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Nine-year-old Kirsten and her family experience many hardships as they travel from Sweden to the Minnesota frontier in 1854.Tags
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These damn American Girl novels making feel all the feels. It could be the nostalgia talking but I absolutely loved this. I love what an age-appropriate history lesson these books teach without sugar coating it too much. This one really gives you a sense if just how scary it would be to journey across the ocean to an unfamiliar land, all in hope of making a better life. I cried a few little happy tears when they finally reached the Uncle's farm.
This is the first Kirsten book, which follows her family's journey from Sweden to their new home in Minnesota.
This book felt refreshing to move onto a new story and a different American Girls author besides Valerie Tripp. But one thing that bothers me through all of these books I've reread is the messaging to always obey their father. While of course that's important, the times the girls in these books invoke that commandment seem oppressive and petty ("I will leave X Thing behind because I must always listen to Papa"). The framing of it being "must always listen to Papa" is just weird to me instead of "left it because I had no choice." Sometimes I wonder if these books aren't only trying to depict historical life, but to perhaps model show more such a conservative family structure to children as well. show less
This book felt refreshing to move onto a new story and a different American Girls author besides Valerie Tripp. But one thing that bothers me through all of these books I've reread is the messaging to always obey their father. While of course that's important, the times the girls in these books invoke that commandment seem oppressive and petty ("I will leave X Thing behind because I must always listen to Papa"). The framing of it being "must always listen to Papa" is just weird to me instead of "left it because I had no choice." Sometimes I wonder if these books aren't only trying to depict historical life, but to perhaps model show more such a conservative family structure to children as well. show less
My daughter just got an American Girl doll for Christmas. Not Kirsten - Samantha, actually. But it made me think about how much I loved these books as a child, and how much I hope she will too. I think these books get a bad rap now, because the series seems so omnipresent and commercialized. But I know that as a child, these books gave me a lasting interest in history. For the first time, I had some idea of what it would be like, if I had been born into another time. The Pleasant Company books personalized history.
Unfortunately, now that the company has been bought out by Mattel, they have abandoned the whole idea of bringing girls to history and now seek to bring history to the girl - milking it for maximum entertainment, and the show more minimum educational value. But the Kirsten, Samantha and Molly books were different. They ARE formulaic. But even that formula serves its purpose, lets the reader compare her own life and traditions to those of the girl in the story, think about what would have been different, and what would be more familiar to a modern girl than you might expect.
Whenever you study history, whether as a first grader, or as a college professor, you are seeking to apply it to your life now, to decide whether our society is still following the same pattern, whether life today is better or worse, and why...The first step to all of that is to be able to put yourself in the shoes of someone who lived before you. These books enable you to do that. Everyone should read them. They are a wonderful start to a fascinating subject, and will only make your daughter want to learn more.
Sorry to be so sexist, but I do think it is very unlikely any boy will want to read a series subtitled "An American Girl". Although I quite enjoyed "The American Boys' Handy Book" and my dad's old issues of Boys Life as a kid. Still, it's too bad there aren't any comparable series for boys. Why is it that history, at the elementary level, appears to be viewed as a feminine domain? And at the adult level, mainstream historical study becomes traditionally masculine? (At least it seems to be - the History Channel is forever showing things about wars, fighting, planes - all those things little boys were supposed to like when we were nine, and in my own experience, grown men are equally fascinated by).
Ok, I've completely gone off the subject. Do buy these books. They're not just a way to get girls to buy dolls. Look beyond the marketing. show less
Unfortunately, now that the company has been bought out by Mattel, they have abandoned the whole idea of bringing girls to history and now seek to bring history to the girl - milking it for maximum entertainment, and the show more minimum educational value. But the Kirsten, Samantha and Molly books were different. They ARE formulaic. But even that formula serves its purpose, lets the reader compare her own life and traditions to those of the girl in the story, think about what would have been different, and what would be more familiar to a modern girl than you might expect.
