Reviews

Happy Birthday, Molly! by Valerie Tripp

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susannadkm's review against another edition

dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

2.5 stars. This story is a little contrived, having an English girl come to stay with the McIntyres. Molly says some really insensitive things. But I felt like the argument between the girls about their countries was very believable, and the anger was real.

jgurniak's review against another edition

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5.0

The American Girl books are very cute. This was one of my favourites.

roseleaf24's review against another edition

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3.0

Keeping up with the kiddo with this read. ;) This is an excellent introduction to what the war was like for a British child, and the history is conveyed smoothly. But the girls were so petty in this story, it was frustrating. I found it difficult to believe that the children wouldn't have gotten a little more explanation from adults to encourage compassion.

sealbrecht's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

dianametzger's review against another edition

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4.0

Read to Isabel: This was a really satisfying Molly story because she had to grapple with her own selfishness and the war’s effects on others in a message that can translate to modern girls too. But why do these books always end before the big event the book seems to be leading up to—odd storytelling.

rebeccatc's review against another edition

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4.0

This did a very good job of introducing the concept of war to children and what it would be like to live through it. Molly develops a sense of empathy for the English refugee Emily that spurred some good discussion with my six year old.