Clever, Resourceful Kit * 1934
Kit is one of the Historical Characters from American Girl. The doll of 1934. I was very excited when my daughter chose this doll because my grandmother grew up during the 1930s and I would be able to get a sense of what it was like for her as a child while reading Kit's stories. It makes it even more interesting for me.
Margaret Mildred Kittredge is a little girl living in Cincinnati, Ohio in the early 1930s. She goes by the name Kit, which while also short for Kittredge really came from a song that her father used to sing to her.
Her story, told through a series of six books, begins in the Summer of 1932 when she was 9 years old. This was three years into the Great Depression when unemployment was at it's peak. Kit's father looses his job and she does all she can to help the family. The series continues through 1933 when Kit celebrates her 10th birthday and ends in the Winter of 1934.
Kit debuted in 2000 as the seventh historical doll in the American Girl collection. She, like all of the Historical dolls, is 18" tall and was the first doll in the series to have short hair and freckles. The shorter hair makes this a perfect doll to start a young child with since it's easier to take care of. She comes dressed in a lilac sweater set and floral linen skirt, with white sandals and a green barette.
The release of the Kit Kittredge movie brought a new doll...Kit's best friend Ruthie! Not only that, but also many new accessories including a few updated versions of existing ones. More info below.
Quick Facts of the 1930's
- 48 US States
- Presidents: Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt
- Salaries often dropped below $10.00 per week
- Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.03
- Cost of a gallon of gas: $0.10
- Cost of milk: $0.14 a quart
- Cost of bread: $0.09 a loaf
- Movies were $0.10 per person
Meet Kit
An American Girl 1934
The story takes place in 1932 when Kit is 9 years old.
Meet Kit: An American Girl 1934 (The American Girls Collection, Book 1)
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $6.95
"Kit Kittredge is enjoying the carefree life she has always known-until suddenly her world turns upside down. First, Mother's friend and her sickly, pampered son Stirling come to live with her family. Then Kit's dad loses his business, and things go from bad to worse. Will life ever be the same again?"
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Kit Learns a Lesson
1934 A School Story
Kit Learns a Lesson: 1934 A School Story (American Girls Collection)
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $6.95
"Kit hopes her father will find a new job soon so that things can return to normal, with no boarders in the house and no long list of daily chores for her to do! But a visit to a soup kitchen shocks Kit-and shows her just how much the Great Depression has changed everything."
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Kit's Surprise
A Christmas Story, 1934
Kit's Surprise: A Christmas Story, 1934 (The American Girls Collection, Book 3)
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $6.95
"It's just before Christmas when Kit overhears the terrible news that her family may lose their house. Kit wants to earn money to help out, but she gets stuck taking care of cranky Uncle Hendrick and his nasty dog Inky instead. Kit and her best friend have had a fight, so she has no one to turn to. Can she still find a way to make the holidays bright?"
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Happy Birthday Kit
A Springtime Story, 1934
Happy Birthday Kit: A Springtime Story, 1934 (American Girls Collection)
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $6.95
"Kit's tenth birthday is approaching, but the chances of having a celebration are pretty slim. There's no time to plan a party, and no money, either, since Dad still doesn't have a job. When Aunt Millie comes for a visit, Kit finds new reasons to hope. With all her thriftiness and good ideas, Aunt Millie seems to be able to make anything happen!"
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Kit Saves the Day
A Summer Story, 1934
Kit Saves the Day: A Summer Story, 1934 (American Girls Collection)
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $6.95
"Kit is looking for excitement after a summer full of chores. When a young hobo named Will offers to help out in the garden in exchange for a meal, he tells her about life on the road. His stories inspire Kit to pursue her own adventures. When her curiosity gets her-and her friends-into trouble, will she be able to save them all?"
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Changes for Kit
A Winter Story, 1934
Changes for Kit: A Winter Story, 1934 (American Girls Collection)
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $6.95
"Cranky Uncle Hendrick has come to stay with Kit's family. His gruff orders and fiery letters to the editor leave Kit losing hope for better times. But when he unwittingly gives her a great idea, she proves that even one girl can make a difference."
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Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Movie
This is the first major motion picture based on American Girl Stories.It was originally scheduled to run in theaters around Thanksgiving 2007, however there were some production difficulties and it wasn't in the cards. Rumors were floating about whether or not this movie would make it to theaters, go straght to DVD, or if the movie would be made at all.
