Movie Review: Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
Abigail Breslin stars in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. (Photo: © 2008 From HBO Films/A Picturehouse release - Photographer: Cylla von Tiedemann)
Every year there is a movie that stands out in your mind. For me, this year it is Kit Kittredge: An American Girl.
This film is based on the American Girl book series and stars Abigail Breslin as Kit. Kit is a courageous and determined 11-year-old girl who has a dream to be a reporter. The story takes us back in time to 1934 in Cincinnati, Ohio, during the Great Depression. Life is very difficult for many families, including Kit's. Her father loses his car dealership and leaves Cincinnati to look for work.
Kit and her mom work to help make the mortgage payments on the house. They grow vegetables, sell eggs, and take in a variety of quirky borders who over time become part of their family. Along the way, Kit becomes friends with two young hobos, Will and Contee.
Things get complicated when Will is accused of stealing the family's life savings and the Kittredges face losing their house to foreclosure. Believing that Will is innocent and trying to recover the stolen money, Kit taps into her reporter skills and recruits her friends to help solve the mystery.
The Depression changes each one of their lives. Kit learns that "the Depression made us struggle, but it also made us stronger." I think this movie is a meaningful way for kids like me to learn about a very challenging time in our country's history. The thing that is so special about the main character, Kit, is that no matter how difficult things get, she always looks at the bright side and stays positive.
To me, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl is a great movie for everyone because it is a heartwarming story, and you end up falling in love with Kit.
Be sure to read all of Sam's coverage of Kit Kittredge: An American Girl in our special report!
Samantha Group is a member of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.
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Lightning McQueen Build & Race
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Lightning McQueen Build & Race
Build, customize, and race 12 sturdy board-stock cars, including familiar faces like Mater, Francesco, Sally, and, of course, Lightning McQueen. Punch out the cars and customize them with the included reusable vinyl stickers. Snap on a set of our amazing, interchangeable, smooth-rolling wheels, and then race the cars on one of the book's giant fold-out racetracks.
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