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American Girl: Felicity #3
Felicity's Surprise
Felicity is invited to a dancing lesson at the Governor's Palace, the most wonderful honor she can imagine. Mother promises to make a beautiful new gown for her. As the splendid event draws near, Mother becomes dreadfully ill. Felicity spends all her days caring for her, sadly accepting that there will be no new gown and no chance to go to the Palace. No chance, that is, until a glorious surprise reminds her that Christmastide is a time when hopes and dreams do come true.
88 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1991
About the author
Valerie Tripp
242 books400 followersValerie Tripp is a children's book author, best known for her work with the American Girl series.
She grew up in Mount Kisco, New York with three sisters and one brother. A member of the first co-educated class at Yale University, Tripp also has a M.Ed. from Harvard. Since 1985 she has lived in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her husband teaches history at Montgomery College.
Right out of college, Tripp started writing songs, stories, and nonfiction for The Superkids Reading Program, working with Pleasant Rowland, the founder of American Girl. For that series, Tripp wrote all the books about Felicity, Josefina, Kit, Molly, and Maryellen and many of the books about Samantha. She also wrote the "Best Friends" character stories to date, plays, mysteries, and short stories about all her characters.. Film dramatizations of the lives of Samantha, Felicity, Molly, and Kit have been based on her stories. Currently, Tripp is writing a STEM series for National Geographic and adapting Greek Myths for Starry Forest Publishing. A frequent speaker at schools and libraries, Tripp has also spoken at the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, The New York Historical Society, and Williamsburg.
She grew up in Mount Kisco, New York with three sisters and one brother. A member of the first co-educated class at Yale University, Tripp also has a M.Ed. from Harvard. Since 1985 she has lived in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her husband teaches history at Montgomery College.
Right out of college, Tripp started writing songs, stories, and nonfiction for The Superkids Reading Program, working with Pleasant Rowland, the founder of American Girl. For that series, Tripp wrote all the books about Felicity, Josefina, Kit, Molly, and Maryellen and many of the books about Samantha. She also wrote the "Best Friends" character stories to date, plays, mysteries, and short stories about all her characters.. Film dramatizations of the lives of Samantha, Felicity, Molly, and Kit have been based on her stories. Currently, Tripp is writing a STEM series for National Geographic and adapting Greek Myths for Starry Forest Publishing. A frequent speaker at schools and libraries, Tripp has also spoken at the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, The New York Historical Society, and Williamsburg.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
May 17, 2020
Growing up means realizing Felicity has ADHD and Ben is actually kind of an asshole.
That said, I do adore the way Felicity grows up and takes on a new role in the household, and she tries so hard to be patient and care for her siblings and help where she can. And wow, get yourself a ride or die friend like Elizabeth.
“Can’t I love horses and dresses?” Yes you can, baby girl. Yes you can.
That said, I do adore the way Felicity grows up and takes on a new role in the household, and she tries so hard to be patient and care for her siblings and help where she can. And wow, get yourself a ride or die friend like Elizabeth.
“Can’t I love horses and dresses?” Yes you can, baby girl. Yes you can.
July 24, 2024
"She should dance with the governor's children and their friends. If our children can dance together, then perhaps we adults can settle our differences without fighting. Christmas is the time our hopes for peace and happiness should come true."
This series shows just how different people (all of us) can be. The rule followers vs. the wild & free! Which are you? I think I enjoy Felicity's character so much because I'm a cautious 'rule follower' to the core and I admire (done well & not too extreme) characters who are brave enough to not be at times.
I had forgotten the scripture and spiritual references in this series. So much sweetness and wisdom!
This series shows just how different people (all of us) can be. The rule followers vs. the wild & free! Which are you? I think I enjoy Felicity's character so much because I'm a cautious 'rule follower' to the core and I admire (done well & not too extreme) characters who are brave enough to not be at times.
I had forgotten the scripture and spiritual references in this series. So much sweetness and wisdom!
July 20, 2019
This book is very sweet. Felicity really grows as a character here and demonstrates compassion and maturity when she is forced to give up her hopes of attending the dancing lesson at the Governor’s Palace to care for her ill mother. Many other characters are seen giving up something that was previously important for the sake of others, and it was a very sweet little Christmassy story with values that girls can carry with them all year.
April 23, 2021
Re-reading these books (especially while sick) is just so comforting.
March 20, 2021
I think one of the reasons I love the Felicity books is because, being set in colonial Williamsburg, it's someplace I've actually been - and love - and it's fun to imagine Felicity and her family there. This is the book where we get to do a colonial Christmas, which makes it incredibly sweet, and the one where it becomes undeniable (in my head) that eventually Felicity and Ben got married. Yes, they're young, but reading this book again as an adult reminded me of how sure I was of this when I was a child. I remain convinced it is so.
July 24, 2024
I think this is my favorite Felicity book so far! Mr. Merriman is so wise, and Felicity and Ben both have great character arcs.
