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American Girl: Caroline #2
Caroline's Secret Message
Caroline and her mother make a dangerous journey across Lake Ontario to the British fort where Papa is being held prisoner. When Mama isn't allowed to see Papa, it's up to Caroline to pass a secret message to him--right under the nose of a British guard! She hopes desperately that Papa will understand her message and make an escape. But can she get to him in time?
The illustrated "Looking Back" section explores how the War of 1812 affected women and children.
The illustrated "Looking Back" section explores how the War of 1812 affected women and children.
93 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2012
9 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ernst
57 books382 followersI grew up in Maryland, in a house full of books! Both of my parents were avid readers, thank goodness. Before we traveled to a new area, my librarian-mom used to bring home historical novels set in that place. It was a great way to get excited about history.
I began writing stories when I was maybe 10 or 11. At 15 I wrote my first novel; I sold my first novel to a publisher 20 years later! Writing was my hobby, so during those two decades I just kept practicing, reading, writing some more. What a thrill to finally hold my first book in my hand! Still, I write because I enjoy the process (at least most of the time).
For years I wrote while working at other day jobs. I spent 12 years working at a huge historic site, which was a perfect spot for someone interested in historical fiction. I also developed and scripted instructional videos for public television. Finally, though, it got to be too much to juggle. I now write full-time, and consider myself enormously fortunate to do something I love.
I began writing stories when I was maybe 10 or 11. At 15 I wrote my first novel; I sold my first novel to a publisher 20 years later! Writing was my hobby, so during those two decades I just kept practicing, reading, writing some more. What a thrill to finally hold my first book in my hand! Still, I write because I enjoy the process (at least most of the time).
For years I wrote while working at other day jobs. I spent 12 years working at a huge historic site, which was a perfect spot for someone interested in historical fiction. I also developed and scripted instructional videos for public television. Finally, though, it got to be too much to juggle. I now write full-time, and consider myself enormously fortunate to do something I love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 18, 2020
In this book, Caroline and her mother journey to Upper Canada to plead for her father's release, and Caroline has to communicate a possible escape plan to him without the guards catching on. The plot is fast-paced and gripping, and the story deals well with Caroline's intense emotions, bringing in a new character as a foil who offends Caroline at home and makes her feel jealous. This aspect of the story is very well-handled, because it intensifies the plot and themes without devolving into petty drama.
I appreciate how this book honors the courage of women and girls from throughout history, showing how they made great sacrifices for the people they loved and were not always on the sidelines of historical events. The book also portrays the British prison guards in a fair and nuanced light, showing the humanity of people on the other side of a war. This is all very well done.
I appreciate how this book honors the courage of women and girls from throughout history, showing how they made great sacrifices for the people they loved and were not always on the sidelines of historical events. The book also portrays the British prison guards in a fair and nuanced light, showing the humanity of people on the other side of a war. This is all very well done.
November 18, 2023
This series! Oh my gosh. It feels almost like an AG History Mystery. I love the tight-knit family, Caroline's creativity, and Ernst's insight into her characters, even ones who only appear on a page or two. I mean, girliepop visits her dad while he is a POW and smuggles intel through her embroidery? Was this series made to order for me? Caroline, I am so sorry for sleeping on your series for this long.
September 29, 2024
Again, reading for the first time as an adult, in advance of the American Girls podcast.
- It's fall, as it should be in book two! We're off to a prescient start again: "I wish I could sail across the lake..." Caroline, you're in luck!
- In this age before birth control, I can't help thinking that Caroline's poor mama has had a number of miscarriages or stillbirths and/or the Abbots have had trouble conceiving.
- Convenience, thy name is Hawthorne!
- Clearly, Caroline's fight with Rhonda stems mostly from stress. They're both hurting and even simple things - like Rhonda's father existing - feel like personal affronts. Love to see the ice melt when Rhonda makes a kind overture on Caroline's birthday.
- Whoa, here's an AG character with a fall birthday! I haven't caught up with all the characters published between Kaya and Caroline to know whether she's the first.
- Nice job setting up Chekhov's embroidery in book 1. I still think the guards mostly likely would have inspected the sewing, but having Caro show Papa the map behind the guards' back is at least more sensible than leaving behind something so obvious as a map.
- With three Hawthornes and now also Lydia and her parents, the Abbott house must suddenly be very full!