Whenever you study history, whether as a first grader, or as a college professor, you are seeking to apply it to your life now, to decide whether our society is still following the same pattern, whether life today is better or worse, and why...The first step to all of that is to be able to put yourself in the shoes of someone who lived before you. These books enable you to do that. Everyone should read them. They are a wonderful start to a fascinating subject, and will only make your daughter want to learn more.
Sorry to be so sexist, but I do think it is very unlikely any boy will want to read a series subtitled "An American Girl". Although I quite enjoyed "The American Boys' Handy Book" and my dad's old issues of Boys Life as a kid. Still, it's too bad there aren't any comparable series for boys. Why is it that history, at the elementary level, appears to be viewed as a feminine domain? And at the adult level, mainstream historical study becomes traditionally masculine? (At least it seems to be - the History Channel is forever showing things about wars, fighting, planes - all those things little boys were supposed to like when we were nine, and in my own experience, grown men are equally fascinated by).
Ok, I've completely gone off the subject. Do buy these books. They're not just a way to get girls to buy dolls. Look beyond the marketing. show less
I liked this book better than the Felicity one, tbh. It felt more real to me, although also more profound/sobering. This is a children's book, targeted at the upper grades of elementary school. (grades 3-6)
Kirsten's family is traveling from Sweden for hopes of a better life in America, where there is already some family in Minnesota to help them get settled. There is some culture shock for Kirsten to deal with, but it is better with the presence and support of her extended family. There is still some sadness in here, with a death, but then, as I said, this book felt more real to me than Felicity. Overall a good book for young girls to give them a taste of what life was like back then, presented in an age-appropriate way.
Kirsten's family is traveling from Sweden for hopes of a better life in America, where there is already some family in Minnesota to help them get settled. There is some culture shock for Kirsten to deal with, but it is better with the presence and support of her extended family. There is still some sadness in here, with a death, but then, as I said, this book felt more real to me than Felicity. Overall a good book for young girls to give them a taste of what life was like back then, presented in an age-appropriate way.
Kirsten's story is well-paced and sure to capture the attention of its readers. Kirsten and her family are approaching America on a ship, which is pummeled by a storm. Despite the awfulness of being cooped up inside where the smells of people's sickness is unavoidable, at least Kirsten has a friend whose family also came from Sweden to America. Once in America things do not get easier. Kirsten gets lost and no one can understand her, and then her friend gets mortally ill. Finally, they reach Minnesota and are greeted by family.
I enjoyed the Kirsten story better than Josefina's, mainly because Josefina's narrative so seemed so flat. She never really came alive for me. Kirsten's narrative is told in a more engaging manner, Kirsten seems show more more rounded and interesting and the tale builds in a way that makes one want to keep reading. Recommended for 6-9 year olds. show less
I enjoyed the Kirsten story better than Josefina's, mainly because Josefina's narrative so seemed so flat. She never really came alive for me. Kirsten's narrative is told in a more engaging manner, Kirsten seems show more more rounded and interesting and the tale builds in a way that makes one want to keep reading. Recommended for 6-9 year olds. show less
I adored this book, the main message was that while things may get hard you can overcome anything as long as you work hard enough. The plot to this book was wonderful it was logical. I loved how the author took the readers along with Kirsten on her journey to her home and the struggles that come along with adjusting to working on a farm. I also loved the style it was written in. Unlike most books describing the life of immigrants the story seemed as if it was written as if it could have been a journal from someone looking into the life of this family.
ISBN 0590437879 – As a newly converted fan of the American Girls books, Meet Kirsten was a pleasant read for me. I do have some problems with it, but I’ll save those for last.
Kirsten and her family arrive in America from Sweden in 1854. On the ship, she’s made a great friend in fellow traveler Marta, but they are separated in New York when Kirsten’s family goes on a day before Marta’s. New York is loud, dirty and crowded with people who speak languages Kirsten doesn’t recognize – a problem when she becomes separated from her father. Traveling by train, steamboat and even on foot, the family faces challenges all the way to Minnesota, where they join Uncle Olav and his family.
