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panda_incognito's review against another edition
3.0
This is another book where Felicity is disobedient and makes unwise choices.
The pacing is a bit off for this book as well, but it's still entertaining, and covers lots of vivid historical details. Then, in the back of the book, the "peek into the past" clearly addresses slavery and the harsh realities of plantation life. Since the previous books in the series rarely make it clear which black characters are paid servants versus slaves, I appreciate the choice to finally address the topic in detail.
Spoiler
One has to wonder why her parents and grandfather were more disturbed, angry, and harsh about her potentially damaging her grandmother's antique guitar in the last book than they are about her trying to help her father's apprentice run away in this one. These misplaced priorities may serve the plot of both books, but they seem very dubious from an adult perspective.The pacing is a bit off for this book as well, but it's still entertaining, and covers lots of vivid historical details. Then, in the back of the book, the "peek into the past" clearly addresses slavery and the harsh realities of plantation life. Since the previous books in the series rarely make it clear which black characters are paid servants versus slaves, I appreciate the choice to finally address the topic in detail.
meghan's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
fms's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
laurao's review against another edition
2.0
"It seemed to [Felicity] that life on the plantation was busy and lazy at the same time. There were a great many things to do, all of them pleasant, and there was never any hurry about getting them done." page 7
It takes over a hundred enslaved people to keep the plantation running. Felicity knows this, as she mentions the slave quarters and talking to the overseer. Yet, there isn't a single mention of any of these people in the narrative of the story. I'd give the story one star, but half of "A Peek Into the Past" goes into some of the horrors.
It takes over a hundred enslaved people to keep the plantation running. Felicity knows this, as she mentions the slave quarters and talking to the overseer. Yet, there isn't a single mention of any of these people in the narrative of the story. I'd give the story one star, but half of "A Peek Into the Past" goes into some of the horrors.
bronwynmb's review against another edition
4.0
I’m starting the American Girls podcast, so I’m rereading my AG books before I listen to the episodes.
Not my favorite book, but I do like how the Revolution is getting closer, with all that means. It seemed a bit simple and quiet otherwise though.
Not my favorite book, but I do like how the Revolution is getting closer, with all that means. It seemed a bit simple and quiet otherwise though.
piburnjones's review against another edition
4.0
Ahhh, summertime on a Virginia plantation. So charming... as long as you have the right set of privileges.
Here's what jumps out as an adult in 2019, vs. as a kid in the early '90s:
1. Book after book, we keep referring back to Felicity "saving" Penny or "helping Penny run away" from mean old Jiggy Nye. You guys, even though she wasn't caught or punished, even though she let Penny loose, she still stole. that. horse. I am 100% positive this didn't bother me at all as a kid, or even seemed right that Felicity and Penny were reunited at last. As an adult, this plot bothers me a lot.
2. Was this the first time one of the Felicity books used the word "slave"?! Given the degree to which these books avoid explaining anything about slavery, it's no wonder that I was (at age seven) confused by the distinction between slaves and servants. Yikes.
3. What exactly is wrong with Ben's leg that can be solved with a poultice, yet leaves him unable to walk on it for DAYS? I'm settling on some kind of sprain, I guess, but gosh isn't it convenient that Felicity can help, and yet Ben can't leave.
4. Felicity and Ben must be just charming as all get-out, because the Merriman parents just never seem as angry with them as one might expect.
5. I can't decide whether it would suck more to be Nan, who at SIX YEARS OLD, seems to spend a lot of time trying to keep Felicity in line, or to be Felicity, who is constantly chided by her six-year-old sister. I'm a little amazed these polar opposites aren't more antagonistic.
Here's what jumps out as an adult in 2019, vs. as a kid in the early '90s:
1. Book after book, we keep referring back to Felicity "saving" Penny or "helping Penny run away" from mean old Jiggy Nye. You guys, even though she wasn't caught or punished, even though she let Penny loose, she still stole. that. horse. I am 100% positive this didn't bother me at all as a kid, or even seemed right that Felicity and Penny were reunited at last. As an adult, this plot bothers me a lot.
2. Was this the first time one of the Felicity books used the word "slave"?! Given the degree to which these books avoid explaining anything about slavery, it's no wonder that I was (at age seven) confused by the distinction between slaves and servants. Yikes.
3. What exactly is wrong with Ben's leg that can be solved with a poultice, yet leaves him unable to walk on it for DAYS? I'm settling on some kind of sprain, I guess, but gosh isn't it convenient that Felicity can help, and yet Ben can't leave.
4. Felicity and Ben must be just charming as all get-out, because the Merriman parents just never seem as angry with them as one might expect.
5. I can't decide whether it would suck more to be Nan, who at SIX YEARS OLD, seems to spend a lot of time trying to keep Felicity in line, or to be Felicity, who is constantly chided by her six-year-old sister. I'm a little amazed these polar opposites aren't more antagonistic.
emlickliter's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
5.0
Felicity Saves the Day: A Summer Story by Valerie Tripp – Though I am more like Nan when it comes to horse, I blame Felicity for my horse mad phase in grade school! Happy Reading!
rcpope's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Slavery
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