Grades 3-5      

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Kit, 1934: Read All About It by Valerie Tripp    

     Kit Kittredge has a nose for news—but she never dreamed that the news stories about the hard times of the Depression would become her own story. First, Mother’s bothersome friends move in with the Kittredges. Then Dad loses his business, and Kit’s family could lose their house! Things look hopeless, but a clever idea might let her family keep their home. Can Kit help pull it off?

Discussion Questions 

• Kit is growing up in Cincinnati, OH in the 1930s. How is Kit’s life in Ohio in the 1930s different from your life in Ohio in the 2020s? How is it similar?
• This book is set during the Great Depression. During this time, many people lost their jobs and struggled financially. How did Kit’s life change after her father closed his business? What things did the Kittredge family do to help make/save money?
• At the beginning of the book, Kit and Ruthie are best friends. How does their friendship change throughout the story? Are they still best friends at the end of the story?
• Why do you think Kit is interested in being a reporter?
• Have you read any other American Girl books? If so, compare and contrast this book to other American Girl books you’ve read. Which American Girl character is your favorite? Why?
• Kit enjoys writing newspapers. Using Kit’s newspaper for inspiration, create your own one-page newspaper about things happening in your life. 

Activities

• Soup kitchens, like the one Kit visits, were created during the Great Depression to help feed people. Soup kitchens are still part of many communities, along with other resources like food pantries and blessing boxes. Learn more about what food resources are available in our county.
• The song “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” is considered the anthem of the Great Depression. Listen to the song here.
• Watch the movie, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. The Hancock Historical Museum (422 West Sandusky Street, Findlay) will screen a special free showing this movie on Saturday, March 7. Activities begin at 2 PM, and the movie begins at 2:30 PM. Register here to be a part of the fun!