Life is noisy and hard but full of love for 12-year-old Kathleen Murphy and her family. Kathleen dreams of living with her favorite aunt, Polly, fa...
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reviews
Oct 28, 2009
Maddie
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Way back when I still got American Girl doll catalogs, I was really excited to see that they were putting out a new line of dolls and books called Girls of Many Lands. I immediately wanted to read this book because it was Irish, and the girl in it is an Irish dancer, no less! I think this is the only novel I've ever read that's about Irish dancing, which I really appreciate, because that's what I do!
The story is about twelve-year-old Kathleen Murphy, who lives with her parents and More...
The story is about twelve-year-old Kathleen Murphy, who lives with her parents and More...
Jan 25, 2009
Kerry
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This is an entertaining tale of Kathleen, a young Irish girl. She is part of a large family, who lead their daily lives struggling for existence. Da is often out of work and there is barely enough food to get them through each day. Kathleen has dreams to carry her through. She dreams of dancing in fancy costumes, but often despairs that they will ever become a reality. The story ends on a high note, when Kathleen earns a medal in a dancing contest.
This is an uplifting story that I wou More...
This is an uplifting story that I wou More...
Jul 28, 2011
Ellie
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Cute story about an Irish girl finding her talent in traditional Irish step dancing. Had some WEIRD subtext commentary about the roles of women and marriage (WOMEN MUST GET MARRIED TO HAVE VALUE - this is my favorite message). Not entirely sure what to make of it, but I think some of it could easily go over the heads of kids.
Also, fyi, there's one cigarette and a small discussion of having a baby out of wedlock. Helps make this one appropriate for 5-6th graders.
Also, fyi, there's one cigarette and a small discussion of having a baby out of wedlock. Helps make this one appropriate for 5-6th graders.
Nov 24, 2008
Mary
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Kathleen takes place in old Ireland and begins with a regular day for the main character Kathleen. Accept when she is late for school and sent to the office. When she arrives the principal suggests she starts irish dance lessons and then one event leads to anouthor and she loves it! Along the way though there are some tough decisions and she might have to give up her lessons.
Sep 30, 2011
Laura
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I think this is my favorite of the Girls of Many Lands books (I have only read three or four, however). I liked the time period, learning more about why Ireland is now divided into two and I loved the dancing.
May 25, 2011
Denise
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This is another good story about Ireland after WWI. Teh eyar is 1937 and Ireland is a rather sad place amist the world wide depression. The characters are well developed and the story is well done.
Jan 05, 2012
Megatron
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Wow, I haven't read this for so long. I know I loved these books when I was about 12. No idea if I'd still like the series still, but I might read them again, for old times' sake. :)
Apr 26, 2011
Hannah
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I read these books ages ago!!! And I heartily recommend them to any girl who wants to learn about another culture. Kathleen was my favorite... I *think*. It's been a while. =)
Feb 18, 2011
Stephanie
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Just in time for St. Patty's day, an American Girl book about Kathleen! Kathleen lives in the slums of Ireland in the 30s and is offered a chance to learn to Irish Dance.
Jan 24, 2010
Meadow
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Kathleen is from Ireland, I'm part Irish, so it was a different experience knowing that is werer some of my roots are. Loved the cultural descriptions.
Jul 02, 2011
Madame
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I LOVE THIS BOOK!! I have always been interested in Ireland and Irsh dancing so its the perfent mix.
Jun 25, 2009
Katie
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I think it's supposed to inspire you. Maybe that's why I used to love it...
Jun 05, 2008
Linda
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Kathleen is an Irish girl living during the Depression. Her family is poor, yet optimistic, lively and encouraging. A nun as Kathleen's school suggests Kathleen take Irish dance lessons and Kathleen discovers her hidden talent. Sweet, but predictable. Kathleen is a little immature for her age, but nevertheless, girls will find this a pleasant story. Grades 3 - 6.
No reviews available.
No reviews available.
Jan 08, 2010
Meredith
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Violet's 2009-2010 reading page: http://happyheartsmom.typepad.com/sweetn...
Jun 28, 2008
Amy
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I only skimmed this book as Bethany informed me it was quite dull. Not what we expected from American Girl.
Feb 16, 2008
Katie
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These aren't literary masterpieces, but they are very popular with middle elem girls
Feb 11, 2012
Feb 03, 2012
Feb 02, 2012
