AR: 3.7

I particularly enjoyed the setting in this book, and while I would have absolutely hated a game like the one they play at camp (I hated a lot of things about camp, really, but most of that is because of my social issues that were developing at the time), it was fun to read about the strategy, wins, and losses. I will tell you right now, though, (possible spoiler) that if anyone dumped a jar of spiders on my head (or even just 1 spider, anywhere on me), I would never talk to them again. I would definitely not be bringing them an ice cream cone later that day.

I thought these books might be silly or feel too light, since these books were written to go along with actual dolls, thus they could have been very quick and simple. However, they don't smack of a marketing ploy; the author did a great job with them, and they're really just like any other book series written for kids this age. Also, the "Looking Back" section at the end of each book is really interesting! I love that it gives a little history of the time period, generally relating to the story, with pictures and even examples of ads/posters/propaganda from that time period. The focus is on children and even women, which is something that you really aren't going to see a lot of places. I think these books could be a great resource for teaching kids age 7 about the time period, how kids lived in those days, and the hardships they had to deal with. If I'd gotten to these books when my daughter was younger, I would have had her read them and then discussed them with her afterward. ( )

Molly learns about team work and facing fears.

This was a story about American Girl Molly. She goes off to a camp called Camp Gowonagin. Their camp director announces that the girls will participate in a Color War, red team vs blue team. In this color war, they are to capture the flag that is hidden by the red team on Chocolate Drop Island. Molly ends up saving the day by taking over after the blue teams leader, Dorinda, was captured and taken to the prison. I enjoy the American Girl doll books, but had never read this one. After reading it, I realized how important it is to work together as a team to get the job done. I would use this book in my classroom to show how important friendships are to have. I could teach this lesson over working together in groups, and how it can help get things done faster, and better! ( )

Molly is headed off to Camp Gowonagin for the summer. Her friendships will be tested with the Color War. Will she find a way to save her friendships and win the war?