story.
I also felt that Felicity herself took a bit of a back-step in this story compared to the Felicity we saw in Felicity's Surprise. She is still just a kid and I don't expect her to be perfect just because she had some character development, but I felt that her choices in regards to the guitar were particularly self-centered and immature - especially for her character considering we are over half way through the series. I was also surprised by Felicity's lack of empathy towards Elizabeth. In one scene, Elizabeth and Felicity's grandfather share a moment discussing how much they miss England, and Felicity is surprised to hear Elizabeth say this because it never occurred to her that Elizabeth (who has only been in Virginia for a few months) would be homesick for England. In another scene Felicity drags Elizabeth to watch the Williamsburg militia practice, and is surprised that Elizabeth - a loyalist - is frightened by the Patriot soldiers rather than just finding them exciting as Felicity does.
One thing that I really liked about this book was how much they incorporated spring and the changing of the seasons in the story. It reminds you of how much more connected to the seasons people in Felicity's day were, and it made me feel like I was enjoying a beautiful spring day despite reading this on a cloudy February day. I thought it was clever how the plot incorporated an actual historic event (the theft of the gunpowder from the Magazine) into the story. I appreciate that conflicts between the Loyalists and the Patriots have been slowly building up over the course of Felicity's series, rather than just being a huge plot point from the start or introduced suddenly into one book. It feels like they are starting to come to a head now and things are becoming more serious. Even Felicity comes to the realization in this book that war is a frightening inevitability. I can't help but feel empathy for Felicity and the stress she feels being surrounded loved ones on the opposite sides of the political spectrum and being constantly worried that one will say something to upset another. Also, although it was kind of a disjointed end to the story, I really enjoyed Felicity's birthday party scene and thought that the kind words her grandfather said about her were super heartfelt and sweet.
Overall I am kind of bummed that I didn't like this one as much as Felicity's other stories, but I'm hopeful that the next two will be better.
In this book, Felicity is enjoying the seasonal change to spring after her family's stressful winter. She is looking forward to a visit from her beloved maternal grandfather and her birthday. When Grandfather arrives, he gives Felicity a beautiful guitar that belonged to her grandmother. Felicity is (according to social custom) not allowed to learn how to play guitar for a couple more years, so her mother makes the rule that the guitar must stay in the parlor to keep it safe. Felicity, who has recently been envious of Annabelle's new guitar, immediately decides to shirk this rule to show off her new guitar and make Annabelle jealous. Felicity then forgets the guitar at Annabelle and Elizabeth's house and damages it. While at Annabelle and Elizabeth's house, Felicity overhears Elizabeth's father talking to a British soldier and learns that the governor is planning to have British soldiers sneak into the Magazine and steal all of the colonist's gunpowder that night. Felicity tries to warn her parents and grandfather, but they don't believe her due to her damaging the guitar. So Felicity must sneak out again with Ben to warn the colonists about the governor's plan.
I felt that this story was a little too disjointed and did not flow as well as the previous Felicity stories. I think that might be because there were a lot of big plot elements (Grandfather's visit/Felicity's birthday, the entire guitar scenario, ramped up Patriot vs Loyalist conflict, the attack on the Magazine) and there really wasn't room for all of them in so short of a story. Not to mention there was a lot of unnecessary and obvious toy marketing crammed into an already busy story (cough cough, Posie the lamb).
As another reviewer said, it doesn't make sense that the adults in Felicity's life believe she is lying about the British attack on the magazine, as she has never been shown to be dishonest before. I felt like that entire conflict could have been written better. Another tiny thing I would have changed was to introduce Felicity's interest in learning the guitar and envy in Annabelle's ability to learn music while Felicity and Elizabeth are still too young in an earlier book (maybe in Felicity's Surprise) so that Felicity's interest in music doesn't just come out of nowhere and her acquisition of a guitar doesn't come off as so convenient. Also, the story almost gave me whiplash with how quickly Felicity goes from being in trouble, to sneaking out and basically inciting an angry mob, to being back at home again and not being in trouble just in time for her birthday party. Similarly to Meet Felicity I felt that the messaging from the adults in Felicity's life on what is right or wrong in this situation is unclear in this story.