The film is set in 1934 at the height of the Great Depression and includes topics such as lost income, foreclosure, and rationing. The theme of "hard times" is quite relevant today given the current state of our economy. Watching this movie together as a family is a great way to start a conversation with your children about what is going on right now.
Cast:
Abigail Breslin as Kit Kittredge
Chris O'Donnell as Mr. Kittredge
Julia Ormond as Mrs. Kittredge
Madison Davenport as Ruthie Smithens
Zach Mills as Stirling Howard
Writer:
Ann Peacock
Producers:
Julia Roberts
Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas
Marisa Yeres
Stephanie Langhoff
Lisa Gillan
Production Companies:
Walden Media
Goldsmith-Thomas Productions
Red Om Films
See a couple clips and meet a few of the girls staring in the movie on the American Girl website.
Kit's Movie Trailer
Beautiful Movie Posters
Kit's New Interactive Book
Kit's World: A Girl's-eye View of the Great Depression (American Girl)
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 12/02/2009)
List Price: $24.95
Used Price: $7.49
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Want to learn more about Kit's world?
Or, more importantly the world of your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents
- Meet Kit
- Games: Kit's Money Matters & Kit's Railway Adventure.
Family & Friends: Meet Kit, 5 of her family members and 5 friends.
Wallpaper: Choose from 2 images and 3 screen resolutions for your desktop wallpaper. - Kit's Movie Blog
- Kit's Blog gives you the chance to help Kit Kittredge with problems she encounters in her stories. Fans can comment on the latest entry.
- Timeline of the 1930s
- 20th Century: Fourth Decade
Key events in media history 1930-1939 - Children and the Great Depression
- Read letters from, and stories of, children who lived through the Depression.
- Amelia Earhart
- Amelia Earhart was one of Kit's heros.
In 1932 she was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic and the first woman to fly solo nonstop coast to coast. - Cincinnati Reds Timeline
- Kit's favorite baseball team were the Cincinnati Reds. By 1931 the team was bankrupt, thanks to the Great Depression, and Crosley Field was in a state of disrepair. Powel Crosley Jr., and his brother Lewis M. Crosley bought the Reds out of bankruptcy in 1933, and hired Larry MacPhail to be the General Manager.
Fun things to do
Kit's Paper Dolls: Kit and Her Friends With Outfits to Cut Out and Scenes to Play With (The American Girls Collection)
"Set includes paper dolls of Kit, Stirling, and Ruthie, plus outfits and accessories that attach with reusable sticky dots. Comes with illustrated backgrounds and more! Paperback. 28 pages."
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $9.95
Kit's Magnetic Mini World (The American Girls Collection)
"You will love playing with Kit and her best friend, Ruthie, in scenes you set up yourself, from Kit's attic bedroom to her classroom at Gates Elementary School. You can arrange and rearrange a variety of magnets--and they'll stay put while you play! The set includes: 2 dolls in 4 different outfits; 2 magnetic scenes; 28 magnetic furniture pieces and accessories; and a booklet about furniture and customs in Kit's time."
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $9.95
Kit's Mystery Party Game (The American Girls Collection)
"Kit's mother discovers her pearl necklace is missing.
Clues reveal that everyone has a motive, so everyone's a suspect. It's up to Kit and her friends to search for
hidden clues, crack a secret code and figure out who took the missing necklace. For ages 8 and up"
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $16.95
Kit's Friendship Fun (American Girl)
"Crafts, recipes, and games are designed to give a sense of the 1930s, the period setting for books in the American Girls collection which feature the character named Kit."
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $12.95
Kit's Fashion Studio (The American Girls Collection)
"Girls can create paper doll fashions for Kit! This set features paper fabrics, stencil sheets, accessory stickers, reusable sticky dots to hold clothing in place, and a Kit paper doll. The design book offers step-by-step instructions to make paper doll clothing inspired by the early 1930s, including a sweater set for school, a pretty party dress, or a cozy pair of pajamas."
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $17.95
Kit's Outfits
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Kit's Accessories
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byMore great Kit items
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byKit Kittredge Dolls
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byNew For Kit & Ruthie!
