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Kit Saves the Day: A Summer Story (American Girl: Kit #5) by Valerie Tripp

 

Summary (from the publisher): Kit is ready for an adventure. Actually, she is ready for anything - as long as it doesn't involve chores, which are all she's been doing all summer long. When a young hobo named Will stops to work in the Kittredges' garden in exchange for a meal, he tells Kit about life on the road. Kit imagines Will has the life of freedom and adventure she longs for - on the move, seeing the world, sleeping under the stars. Then Will leaves without taking food to share with the other hoboes in the hobo jungle. Kit is determined to visit the jungle - and Will. But when she does, she gets more than she bargained for!

Review: Kit has had a boring summer at home doing chores. When a young hobo helps with their garden in exchange for food, she is dazzled by his stories of hopping the rails and living in the hobo jungle. But when she gets the chance for an adventure of her own, it goes from fun to scary quickly and Kit regrets her choices. 

This was the most thrilling and anxiety-inducing Kit story yet by far! Kit's parents let her visit a hobo camp to find Will, which ultimately leads to her hopping a train and getting caught. I was so scared for her when is trying to get home alone on the trestle bridge! So dangerous! My kids were listening with bated breath and kept talking about how Kit should not have done that. It was a great lesson in using your judgement and not chasing a thrill over safety and smart choices. 

I also liked that this book sheds light on how hoboes did live during the Great Depression. Kit, privileged to still live in her home with her family, romanticizes this transient existence and I love that the book doesn't shy away from showing the realities of life living outside and on the road. I also love that Kit's brother is working in Montana for the Civilan Conservation Corps, which was also detailed in the peek into the past section at the end of the book. I enjoyed talking to my kids about the CCC and the histroy behind it, especially since we have a state park locally that we visit that was originally built by the CCC. My children thought this was so cool. 

Another excellent title from Valerie Tripp that introduces history in a fun and relatable way. My 8-year-old said I should definitely give this one five full stars!

Stars: 5

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