We are primed to see the British soldiers as the Bad Guys, but we see clear signs of humanity. The commander who relents and gives Caroline a little time with her father because he misses his own daughters. The soldier, whoever it was, who delivered the box from Papa to Uncle Aaron. We could almost draw a parallel between the war and the standoff between Caroline and Rhonda: there are no bad guys, just different points of view.
More Caroline babble
Meet Caroline | Caroline’s Secret Message | A Surprise for Caroline | Caroline Takes a Chance | Caroline’s Battle | Changes for Caroline
Traitor in the Shipyard | The Traveler’s Tricks | The Smuggler’s Secrets
- It's fall, as it should be in book two! We're off to a prescient start again: "I wish I could sail across the lake..." Caroline, you're in luck!
- In this age before birth control, I can't help thinking that Caroline's poor mama has had a number of miscarriages or stillbirths and/or the Abbots have had trouble conceiving.
- Convenience, thy name is Hawthorne!
- Clearly, Caroline's fight with Rhonda stems mostly from stress. They're both hurting and even simple things - like Rhonda's father existing - feel like personal affronts. Love to see the ice melt when Rhonda makes a kind overture on Caroline's birthday.
- Whoa, here's an AG character with a fall birthday! I haven't caught up with all the characters published between Kaya and Caroline to know whether she's the first.
- Nice job setting up Chekhov's embroidery in book 1. I still think the guards mostly likely would have inspected the sewing, but having Caro show Papa the map behind the guards' back is at least more sensible than leaving behind something so obvious as a map.
- With three Hawthornes and now also Lydia and her parents, the Abbott house must suddenly be very full!
We are primed to see the British soldiers as the Bad Guys, but we see clear signs of humanity. The commander who relents and gives Caroline a little time with her father because he misses his own daughters. The soldier, whoever it was, who delivered the box from Papa to Uncle Aaron. We could almost draw a parallel between the war and the standoff between Caroline and Rhonda: there are no bad guys, just different points of view.
More Caroline babble
Meet Caroline | Caroline’s Secret Message | A Surprise for Caroline | Caroline Takes a Chance | Caroline’s Battle | Changes for Caroline
Traitor in the Shipyard | The Traveler’s Tricks | The Smuggler’s Secrets
December 8, 2025
The sensory imagery in this book really made me feel at home. I grew up in rural Minnesota, not upstate New York, but I've carried pumpkins in from the garden for winter storage and spent a lot of time on/near the water. Caroline continues growing in this installment, helping her mother communicate an important message to her imprisoned father. I particularly liked that we didn't get an easy resolution at the end.
September 17, 2021
I liked this more than Meet Caroline. The summary on the back made it sound like the “surprise” would be the same as Molly’s in her penultimate book (re: dad coming home) so I’m glad the story didn’t have her father return so soon.
It would have been cool if Caroline’s aunt/uncle were connected to Felicity since at the time these books take place, Felicity would have been in her 40s but alas we must wait longer for the American Girl Cinematic Universe (ala MCU).
It would have been cool if Caroline’s aunt/uncle were connected to Felicity since at the time these books take place, Felicity would have been in her 40s but alas we must wait longer for the American Girl Cinematic Universe (ala MCU).
December 10, 2024
I was less impressed by this one. I'm not quite sure why... I think it might be that I just don't like very action-heavy AG books. And this one sure did have action! Not that it makes it bad or problematic or anything. But it does make me less interested.
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August 29, 2024very funny that i had a caroline doll and read these books on repeat, now that i live in kingston and work at fort henry (pretty sure the fort in the background of this cover is fictional though)
February 22, 2025
Did anyone else feel like Caroline and Rhonda had big “when I was 7 i had a crush on a girl in my class & didnt know how to deal w it so I wrote her a letter that just said ‘get out of my school’” energy? Just me?
Also apparently Caroline didn’t get the memo that American Girls are born in spring. The second book set in Fall being a “birthday” book instead of a “learns a lesson” book is so disconcerting.
Also apparently Caroline didn’t get the memo that American Girls are born in spring. The second book set in Fall being a “birthday” book instead of a “learns a lesson” book is so disconcerting.
July 29, 2013
In Caroline's Secret Message, Caroline Abbot is preparing for a what's expected to be a long, hard winter, and after an entire summer has passed, her father is still being held captive by the British. As she struggles to come to terms with the fact that he's probably going to miss her tenth birthday and might even be gone for years, she and her mother devise a plan to help him get back to America.
The second book in the American Girls: Caroline series, Caroline's Secret Message is a worthwhile read for fans of children's historical fiction and the American Girls franchise; unlike many war-related books, it endeavors to present the individuals on both sides as humans capable of sympathy and kindness. And, via Caroline's relationship with her captive father, it presents the emotions a child must struggle with when their parent or other close relative is separated from them by a war--something with which many children in the target age group can sympathize.
Like all of the American Girls books, I recommend it to young readers and their parents interested in historical fiction or the War or 1812, as well as fans of children's literature and/or the American Girls franchise.
The second book in the American Girls: Caroline series, Caroline's Secret Message is a worthwhile read for fans of children's historical fiction and the American Girls franchise; unlike many war-related books, it endeavors to present the individuals on both sides as humans capable of sympathy and kindness. And, via Caroline's relationship with her captive father, it presents the emotions a child must struggle with when their parent or other close relative is separated from them by a war--something with which many children in the target age group can sympathize.
Like all of the American Girls books, I recommend it to young readers and their parents interested in historical fiction or the War or 1812, as well as fans of children's literature and/or the American Girls franchise.
November 30, 2012
Definitely a cute series--most American Girl stories are. You don't even realize that it is historical as well.
In this book, Caroline's family finds out that her father, who was taken by the British because he is a ship builder, may be transported further away from them. Caroline and her mother have a chance to see him and somehow get a secret message to him that he must escape.
The war of 1812 was a war neither side really wanted to fight. I'm not quite sure how it did end, but I'm hoping I will find out in this series! Caroline's family also takes in a boarding family of a mother and daughter while whose father is fighting for the American's. Caroline also celebrates her birthday at the end of the book, receiving a special present from her father, from an unlikely accomplice who delivers it.
Can't wait to find out what will happen next!
In this book, Caroline's family finds out that her father, who was taken by the British because he is a ship builder, may be transported further away from them. Caroline and her mother have a chance to see him and somehow get a secret message to him that he must escape.
The war of 1812 was a war neither side really wanted to fight. I'm not quite sure how it did end, but I'm hoping I will find out in this series! Caroline's family also takes in a boarding family of a mother and daughter while whose father is fighting for the American's. Caroline also celebrates her birthday at the end of the book, receiving a special present from her father, from an unlikely accomplice who delivers it.
Can't wait to find out what will happen next!
September 6, 2012
If you've enjoyed previous installments in the American Girl series, you'll enjoy this one. Caroline is involved in getting a message to her father, who has been unfairly arrested by the British-Canadians during the start of the War of 1812. Additionally, Caroline must deal with a family boarding in her house, including a girl her age named Rhonda who is also missing her absent father while he serves in the army.
Full review can be found here: http://challengingthebookworm.wordpre...
Full review can be found here: http://challengingthebookworm.wordpre...
March 28, 2016
I love this book. It is my favorite one in the series. I love Caroline because she is an adventurous girl and she seems so fun. I love that she is really devoted to do something important. I feel really bad for Papa because he is a prisoner and can't see his wife. In my opinion I think the British did something to Papa's memory. I would recommend reading Meet Caroline the first book in the series. and plus she isn't an American Girl anymore so you can't buy the book any ware.
March 15, 2022
Wow... Caroline is kinda incredible. I hate to say it but she's what I hoped Felicity would be like. Felicity gets points on nostalgia , but Caroline takes the cake. So far at least anyway.
This story was pretty enthralling and compelling. I had such a good time reading it.
This story was pretty enthralling and compelling. I had such a good time reading it.
April 8, 2020
Should have been a "Learns a Lesson" plot instead of a "Happy Birthday" plot.
December 7, 2023
Espionage queen. Getting info to people behind enemy lines queen.
August 17, 2013
great mystery
December 27, 2017
This is an interesting look at how it was for some prisoners in the war of 1812. Apparently, one could petition the commander for release. A neat idea.
This portion of Caroline's story is exciting. she and her mother journey into Canada to try and get her father released from the British prison. Along the way they learn just how dangerous Canada now is for Americans. Caroline figures out a way to get this information to her father if he should be able to escape.
In the meantime, back home an Army family has found lodging with the Abbots. It was interesting to see the family unit adjust to wartime needs. It changed again when Caroline's aunt, uncle, and cousin arrived. A house full of caring people to celebrate Caroline's tenth birthday with a surprise package.