Other new items include: Kit's Cookstove, Washday Set, Produce & Preserves, Floral-Print Dress, Striped Nightie for Dolls and Girls, Kit's Outfit for Girls, Kit Fashion Studio, Ruthie's Play Outfit, Ruthie's Accessories, and a new book- Really Truly Ruthie.
Some of Kit's old accessories have been redesigned. Kit's Dog, Grace and her Quilt & Pillow.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byAdditional Books about Kit
Kit Story Collection (American Girl)
"Girls can enjoy all six beloved Kit stories in one keepsake volume. Set in 1934, each story reveals more of this resourceful girl who has bright hopes during the dark days of the Great Depression. The richly illustrated hardcover offers a glimpse into Kit's world. Inside, this book features even more full-color illustrations and words of inspiration that will delight girls who love Kit."
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Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/02/2009)
List Price: $29.95
Welcome to Kit's World, 1934 : Growing Up During America's Great Depression (The American Girls Collection)
"Step into the 1930s with this beautiful hardcover book. Imagine living through the Dust Bowl, losing your home, or making a dress from a chicken-feed sack! Discover how families survived during the Great Depression, how Shirley Temple made them smile, and how girls like Kit became everyday heroes. The lavishly illustrated spreads are nearly two feet wide when open. Hardcover. 64 pages."
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/02/2009)
List Price: $16.95
Kit's Short Story Collection (American Girl)
"This pocket-sized anthology contains the short stories Kit's Home Run and Kit's Tree House. It also includes three brand-new adventures: Kit's Winning Ways, Kit Uses Her Head, and Kit and Millie Ride Again. Hardcover. 256 pages."
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/02/2009)
List Price: $12.95
Midnight in Lonesome Hollow: A Kit Mystery (American Girl Mysteries)
"While gathering facts for her summer job at the newspaper, Kit stumbles into some strange monkey business at the zoo. If she follows her reporter's instincts, will she find the story? Or just find danger? At the end of the book you'll find the "Looking Back" section full of colorful pictures and interesting facts. Paperback includes a tear-off recipe card. 192 pages."
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Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/02/2009)
List Price: $6.95
Danger At The Zoo: A Kit Mystery (American Girl Mysteries)
"While gathering facts for her summer job at the newspaper, Kit stumbles into some strange monkey business at the zoo. If she follows her reporter's instincts, will she find the story? Or just find danger? At the end of the book you'll find the "Looking Back" section full of colorful pictures and interesting facts. Paperback includes a tear-off recipe card. 192 pages."
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Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/02/2009)
List Price: $6.95
Retired items for sale
"Kit's Pretend Waffle Iron Set" for 18" American Girl Doll
Waffle iron, ceramic platter, 2 waffles with whipped cream, two artificial evergreen swags and 4 mini recipie cards.
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American Girl -Kit AUTOGRAPHED by artist 2003 hallmark ornament
This ornament was autographed at the Hallmark Show by the artist who created it.
Amazon Price: $99.88 (as of 12/03/2009)
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American Girl Kit's 4 Miniature Treasures 2002 Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments
4 hand painted resin ornaments of various sizes from 1/2" up to 1". Scottie Dog, Typewriter, Baseball Glove, and Aviator Doll.
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"Kit's Tree House OUTFIT" for 18" American Girl doll
Red & blue checkerboard cardigan sweater, blue skirt, knee socks and pom pom hat.
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Kit's Cooking Studio
Kit's Cooking Studio (The American Girls Collection)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $15.95
Used Price: $8.67
Release Date: 12/31/1969
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Pick your favorite!
A Thief in the Theater: A Kit Mystery
A Thief in the Theater: A Kit Mystery (American Girl Mysteries)
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/03/2009)
List Price: $6.95
"Kit Kittredge spends a week of her summer vacation volunteering at the local theater--she wants to write a newspaper article about a play that's opening soon. It even stars famous actors from New York City! But behind the scenes, Kit and her friend Stirling discover more drama than they bargained for."
