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Felicity Learns a Lesson: A School Story (American Girl: Felicity #2) by Valerie Tripp

 

Summary (from the publisher): Felicity is sent to Miss Manderly's house to learn to be a polite gentlewoman. She practices elegant penmanship, fancy stitchery, formal dancing, and the proper way to serve tea. Two sisters from England join the lessons, and one of them, Elizabeth, becomes Felicity's best friend. Learning a tea ceremony is great fun, until Felicity's Father decides that the king's tax on tea is unfair, and he refuses to sell tea in his store or to drink it in the Merriman household. How can Felicity continue the tea lessons she loves and still be loyal to her father?

Review: Felicity's parents have decided that it is time for her to receive lessons to train in the arts of a polite gentlewoman. At Miss Manderly's house, she receives lessons in penmanship, fancy stitchery, and serving tea, along with two sisters recently moved to the colonies from England. The younger sister, Elizabeth, quickly becomes fast friends with Felicity. But the older sister, Annabelle, is a snob and very condescending to colonists. This tension is significantly escalated when Felicity's father decides to refuse to sell tea in his store or drink it at home in support of the colonists protesting the unfair tea tax by the King. Felicity feels great anxiety about what to do in order to still continue her lessons but also be loyal to her father and his beliefs. 

Author Valerie Tripp does such a great job in this novel at weaving in very historical relevant issues of the day in an easily digestible and relatable way for young readers. This book really covers very adult topics but from a child's understanding. It prompted some great conversation with my daughters about the history of our country in relation to England and also about politics and differing opinions today. It also led to some great questions about education and school for girls during this time period and why Felicity doesn't go to traditional classes. 

I really enjoyed this book rereading it after so many years. I was happy to see that Felicity was better behaved in this book and not engaging in risky behavior with wild horses ha. 

Stars: 4

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