***SPOILER ALERT*** I was very curious about how show more realistic the story could be without a death aboard the crowded ship. When the family disembarked and everyone was still alive, I was disappointed (for the lack of reality) and relieved (because it is a childrens’ book). Reality returned with a death (I won’t say who) along the way across the country and I was rather surprised that they handled it well. If your child is apt to be upset by the death of a character that they identify with, please read the book before handing it over. The illustrations are average and rather bland, with one exception being the burial. The informative pages at the back, filled with historical facts, keep the book from being too much of a sell-the-dolls tool.
- AnnaLovesBooks show less
Kirsten and her family arrive in America from Sweden in 1854. On the ship, she’s made a great friend in fellow traveler Marta, but they are separated in New York when Kirsten’s family goes on a day before Marta’s. New York is loud, dirty and crowded with people who speak languages Kirsten doesn’t recognize – a problem when she becomes separated from her father. Traveling by train, steamboat and even on foot, the family faces challenges all the way to Minnesota, where they join Uncle Olav and his family.
***SPOILER ALERT*** I was very curious about how show more realistic the story could be without a death aboard the crowded ship. When the family disembarked and everyone was still alive, I was disappointed (for the lack of reality) and relieved (because it is a childrens’ book). Reality returned with a death (I won’t say who) along the way across the country and I was rather surprised that they handled it well. If your child is apt to be upset by the death of a character that they identify with, please read the book before handing it over. The illustrations are average and rather bland, with one exception being the burial. The informative pages at the back, filled with historical facts, keep the book from being too much of a sell-the-dolls tool.
- AnnaLovesBooks show less
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Author Information
46+ Works 23,508 Members
Series
Belongs to Publisher Series
American Girl (Kirsten 1)
Work Relationships
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Meet Kirsten: An American Girl
- Original publication date
- 1986
- People/Characters
- Kirsten Larson; Lars Larson; Peter Larson; Anna Larson; Lisbeth Larson; (Uncle) Olav Larson (Uncle) (show all 8); (Aunt) Inger Larson (Aunt); Marta
- Important places
- New York, New York, USA; Minnesota, USA
- Dedication
- For my mother, Nadina Fowler
- First words
- "That's America!" Kirsten said happily.
- Quotations
- Kirsten looked down at her dusty boots. Saying good-bye to the people she loved was the hardest thing in the world to do. She didn't want Marta to see the tears that stung her eyes. So she took a deep breath before she sai... (show all)d, "Marta, I'll tell you what my grandmother said to me before we left Sweden. Mormor said, "When you're lonely, look at the sun. Remember that we all see the same sun."
"Do you do that?" Marta asked. Do you look at the sun and think of your grandmother?"
"When I miss Mormor, I look at the sun and pray for her," Kirsten said.
Now Marta managed a small smile. "Then when I miss you, I'll look at the sun. Will you do the same?"
"Yes. And say a prayer. I will. I'll say, 'God bless Marta.'"
"I'll say a prayer, too," Marta agreed. "And I'll be looking for you everywhere." (ch. 3, pgs. 26-27)
Then Kirsten felt Mama's arms around her, and Papa patted her on her shoulder. "Enough crying. Stop now, Kirsten," he said.
But Mama cradled her and said softly, "Let her have her tears." (ch. 4, pgs. 39-40) - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)And at the end of her journey, she had a new home in a new land, with a life full of opportunity ahead of her. ("Looking Back" section end.)
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)"But come visit me! I'm here!" (Story end.) - Publisher's editor
- Jeanne Thieme
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- Children's Books, Fiction and Literature
- DDC/MDS
- 268.86 — Religion Christian organization, social work & worship Religious education By Denomination Baptist
- LCC
- PZ7 .S53423 .M — Language and Literature Fiction and juvenile belles lettres Fiction and juvenile belles lettres Juvenile belles lettres
- BISAC
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- Reviews
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