impybelle's review against another edition
4.0
Re-read this one because Mums brought it home from the library. After checking to make sure it wasn't the Molly mystery you had no chance of figuring out while reading it, I went ahead and re-read it. It's a cute book that takes place during Molly's six book original series since Emily is still living with the McIntire family and Molly is still a little awkward around Emily.
I really can't comment on the mystery aspect since it's a re-read, but it's not impossible to figure out whodunnit nor is it ridiculously obvious at first.
This is one to read for the characterization. You get Molly realizing how Emily's life has been turned upside down, and a hold-over from the book series where she remembers things that trigger Emily's mild panicky moments. Molly's still a little stuck in her own world but you can see how she's starting to grow up in her world view.
I really can't comment on the mystery aspect since it's a re-read, but it's not impossible to figure out whodunnit nor is it ridiculously obvious at first.
This is one to read for the characterization. You get Molly realizing how Emily's life has been turned upside down, and a hold-over from the book series where she remembers things that trigger Emily's mild panicky moments. Molly's still a little stuck in her own world but you can see how she's starting to grow up in her world view.
lissysadventures's review against another edition
2.0
2 stars!
TW: casual hate crime (over an immigrant working in America)
I didn't really like this book. I know I am not the target audience for this book which could be part of it. I understand that the purpose of these books is to let girls experience a bit of history from a girl their age in that time period but, a lot of those elements felt too scripted or copied out of a textbook. The mystery was pretty well done and it fairly simple.
All in all this book was ok. I think younger girls interested in history and mysteries would enjoy it.
TW: casual hate crime (over an immigrant working in America)
I didn't really like this book. I know I am not the target audience for this book which could be part of it. I understand that the purpose of these books is to let girls experience a bit of history from a girl their age in that time period but, a lot of those elements felt too scripted or copied out of a textbook. The mystery was pretty well done and it fairly simple.
All in all this book was ok. I think younger girls interested in history and mysteries would enjoy it.
angelsbutchery's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sarahschem's review against another edition
4.0
This book is about Molly and her friend Emily help a lady in the hospital by checking on her house.When they were leaving to go home they saw a light turn on in the cellar and a truck in the garage.The next day at the hospital they ask the lady if anyone else lives in the house,she says no.Who was in the house?
panda_incognito's review against another edition
4.0
Molly is part of the reason why I'm a history major and World War II buff. Since this book is now out of print, I bought a used copy to reread and keep in my library. As a child, I preferred American Girl mysteries to Nancy Drew, because they did not require the same leaps of logic, and this was my favorite. The mystery is simple, but not overly obvious, and the entire story is convincing. I appreciate how well it incorporates historical details and character development, and highly recommend this for children.
Additional note: I find it incredibly inspiring that Molly is pictured on the cover with slightly messy hair and a flannel shirt. I am inspired by the now-retired character's ability to enjoy both traditionally girly and boyish clothing and activities without any concern for stereotypes and expectations, and wish that American Girl didn't present picture-perfect, flawless images for their current characters.
Additional note: I find it incredibly inspiring that Molly is pictured on the cover with slightly messy hair and a flannel shirt. I am inspired by the now-retired character's ability to enjoy both traditionally girly and boyish clothing and activities without any concern for stereotypes and expectations, and wish that American Girl didn't present picture-perfect, flawless images for their current characters.
12dejamoo's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Okay so maybe I'm biased because Emily is one of my top two American Girls but this book slapped
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Xenophobia
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