I liked this one. It was solid and interesting.
This portion of Caroline's story is exciting. she and her mother journey into Canada to try and get her father released from the British prison. Along the way they learn just how dangerous Canada now is for Americans. Caroline figures out a way to get this information to her father if he should be able to escape.
In the meantime, back home an Army family has found lodging with the Abbots. It was interesting to see the family unit adjust to wartime needs. It changed again when Caroline's aunt, uncle, and cousin arrived. A house full of caring people to celebrate Caroline's tenth birthday with a surprise package.
I liked this one. It was solid and interesting.
March 22, 2024
Caroline seems to have so much happen in her books, I’m only on her second book in but so much happens, this time she has new people arrive for lodging, her friend and cousin arrive back, her secret mission to see her father and secretly let him know how to get home. Plus her birthday which she doesn’t know how to feel over.
She has so many emotions within, either her anger at everyone at what’s going on, to missing and fearing for her papa deeply, to jealousy at Rhonda who has her father, to being overwhelmed, and with love she didn’t know if it felt right to feel that way.
This was a great book and we got to see more sides of Caroline, see her conquer more of her fears and to be brave and strong once again. It’s such an interesting war one that I knew very little of so it’s very fascinating.
She has so many emotions within, either her anger at everyone at what’s going on, to missing and fearing for her papa deeply, to jealousy at Rhonda who has her father, to being overwhelmed, and with love she didn’t know if it felt right to feel that way.
This was a great book and we got to see more sides of Caroline, see her conquer more of her fears and to be brave and strong once again. It’s such an interesting war one that I knew very little of so it’s very fascinating.
February 26, 2020
Continuing to disrupt the format with later series, Caroline has a birthday in the second book! As I ponder the typical "school/learns a lesson" role of book 2 in American Girl series, it occurs to me I'm not even sure if Caroline attends class or if 30 years out from Felicity Merriman's time she learns at home from family. I'm inclined to think the latter, especially given her sailing-specific knowledge.
I'm digressing from the main point by talking about meta aspects. Caroline's Secret Message is a good adventure, with a mission to deliver information covertly to her father and the introduction of possible rival/actually new best friend Rhonda.
I'm digressing from the main point by talking about meta aspects. Caroline's Secret Message is a good adventure, with a mission to deliver information covertly to her father and the introduction of possible rival/actually new best friend Rhonda.
July 18, 2021
I do like the portrayal of a strong, adult female role model in Caroline's mother.
I expected Caroline's father to return home for her birthday, so I was pleasantly surprised when the author kept the story more realistic and he did not return. Caroline learns that your wishes do not always come true, yet you do not stop hoping for the best.
A good book for young girls.
I expected Caroline's father to return home for her birthday, so I was pleasantly surprised when the author kept the story more realistic and he did not return. Caroline learns that your wishes do not always come true, yet you do not stop hoping for the best.
A good book for young girls.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2023
This series is just so well done. Much like the original Pleasant Company stories. Caroline is a girl dealing with the same sort of issues you'd expect from a pre-teen (fight with a seemingly snotty contemporary) which makes her relatable, but they also weave in history seamlessly (boarding an American officer's family, visiting a prisoner of war relative etc). Really enjoyed this book.
December 25, 2023
Caroline and her mother head on a dangerous trip to try and get her father released from British prison. Since baskets and books are being searched Caroline and her mother hide a map on a piece of embroidery. Caroline thinks and acts like a young lady. I am enjoying this tale from during the war of 1812.
February 22, 2024
Love Caroline's story! Growing up in the War of 1812 Ohio and having visited Fort Meigs (a War of 1812 fort) really helped us relate to this story. Caroline definitely has a lot going on and is having to be brave in ways she never thought she'd have to be... and her clever idea in this book is a perfect example of that!
February 20, 2025
Really enjoying this series so far. Maybe because I know very little about the War of 1812 so I’m learning lots of new information. This series also just seems so much more action-packed than the other AG books so I’m enjoying that too.
October 13, 2017
3.5 stars. Very clever! I had a hard time believing a couple of the plot points, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book.
March 16, 2018
A good continuation of the Caroline series.
January 14, 2019
Great addition to Caroline's story. Good example of being brave.
July 5, 2019
Definitely Recomend for kids and adults
January 13, 2020
This one holds a special place in my heart because I got my copy signed <3
October 10, 2020
Read this with the 6yo and she's enjoying it very much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews