Felicity's Surprise: A Christmas Story (American Girls Collection Series: Felicity #3) Book

When Mother becomes ill, Felicity fears the worst. But a glorious surprise reminds her that Christmas is a time when dreams can come true.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-- Felicity is a nine-year-old living in Williamsburg in 1774. The first book concerns lessons in gentlewomanly comportment; although she initially expresses a desire to learn Latin, Greek, philosophy, and geography, one look at Mrs. Manderly's tea service is enough to win her over completely to lessons in the social graces. Her enjoyment runs up against her father's decision not to sell tea in his shop until the hated tax is repealed. Felicity's Surprise revolves around the creation of a new gown to wear to the governor's palace two weeks after Christmas. Whether or not to attend is the first battle of conscience, as Felicity's father's business has suffered since he sided with those opposed to the king's tax. Her mother's illness, however, temporarily drives away all thoughts of the party. A ``Peek into the Past'' section concludes each volume. The characterizations are superficial and the background information and historical detail frequently overwhelm all else. The illustrations are colorful, but figures are awkwardly depicted. Purchase where the series is popular; those who didn't buy early volumes may safely skip these undistinguished offerings as well. --Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph