High Hopes for Addy

American Girl: Short Stories #4

by Connie Rose Porter

In High Hopes for Addy, Addy's hopes seems shattered. Her baby sister, Esther, messes up all of her things, including her kite for the kite festival. Then, with Esther's help, Addy discovers just what it takes to make kites fly and dreams soar.

After you read Addy's story, learn how to make a kite like the one Addy and her family made.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Historical, Civil War, Short Stories, Middle Grade

39 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1999

About the author

Connie Rose Porter is an American author best known for her books for children and young adults. She was the third youngest of nine children of a family living in a housing project.
She has since taught English and creative writing at Milton Academy, Emerson College, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She was a fellow at the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference and was a regional winner in Granta's Best Young American Novelist contest.

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Aw, okay, this is super duper sweet. I loveeee Addy’s family’s dynamic and obvious love for each other. Esther is realistic, and I love how they all handle that and Addy learns to deal with a toddler sister. Sam sounds like an amazing big brother, too! And Addy’s parents are just awesome. I can’t help liking Harriet, too… although I hope she gets a few lessons through her in the main books?? Also, I loved the historical aspect and information in here! I need to go read the main Addy books for sure.

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I can't wait until we move into our new place at the end of the month," Momma said. "We gonna have much more space."

Addy's family is reunited and while she couldn't be happier...the realities of five people living in a single room begin to make themselves known.

"No!" screamed Esther. "I want to help."
"Now, you be nice to your sister, Addy," Momma said.
Addy let go. "I'm being nice to her," Addy said. "But she already knotted up some of my string and glued her fingers together."

Addy is going to miss M'Dear and the landlords (the Goldens) but she's ready for more space.

Then Addy gets news, wondrous and fantastic news from her teacher. She's been recommended to attend I.C.Y. - a school that trains young teachers. But then her schoolmate, Heather, presents some sobering news.

"What cost?" asked Addy. "Miss Dunn didn't say nothing about any cost."
"Oh, it does. Ten dollars a year."

Addy can feel her dreams crushing as she stared at her acceptance letter. Ten whole dollars a year. There's no way her family could afford such a thing...does she give up her dreams? Or should she try to find another way?

This story starts with a metaphor about building a kite. All of the pieces - paper, wood, string, ribbon - don't fly on their own. But once they're assembled and thrown into the air, they can soar.

That metaphor comes around in this story when Addy initially thinks she needs to deal with the cost of her education on her own. It's only when she opens to her family that she's able to work through the problems.

I liked the return of Harriet in this story as the main antagonist - she's more in line with the original appearance (kind of a sneaky mean girl rather than the tantrumming girl from Addy Saves the Day).

This story also shows another side of Addy. She spent so much time pining over her missing siblings and then being happy at their reunion that we don't really see the day-to-day dynamic of her family life.

I liked seeing the (slightly) antagonistic relationship between Addy and Esther. It's hard (no matter the era) to have a little sibling who idolizes you...and also manages to accidently break most of your stuff. Addy's frustration and vexation made the character feel more real to me.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this very short continuation of Addy's story. I found its plot confusing however, there was really two separate plots that could have been separate short stories but were compiled as one storyline. First there was the plot of the kite festival. Addy was creating a kite for it, but Harriet was telling her that hers was better. Then there was the plot of Addy getting offered a position at the Institute for Colored Youth for next school year. The two plots were tied together by Addy's sister Esther and the fact that Esther had nearly ruined Addy's kite, but then ended up helping her go to the I.C.Y. in the end. This was supposed to show Addy learned that she shouldn't be so hard on her little sister when she did something wrong and praise what she did right. The kite event wasn't very exciting when mixed in with such a life altering opportunity for Addy as the I.C.Y. so I feel like placing the kite event in a different short story might have made it more exciting. It was just confusing to have a little detour such as the kite event in a short story with such an important part of the plot as the I.C.Y.

Something I've also noticed is that the short stories and mysteries after the original 6 books often contradict and seem to offer various different ways Addy's story continues.

What really annoyed me though is that Addy's best friend Sarah was completely missing from the story. Addy always goes to her with all of her important news, so she totally would have told her about the invitation to the I.C.Y. Even though Sarah didn't go to school with Addy anymore, she still would have associated with her outside of school, especially on the subject of learning, something they always loved to spend time on and talk about it.

Overall, this story was really good because I really wanted to hear more about the rest of Addy's education at the end of the sixth book, so this satisfied my want. Hearing she'd gone to the I.C.Y. made me very happy. Not a must read though if you're really looking for more of the substance that the rest of the books have.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This starts with a family scene that makes you stop to think about what it might really be like to share one room of a boarding house with your family of five. In the core series, we never see the Walkers fight, but here Esther is pushing Addy's buttons in the manner of little siblings everywhere since probably the beginning of time.

But the real focus of this one is that Addy learns Miss Dunn has recommended her for a fancy school - and though she desperately wants to go, she doesn't see a way for her family to afford the tuition. But when her parents find out (alternate title: Esther Saves the Day), they see things differently. Like the kite they build together, like the original American Girl magazine title of this story, together we soar.

[Bulk Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addy is accepted into the ICY (Institute for Colored Youth) so she can train to become a teacher. However, she becomes depressed when she sees the cost is $10 a year, because her family was just about to move into a more expensive apartment.

First of all, I love how smart Addy is. She didn't start learning to read and write until she was nine, and yet she's one of the top students in her class. Idk how plausible this is, but I love it.

The Walker family's pride in Addy is also heartwarming. They are willing to give up a nicer home for the time being so that Addy can achieve her dreams. And now that the whole family is together again, we get some insight into Addy's growing relationship with Esther (it's now blossomed into some sisterly spats. <3) Some of the dialogue is really funny.

It's also great that although Addy and Harriet will probably never like each other that much, they've gotten to a place where they have each other's backs. Their circumstances are more alike than different, and they will probably be in each other's lives for a long time (which also feels weird, since Addy no longer goes to school with Sarah.) Overall, the story fleshes out both Addy's hopes for the future and family dynamics. Good stuff.

[HadenXCharm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best Addy short-story for sure. It genuinely made me emotional. The way her family lifts her up was so beautiful, and such a perfect execution of the earlier set-up with the kite and baby Esther getting into Addy's stuff.

Addy's family is moving up in the world and is ready to get an apartment of their own and move out of the boarding house. Money will be tight, but they can just afford it with Sam, Poppa, and Momma all working together. At the start of the book, Addy is building a kite for a friendly competition at school, and she remarks how wonderful it is that on its own, none of the parts of the kite can fly, but together, they soar. She's also irritated because little Esther keeps getting into her stuff and ruining/breaking it, a really relateable struggle that many young readers will relate to.

Addy has dreamed of becoming a teacher like her role model, Miss Dunn, and is delighted when Miss Dunn recommends her as a student for the I.C.Y. Harriet also got in, and seems happy that Addy is going to be a student with her. However, when Addy finds out that attendance costs 10$ a year, she deflates. She dares not tell her parents the good news, because she know the tuition costs too much for her family to afford.

However, Esther ends up finding the letter in her schoolbag and her parents find it, and her parents surprise her at dinner by announcing to everyone in the boarding house how proud they are that Addy is going to the I.C.Y., 'My baby gonna be a teacher!', and everyone hugs her and congratulates her. Her parents tell her, 'Whatever we have to do for you to go to this academy, we're going to do it--' They decided to continue living in the boarding house for another year so that Addy can attend the school, and they seem delighted to make this sacrifice on her behalf. Her community surrounds her and uplifts and encourages her. It was truly so beautiful. On our own, we can't fly, but together we soar!

I also like that Harriet and Addy seem to be getting along better in this book. Harriet can still be snooty, but it seems like she's just blind to her own privilege at times. She's more of a frenemy than an enemy now.

[Sarah Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always amazed at how fully fleshed out the American Girl short stories are, despite their short page length! In this one, the family is excited to be moving out of the boarding house and into a bigger space. At school, Addy is thrilled to learn her teacher has recommended her to continue her education at the Institute for Colored Youth, but then dismayed to find out the annual cost, and decides to hide her acceptance from her parents. But by the conclusion of the story, her family works together to make their dreams come true.

This has such a lovely metaphor tied into the plot of the family working together to make a kite from different materials: "None of the things can fly by themselves, but together they make something that can." I love the supportive, can-do attitude of Addy's family, as they band together to support Addy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, that allows us a glimpse into the family's future beyond the conclusion of the original series. My daughters couldn't believe how big baby Esther looks in the illustrations in this one!

[Imagin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute short read. Even though this book was very short, in my opinion, I think it had enough detail in it that made it a learning experience for me. I felt like I was succumbed into the story & it made me feel nostalgic too. It reminded me the importance of school & how people back in the day worked hard for education & it was expensive. I 💓 that about it. Also the mini history lesson at the back was great too. Plus the directions on how 2 make a kite was cute & interactive, great for kids.😊❤

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gives a good insight into the difficulties faced by coloured youths back when slavery was recently abolished but also provides so much information at the back about the Coloured Youth Institute which I knew nothing about previously. Addy was determined to not burden her family despite the good news she did not share it. It shows the willingness to support her family despite what it may cost her.

[Sparrow Delman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addy books have always been my favorites in the American Girl series. I love how no matter the challenge, Addy always pulls through. Addy is the kind of person to aspire to be. Sometimes siblings can be hard, but deep down you always love them. Sometimes a huge opportunity can come to you, but you can't go without a sacrifice. Always soar above the challenge and help others to soar with you.

[Rubi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the Looking Back section more than the actual story 😅
Learned about a real school called the I.C.Y
Addy got into this school but didn't want to burden her family with the cost of attending. Her family on the other hand, had different plans haha

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked learning about the ICY and it was nice reading about characters and people who used their determination to better themselves and help better others.

[Coolcat · Rating 3 out of 5]

good

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story with her family. I can't believe I've waited so long to read these.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute one!

[Katie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

In which Addy and I learn that we can have nice things. Thanks, Connie!

[Rosario · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story, especially the Peek Into the past section about Fanny Jackson Coppin and her efforts to develop education in the I.C.Y.

[Faith Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story showing where Addy goes in life after Changes for Addy with messages on family, friendship, and teamwork.

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book in the series to me. The ending is just so HOPEFUL. i really love it

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone who has ever spent any amount of time with a small toddler will appreciate Addy's initial frustration with her little sister. Esther messes with her schoolbag, tears a page out of her speller, and breaks her kite. On the other hand, Esther also saves Addy from her own attempt at self-sacrifice and nobility, allowing Addy to follow her real dreams and take a spot at I.C.Y. so that she can train to be a teacher, just like she really wanted. And of course, Addy learns a Very Important Lesson about sticking with her family because "together [they] fly." It was a nice analogy between the kite and her family, even if it is a bit sappy. Also, I liked Harriet’s back-handed compliment to Addy. The girl can’t give a straight-out compliment, but she does admit that she’s not that much better than Addy. I kind of pity Addy being stuck with her, though. Hopefully they won’t have to sit together at I.C.Y.

[James Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addy is making a kite but her little sister Esther keeps interfering. She wants to use the kite in a Kite festival. She is also doing good in school and wants to become a teacher.

Addy and her friend, Harriet, get letters recommending them for the Institute for Colored Youth, a school to prepare students to become teachers. The problem is that the tuition is $10 a year, and her parents simply don't have that kind of money.

She tries to hide the letter but her parents find it anyway. They put off moving to a better apartment in order to be able to afford the school for Addy.

There's a factual section on the Institute for Colored Youth and its history, plus a small section on how to build a kite.

This is another very good short book with a strong lesson and interesting historical information. Definitely worth reading.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't really like it, although not at all surprising since i was reading it solely to have another book. The book is about Addy, post escaping slavery, she is living with her family in Philadelphia. She learns the importance of patience when it comes to her sister getting into her business. But it all ends up working out in the end. I liked that this book taught you how to make a kite. I'd recommend this book to little kids that like inspirational stories.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is written from the point of view of a mother.

Another great Addy story that explores sibling relationships realistically, while also setting the stage for Addy's future. Not much else I can write without spoiling it, but definitely worth reading.

In Addy's overall timelines, this takes place AFTER the core 6 book series and spoils some details, so this should be read later.

[Karol · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great story about family love and support and the sacrifices they will make for each others happiness. Addy didn't want to take away the dream of a bigger apartment that her parents worked so hard to afford. And her family didn't want Addy to give up the opportunity for an education at the Institute for Colored Youth. The story showed that it takes time, patience and hard work to achieve goals and the support of their family is the source of strength and happiness.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This perhaps is my favorite of the short stories about Addy. Here we get a glimpse of her future, and of what her life will be like as she gets older. Once again I find myself wishing that American Girls would do another series of books that is a year or two down the road for each of the girls so we can see how they grow and change and come of age.

[Marya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really sweet book that shows how much parents are willing to go through for the sake of their children. Interestingly, while Addy's parents move heaven and earth to fulfill her dreams, Addy's best friend Sarah, cannot have those same dreams fulfilled because her parents are busy dealing with the here and now. The contrast is obvious, yet it remains completely unspoken.

[Miri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addy is going to be in the kite festival, but Esther destroys her kite. Esther is always destroying things. When Addy gets a letter accepting her into ICY a special school where she could learn to be a teacher, she hides the letter because she doesn't think her family can afford to send her and it's Esther who helps make her dream come true.

[Tryina Denouement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, nice short story. The end. And ICY seems creepy for me, or is that because I basically don't like that sort of schools?

[MJ]

2 copies

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family virtues!