I also felt that Felicity herself took a bit of a back-step in this story compared to the Felicity we saw in Felicity's Surprise. She is still just a kid and I don't expect her to be perfect just because she had some character development, but I felt that her choices in regards to the guitar were particularly self-centered and immature - especially for her character considering we are over half way through the series. I was also surprised by Felicity's lack of empathy towards Elizabeth. In one scene, Elizabeth and Felicity's grandfather share a moment discussing how much they miss England, and Felicity is surprised to hear Elizabeth say this because it never occurred to her that Elizabeth (who has only been in Virginia for a few months) would be homesick for England. In another scene Felicity drags Elizabeth to watch the Williamsburg militia practice, and is surprised that Elizabeth - a loyalist - is frightened by the Patriot soldiers rather than just finding them exciting as Felicity does.
One thing that I really liked about this book was how much they incorporated spring and the changing of the seasons in the story. It reminds you of how much more connected to the seasons people in Felicity's day were, and it made me feel like I was enjoying a beautiful spring day despite reading this on a cloudy February day. I thought it was clever how the plot incorporated an actual historic event (the theft of the gunpowder from the Magazine) into the story. I appreciate that conflicts between the Loyalists and the Patriots have been slowly building up over the course of Felicity's series, rather than just being a huge plot point from the start or introduced suddenly into one book. It feels like they are starting to come to a head now and things are becoming more serious. Even Felicity comes to the realization in this book that war is a frightening inevitability. I can't help but feel empathy for Felicity and the stress she feels being surrounded loved ones on the opposite sides of the political spectrum and being constantly worried that one will say something to upset another. Also, although it was kind of a disjointed end to the story, I really enjoyed Felicity's birthday party scene and thought that the kind words her grandfather said about her were super heartfelt and sweet.
Overall I am kind of bummed that I didn't like this one as much as Felicity's other stories, but I'm hopeful that the next two will be better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2023
Another wonderful entry in the series. I love the addition of Poise the little lamb. I also do like her Grandfather as another cast member as well. I think he shows that families can still love each other despite their different views. Now, when Felicity got her grandmother's guitar I just knew she would do something to it... I was right about that. I couldn't help but think "oh no Felicity don't do it" lol. I also think her grandfather was right to react the way he did, since it was his wife's favorite item and it was nearly destroyed.
I do think Felicity also more than redeems herself by her, Ben, and Isaac, alerting everyone their gun powder was being stolen. What was interesting to me is when I read the little historical section was that actually happened! (Please don't be mean, my American history is rusty I enjoy learning more about European history and Egyptian history despite being American lol). And what also intrigued me is no one knows who the real "whistle blower" was so it may have been some younger people. Overall, this was an exciting edition to the series as the beginnings of the revolutionary war begin to unfold.
Also side note: How EPIC would it be if American Girl would release adult books similar to these series. Like one thick novel of historical characters facing adult issues in their respected time periods just as these girls do. Like how interesting would it be to get their mother or older sister's perspective in these stories?
Anyways, onto the next one!
I do think Felicity also more than redeems herself by her, Ben, and Isaac, alerting everyone their gun powder was being stolen. What was interesting to me is when I read the little historical section was that actually happened! (Please don't be mean, my American history is rusty I enjoy learning more about European history and Egyptian history despite being American lol). And what also intrigued me is no one knows who the real "whistle blower" was so it may have been some younger people. Overall, this was an exciting edition to the series as the beginnings of the revolutionary war begin to unfold.
Also side note: How EPIC would it be if American Girl would release adult books similar to these series. Like one thick novel of historical characters facing adult issues in their respected time periods just as these girls do. Like how interesting would it be to get their mother or older sister's perspective in these stories?
Anyways, onto the next one!
January 1, 2022
This one seems to make a big shift in paying more attention to the local history. Felicity even gets to play a direct role.
The story is that Felicity's grandfather (a loyalist) comes for a visit, and now everyone has to worry that Ben (the apprentice, mind you) won't keep his damn mouth shut about politics. Other than that, Felicity is envious of Annabelle's guitar. This threw me off for a second and I had to look it up to see that there was indeed an "English guitar" at the time. I'm curious how popular it was for women to play the guitar, because in books from near this time (such as those written by Jane Austen), I just remember pianos (pianoforte), harp, singing, etc.
There is a lot of stuff in this book that is thrown in but not given attention. For example, the cute lamb? Barely gets a mention. Maybe they were just putting those things in so they could sell them as doll accessories.
The main event centers on the seizure of the colonists' gunpowder, which happened in Williamsburg at the time this book is set (the old-school cover says 1774 for all the books even though they stretch over 2 years). Felicity also first comes to realize the seriousness of the conflict and that the militia isn't just practicing for fun.
A freed black makes an appearance a couple of times. He's a teenager and drummer for the militia. While that's all well and good, I wonder if the apparent slaves of the Merriman family are ever even going to be acknowledged as slaves.
The story is that Felicity's grandfather (a loyalist) comes for a visit, and now everyone has to worry that Ben (the apprentice, mind you) won't keep his damn mouth shut about politics. Other than that, Felicity is envious of Annabelle's guitar. This threw me off for a second and I had to look it up to see that there was indeed an "English guitar" at the time. I'm curious how popular it was for women to play the guitar, because in books from near this time (such as those written by Jane Austen), I just remember pianos (pianoforte), harp, singing, etc.
There is a lot of stuff in this book that is thrown in but not given attention. For example, the cute lamb? Barely gets a mention. Maybe they were just putting those things in so they could sell them as doll accessories.
The main event centers on the seizure of the colonists' gunpowder, which happened in Williamsburg at the time this book is set (the old-school cover says 1774 for all the books even though they stretch over 2 years). Felicity also first comes to realize the seriousness of the conflict and that the militia isn't just practicing for fun.
A freed black makes an appearance a couple of times. He's a teenager and drummer for the militia. While that's all well and good, I wonder if the apparent slaves of the Merriman family are ever even going to be acknowledged as slaves.
February 22, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this one at all but that’s okay. It was Felicity’s birthday, her grandfather had come to stay and the militia was getting stronger.
What I did like was that Felicity got some nice gifts for her birthday with the baby lamb, the grandmothers guitar and her birthday party. I didn’t like that her mother was so controlling over the guitar, if her teacher offered lessons I saw no reason why she couldn’t have taken it there, but they were very harsh on her. I get she shouldn’t have taken it to Elizabeth’s but, they didn’t need to be so rude.
Her grandfather coming whilst the militia were around starting to cause more drama was an interesting take as he is on the opposing side and has his own strong opinions. I did like how he and Elizabeth got to have a conversation together that was sweet. Felicity really put herself and her friends at risk to stop the military, it was really rather reckless and scary that she did that.
So yes I honestly didn’t enjoy it at all, there were very small parts I liked but most of it I didn’t at all, from the way Felicity got treated to all the goings on within it, I wasn’t a fan of this story at all.
What I did like was that Felicity got some nice gifts for her birthday with the baby lamb, the grandmothers guitar and her birthday party. I didn’t like that her mother was so controlling over the guitar, if her teacher offered lessons I saw no reason why she couldn’t have taken it there, but they were very harsh on her. I get she shouldn’t have taken it to Elizabeth’s but, they didn’t need to be so rude.
Her grandfather coming whilst the militia were around starting to cause more drama was an interesting take as he is on the opposing side and has his own strong opinions. I did like how he and Elizabeth got to have a conversation together that was sweet. Felicity really put herself and her friends at risk to stop the military, it was really rather reckless and scary that she did that.
So yes I honestly didn’t enjoy it at all, there were very small parts I liked but most of it I didn’t at all, from the way Felicity got treated to all the goings on within it, I wasn’t a fan of this story at all.
June 25, 2021
I like how the historical episode is covered in this book. I do have some problems with accuracy on smaller things, however. Is the instrument Felicity and Annabelle play really a guitar? It looks more like a lute or a mandolin. Why not give the correct name for the instrument? Also, in the afternotes in this book and the last, it specifically states that boys William's age would be wearing frocks (they do not wear breeches until they are six, I believe). So why does the picture of William (pg. 20) show him wearing breeches? A very inaccurate portrait by the illustrator.
