When I was younger, I used to have a ton of books like this that told the stories of young girls "in the old days" because my mother is a huge "judge the book by the cover" person and would bring anything home that reminded her of Laura Ingalls. This book was one of those, so I know I read it, but it was so long ago that I can't remember anything except that I liked she had red hair and this book probably contributed to my love of reading.

Actual rating: 3.5 Stars

I can't seem to say whether or not Valerie Tripp is capable of writing an American Girl who isn't a brat. Out of the three separate babydolls that I have read from her, Felicity is my favorite. Felicity is living in colonial Williamsburg where her fathers runs a general store and she would much rather ride horses than practice her stitching. I admired the way the author subtly placed all the historical features into the background like too tight corsets and the odor of a tannery. Plus, all of the illustrations had Felicity in pretty dress patterns.

Felicity was incredibly headstrong and bordered on disobedient for most of the book. She was obsessed with a horse named Penny who was captive to a crotchety old man named Jiggy Fye. It was actually disturbing to read the abusive dialogue and actions he presented to the horse. I liked the quiet apprentice who let Felicity borrow his breeches to ride the horse. I have the next book in the series but I will grudgingly finish them. Pish posh!

Loved this whole series.

I've always loved Felicity. She was spunky, headstrong, and a bit tomboyish. She stood up for what she believed in and by her friends no matter what. I also found her time period fascinating, and I've actually stayed in Williamsburg on vacation. It was a great trip, and I highly recommend it along with Felicity's books if you ever get the chance to go. I learned how to curtsy, had period food, and saw history outside my window every morning I woke up.

Fun, flighty, and adventurous, Felicity is a character who every girl can relate to.

i feel really bad for that horse

reread