After previously reading an American Girls Collection nonfiction book, I had to read another. Addy’s World is an extremely informative book on the lives of African Americans during America’s Civil War. This book discusses all of the differences between African Americans in the South and in the North, from fashion, occupations, wealth, treatment, etc. Prominent African American figures, the underground railroad, and slavery are all discussed, with the addition of facts many may not know. This is a great book introducing the African American experience during the Civil War. ( )

Changes for Addy
Addy is a girl in the middle of the Civil War at the year end of 1865. Addy’s family is still not together. She wants to give up when the family that she lives with tells her that her sister Esther, Aunt Lula, and her Uncle Solomon will be living in Philadelphia. Her search for her family is successful, but bittersweet. Her whole family is not together. Being reminded of what her mother told her, she will always be with her family as long as love and courage lives in her heart. This book is a great encouragement for a child experiencing missing a beloved family member.

Extension:

Children could do a lesson on the civil war and it causes.

Students research what children did during the Civil War.

This history of life during 1864 details what slavery, the Civil War, and life in general was like during that era. We get a picture of what jobs African Americans might have held, and what the future held for them. ( )

Browsing through this book is like visiting a museum. There is a diagram of the boarding house where Addy and her family might have lived after escaping slavery. A Southern plantation is also featured. There are samples of children's toys and fashions of the 1860s. Children will learn about jumping the broom, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Buffalo Soldiers and more.

Similiar titles are available for many of the American Girl Characters. ( )