Caroline

Caroline

When my girls were young there were five spunky American Girls
heroines: Felicity, Kirsten, Addy, Samantha, and Molly. Their
adventures were celebrated in six volume sets. Chapter book readers
love series with likeable protagonists who embody traits like courage
they value in themselves and their friends. As they got to know say
Molly, my daughters' favorite, they learned what it was like to live
in another era, in Molly's case, World War II.
There are now a dozen. Recently at Orono Public Library I
became acquainted with Caroline, venturesome ship builder's daughter.
In the beginning she is sailing with her father and cousins, unaware
that Great Britain has declared war on the United States.
(Communication in 1812 was not instantaneous like it is today.)
Suddenly they are boarded by a British officer and sailors who
confiscate the vessel and take the men prisoner.
In her father's absence Caroline strives to stay steady, to
behave in a way that will fill him with pride if he is able to
return. As she encounters situations she could not have imagined she
struggles to discern the best course of action. For instance, fishing
with her cousin and a friend, she sees a British sloop pursuing a
bateau with badly needed supplies. Blocking the channel might slow
down the sloop, buying time for the bateau. To do so she would have
to sink the Sparrow, the skiff her father built in happier times.
Fans of American Girls series books certainly have another
protagonist well worth cheering for!
On a personal note, I took my own American girl, Katie, back to school
shopping at the Orono Thrift Shop's buck a bag sale. It was amazing
how many lovely outfits we were able to find.
A great big shout out goes out to the wonderful volunteers who run the
Orono Thrift Shop.
Julia Emily Hathaway



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