Product Description

In 1864, the members of Addy Walker's family are separated when their owner sells some of his slaves, and Addy and her mother risk everything to escape to Philadelphia, in the hope that their family will someday be together again. Simultaneous.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #178287 in Books
• Published on: 1993-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 69 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Addy Walker, the newest character in the American Girls Collection of dolls, accessories and books, stars in these bright historical novels. In the first, the nine-year-old girl, a slave on a North Carolina plantation during the Civil War, overhears her parents whispering about the possibility of running away. But after Addy's father and older brother are sold to another master, mother and daughter make the break alone. In a heart-rending scene, the two leave Addy's young sister, Esther, in the care of fellow slaves and begin their harrowing journey on foot to a "safe house." From there they are transported by abolitionists to a ship that takes them to Philadelphia--and freedom. The second novel, lacking the dramatic tension of its predecessor but equally poignant, recounts Addy's adjustment to living free in an unfamiliar urban environment. Porter's easily flowing narrative follows Addy as she attends school for the first time and learns about the true meaning of friendship. As in the previous American Girls novels, these two neatly balance fiction and fact, the latter quality reinforced by the concise historical notes, entitled "A Peek into the Past," which conclude each volume. Rosales's emotion-charged illustrations effectively convey Addy's affability and pluck. A third installment, Addy's Surprise , is also due in September. Ages 7-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-Addy is a nine-year-old slave when the first story opens in 1864. The likable young heroine wakes up to hear her parents discussing whether they should try to escape or wait until the end of the war. Readers follow the girl into the tobacco fields where she worms the plants, feel her heartbreak as she sees her beloved father sold, and steal through the night with her as she and her mother make a run for the North. Their hunger, the loss of her baby sister, insect bites, and the fear of Confederate soldiers all ring true. While most of their hardships are resolved a bit too quickly, youngsters will empathize with and relate to the strong characters. The book ends as mother and daughter make their way to Philadelphia, but there's no indication that the family is reunited. Addy Learns a Lesson is a more self-contained story. Now in Philadelphia, the girl goes to school for the first time and makes a friend. She learns that there are haves and have-nots, the effects of jealousy, and the double-edged sword of freedom. Attractive, subtly shaded, realistic full-color paintings bring characters and scenes to life, dramatically conveying feelings and action. A "Peek into the Past" section of photographs and facts is appended to each title. These series entries will be popular additions to historical fiction collections.
Susannah Price, Boise Public Library, ID
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
An African-American, widely praised for her first adult novel (All-Bright Court, 1991), initiates a series about a girl born in slavery and growing up during Reconstruction. This first book is not so much plotted as planned to exemplify carefully researched experiences: after Addy's father and older brother are sold in 1864, she and Momma easily follow Poppa's plan to flee from North Carolina to Philadelphia, with just a couple of suspenseful episodes en route. A number of grim details are included (Addy knows hunger, an overseer once forces her to eat tobacco worms, and the whip is a constant threat), but the emphasis is on the courage, love, and solidarity of Addy's family (Momma's charitable words when half her family's just been sold stretch credulity). An authentic (if slightly bland), accessible story for those who aren't ready for the grim reality of books like Paulsen's Nightjohn (p. 67). Touching, well-crafted realistic paintings; historical note. (Fiction. 8-12) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

Introduction to a painful topic
Addy is the story of a black girl in 1864, as the Civil War was in its ending stages. My second grade niece, an advanced reader, was immediately engrossed in the story. The subject matter may be a bit over her head, though. I suggested she compare Addy's family with her own, asking "Today, no one owns your family, do they?" The reply I got was "Yes, grandma!" Another reviewer says this is a third to 6th grade book--probably third or fourth grade is about right. Although paper, the quality is high, with nice illustrations. Kudos to American Girl for giving us an excellent alternative to Barbie!

Another excellent American Girls book
This is the first in the American Girls series about Addy Walker, a nine-year-old African-American girl living in the America of 1864. Addy and her family are slaves living on a plantation in North Carolina. The North appears to be winning the war, but Addy's parents are afraid that their owner will sell part of the family, splitting them up, so they decide to run away. Disaster strikes when the master sells Addy's father and brother off before they can make good their escape. Now, it is up to Addy and her mother, and Addy will have to do things much harder than she ever contemplated!

The final chapter of this wonderful book is a highly informative look at slavery in America. This book is another excellent addition to the American Girls collection. It shows the horror and degradation of slavery, and yet produces an uplifting story. My eleven-year-old daughter and I both liked reading this book, and highly recommend it to you.

A Brave Girl...Nakaissia's Review
It was an exciting story. I wanted to read it a lot. It was brave of her to keep her feelings inside and try to help her family to get to freedom. I am glad that she made it through, because I'm not sure I would have. I recommend this book for girls and boys, and even adults, as it's really good.