Release Date: 12/31/1969
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Kit Kittredge Events
Around the US
Kit's Birthday Celebration
Celebrate Kit's birthday Cincinnati-style! Join the celebration and learn about Kit's life, enjoy a special meal, and take home a keepsake booklet with activities and journaling pages to help you commemorate this special day.Kit's Catchall Box Craft
In 1934, Kit would have loved to have a little box to "catch" all of her treasures! In this class, you'll learn how to design and decorate your own using sturdy paper.Kit's Friendship Fun
Learn more about Kit and the kinds of things she and her friends did for fun. Includes games, craft activities, a special meal just like Kit's mom would have made, and a take home memory book. As a special tie to Kit's stories, participants are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to a local food pantry.Kit's Paper Lantern Craft
Learn how to make a festive paper lantern like the ones that decorated Kit's "penny-pincher" birthday party.American Girl Boutique and Bistro Atlanta
North Point Mall
1202 North Point Circle
Alpharetta, GA 30022
No upcoming Kit events planned
American Girl Boston
Natick Collection
1245 Worcester St.
Natick, MA 01760
February 7: Kit's Catchall Box Craft
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
For girls ages 8 and up.
American Girl Place Chicago
111 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
No upcoming Kit events planned
American Girl Boutique and Bistro Dallas
Galleria Dallas
13464 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX 75240
February 10: Kit's Catchall Box Craft
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
For girls ages 8 and up.
American Girl Place Los Angeles
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
No upcoming Kit events planned
American Girl Minneapolis
Mall of America
American Girl
5160 Center Court
Bloomington, MN 55425
No upcoming Kit events planned
American Girl Place New York
609 Fifth Avenue at 49th Street
New York, NY 10017
No upcoming Kit events planned
For more information check out americangirl.com/stores.
Ruthie Smithens
Ruthie Doll & Accessories
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New from American Girl
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You'll find the latest Historical, Just Like You, and Girl of the Year dolls from American Girl as well as their books, clothing and accessories. Rebecca Rubin, Chrissa Maxwell, Ruthie Smithens, Mia St. Clair, Julie Albright, and Ivy Ling are curren...
Kit fans of all ages come and say hello!
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- GypsyPirate GypsyPirate Aug 8, 2008 @ 11:52 pm
- I actually like reading stories in this era - I think I'll check a few of these out. All due to a wonderfully made lens. And, that tree-house accessory - seriously, I want one. I'm glad I saw this lens at the Squid's Choice contest. Good luck to you!
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- bconnor11 bconnor11 Aug 8, 2008 @ 7:11 pm
- I used to love Kit! Very nicely put together lens. 5*
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- SemperFidelis SemperFidelis Aug 8, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
- Excellent layout Christene. Perfect timing for children doing online research this coming school year. Blessed today! :o)
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- TheInfamous7 TheInfamous7 Aug 8, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
- I may be a 23 yr old Ex Soldier/Ex Chef who's completely out of his depth with regards to Dolls!!..But i know a good lens when i see one!! ;-)
Keep up the Great Work!
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- The_Homeopath The_Homeopath Jul 22, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
- My daughter and I are hooked on the American Girl Mystery series now. I'm such a fan of the entire catalog of books, it reminds me a bit of when I was young and read Nancy Drew and Little House on the Prairie Books. Beautiful lens!
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- Winter52 Winter52 Jul 16, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
- I should tell my mom about this series of books. She was born in the thirties and would probably really enjoy the stories. 5 stars because I didn't know anything about these dolls but I certainly do now. :)
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- ChristinasFavs ChristinasFavs Jul 15, 2008 @ 6:26 am
- Great lens! My daughter and I just went to see the movie. She loved it! I did too!!!
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- adez7 adez7 Jan 14, 2008 @ 3:10 pm
- Hi Christine, I love this lens. History is one of my favorite subjects, so you know why I love this lens. 5*'s from me for a job well done.
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- f9f7 f9f7 Aug 22, 2007 @ 1:38 pm
- Hi Christine! My friend's mom is playing Mrs. Howard in the Kit Movie! I love the kit books! Great Page!
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- webkinz and americangirl luver webkinz and americangirl luver Jul 25, 2007 @ 8:20 am
- I have Emily and she is like not evean an american girl because he has like no books and no accessories!!!
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- myyeastinfectioncure myyeastinfectioncure Jun 8, 2007 @ 10:37 am
- awesome lens! i luv it gave it 5 stars for sure
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- zoe zoe May 29, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
- The Kit books are my favorite stories because I can relate to her alot. I love the American Girl books because they give u a chance 2 c how kids lived and felt way back when. :)
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- webseitler webseitler Mar 24, 2007 @ 10:18 pm
- I love Kit! Great lens. It should be in the Classic Toys group. ;)
by Christene
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