Also, Felicity's punishment for nearly ruining the old guitar did not last very long. Neither could I understand why her father thought she was lying about what she overheard. There was no correlation to sneaking out with the guitar and for overhearing the British plans. That's like saying because a child sneaks a cookie from the cookie jar, everything else they say must be a lie. Weird.
Also, Felicity's punishment for nearly ruining the old guitar did not last very long. Neither could I understand why her father thought she was lying about what she overheard. There was no correlation to sneaking out with the guitar and for overhearing the British plans. That's like saying because a child sneaks a cookie from the cookie jar, everything else they say must be a lie. Weird.
August 24, 2020
1. I used to think that my instinct to wear a pretty pink dress on my birthday was due to Barbie, but now I'm thinking that Samantha's, Kirsten's, and Felcity's baller birthday looks all being pink definitely contributes to that.
2. I think this is the first time that I've reread Felcity since going to Williamsburg, and it's really fun having seen some of the settings irl (even though it's been 15 years and some of the memories are much more vague than others). #literarytourismFTW
3. I love Felicity's slow evolution into a true Patriot and how she and everyone else in these books has to decide where he/she stands one issue/event at a time. This is how we have always made political decisions, but it's something I think we've forgotten as our two-party system starts to feel more and more polarized. Maybe we all need a Felicity (re)read. ;)
2. I think this is the first time that I've reread Felcity since going to Williamsburg, and it's really fun having seen some of the settings irl (even though it's been 15 years and some of the memories are much more vague than others). #literarytourismFTW
3. I love Felicity's slow evolution into a true Patriot and how she and everyone else in these books has to decide where he/she stands one issue/event at a time. This is how we have always made political decisions, but it's something I think we've forgotten as our two-party system starts to feel more and more polarized. Maybe we all need a Felicity (re)read. ;)
May 1, 2022
Not my fave AG or my fave Felicity, but it's fine. I was glad to see them sort of briefly kind of acknowledge some of the racial tensions of the time period but at the same time it felt pretty glossed over and quick. I don't care for Felicity’s grandfather, and I was a little disappointed that Felicity herself was back to causing me secondhand embarrassment. However, I think there's a surprising amount of subtlety in her character growth. She's gone from rushing in headfirst without thinking about the consequences, to rushing in headfirst even after she's thought about the consequences. It's a logical stepping stone even if it does make my sneaky nine-year-old self cringe. I guess I'll have to wait until the end of the series for her to really grow into balancing her headstrong nature and her good sense.
June 17, 2020
I read the American Girl Felicity books when I was a kid. I even had the Felicity doll. In June 2020, a friend and I spotted all six Felicity books in a tiny neighborhood library and thought it’d be fun to reread them. The references to God made me kind of uncomfortable, but they were mild enough. The Patriots vs the Loyalists very much echoes progressives/liberals vs conservatives/Trump supporters today. But overall I enjoyed the trip down memory lane — I’d forgotten how brave and passionate Felicity is as a character. She is definitely a good role model.
March 4, 2021
Nine-year-old Felicity is growing up in Colonial America during the pre-Revolutionary War period.
Patriots and Loyalist exist within her own family which causes tension. When Felicity receives a guitar for her birthday, she couldn't be happier! Felicity disobeys her parents when she removes the guitar from their home and a chain of exciting events occur! The "Looking Back" section of this historical novel focuses on the lives of children during Colonial America.
Patriots and Loyalist exist within her own family which causes tension. When Felicity receives a guitar for her birthday, she couldn't be happier! Felicity disobeys her parents when she removes the guitar from their home and a chain of exciting events occur! The "Looking Back" section of this historical novel focuses on the lives of children during Colonial America.
January 23, 2022
This one has been my favorite so far, and I’m not just saying that cause it includes my favorite dress in Felicity’s collection (her pink springtime dress). This story had everything I wanted. It was suspenseful with its tension between the loyalists and patriots, Grandfather’s commitment to the king, and Elizabeth’s feelings. However it was beautifully contrasted by the delicate nature of Felicity’s guitar, garden, lamb, and birthday. The ending was so sweet it made my tear up. Maybe I’m just a sucker for the spring but this story made me feel really good.
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