July 24, 2020
This is another book I read as a kid but have had to reread for work! I'm so biased about American Girl because I grew up reading and LOVING these books. Felicity was one of my very favorites, and I was so ready to cut off my right arm to have her doll (I eventually got the mini doll!). Even now in my mid-20s, I love these books, and they warm me right up. I love how Felicity's doll as well as the Noah's Ark toy she and her siblings play with come straight from real life 18th century artifacts, which shows just how well researched these books were for the time that they written. Again, I'm a big fan. Love Felicity. American Girl 4 lyfe, y'all.
February 14, 2019
One thing this book really helps to illustrate is that there was no mass production and ready-made items back then. If you didn't like a dress you had, oh well, suck it up - make it yourself or hire someone to make it for you. All sewing was done by hand, it would be almost another century before the first sewing machine came out.
It's really mind-boggling to compare what it was like to procure clothing back then compared to the relative ease of today's clothing boutiques and online shopping. These American Girl books were great because of these lessons.
It's really mind-boggling to compare what it was like to procure clothing back then compared to the relative ease of today's clothing boutiques and online shopping. These American Girl books were great because of these lessons.
November 6, 2023
Wow, I haven't read this book since I was a kid and it still brings the American Girl and Christmas magic! Loved it!
August 30, 2023
this was intense for felicity!! colds really were knocking these people out for good back then!! thank you modern medicine!!
July 21, 2023
A trip down memory lane with MJ. ❤️
March 23, 2024
Felicity continues to wrestle with her tomboyish inclinations and (slightly) with the politics that are beginning to tear her community apart.
This one works well for me because Felicity's key problems are social anxiety (THAT I can understand) and her mother's illness. On both fronts she acquits herself well. And at the beginning where Ben suggests that her excitement for the dancing lesson is making her selfish, both parents are on her side, which — to the young, authority-conscious reader that I was — seems to absolve her. As they should, I feel. Ben's out of his lane on this one.
I have to mention at this point, though, that we're three books in, and they've used the word "slave" maaaaaybe two or three times, and have definitely not attempted to explain the concept. It's not a nice thing to have to introduce to young readers, but dancing around it is definitely not the right approach either. Felicity's family may be starting to worry about money in the face of reduced custom at Merriman's store, but her parents still didn't bat an eye at buying her a new silk dress and a fancy doll, so we're still looking at a very privileged young lady.
More Felicity babble
Meet Felicity | Felicity Learns a Lesson | Felicity’s Surprise | Happy Birthday, Felicity | Felicity Saves the Day | Changes for Felicity
Very Funny, Elizabeth
Felicity’s New Sister | Felicity’s Dancing Shoes | Felicity Takes a Dare | Felicity Discovers a Secret | Felicity’s Short Story Collection
Peril at King’s Creek | Traitor in Williamsburg | Lady Margaret’s Ghost
This one works well for me because Felicity's key problems are social anxiety (THAT I can understand) and her mother's illness. On both fronts she acquits herself well. And at the beginning where Ben suggests that her excitement for the dancing lesson is making her selfish, both parents are on her side, which — to the young, authority-conscious reader that I was — seems to absolve her. As they should, I feel. Ben's out of his lane on this one.
I have to mention at this point, though, that we're three books in, and they've used the word "slave" maaaaaybe two or three times, and have definitely not attempted to explain the concept. It's not a nice thing to have to introduce to young readers, but dancing around it is definitely not the right approach either. Felicity's family may be starting to worry about money in the face of reduced custom at Merriman's store, but her parents still didn't bat an eye at buying her a new silk dress and a fancy doll, so we're still looking at a very privileged young lady.
More Felicity babble
Meet Felicity | Felicity Learns a Lesson | Felicity’s Surprise | Happy Birthday, Felicity | Felicity Saves the Day | Changes for Felicity
Very Funny, Elizabeth
Felicity’s New Sister | Felicity’s Dancing Shoes | Felicity Takes a Dare | Felicity Discovers a Secret | Felicity’s Short Story Collection
Peril at King’s Creek | Traitor in Williamsburg | Lady Margaret’s Ghost
November 5, 2024
my favorite outing for Felicity. I loved the vibes, I loved seeing how caring she was.
also everybody gets mad at Ben for how he acted in this book that going in I thought he was going to be so evil, but honestly I think his objections were completely reasonable y'all are just mean.
also everybody gets mad at Ben for how he acted in this book that going in I thought he was going to be so evil, but honestly I think his objections were completely reasonable y'all are just mean.
March 1, 2018
really enjoyed this
January 15, 2022
This book was my favorite of the Felicity series as a girl. I wanted this dress for my Felicity doll SO BADLY! Reading it to my girls was so much fun! They lapped it up and really empathized which was really cool to experience as a mom. They tried to give it 6 and then 10 and then 200 stars so I would guess it was a big hit with them.
May 15, 2022
I forgot what a delight these books are!! They’re so cute!
July 29, 2022
Cinderella retelling vibes
December 29, 2022
It was very cozy and easy to read. Very Chridtmassy and fun!!!
June 17, 2023
I read in an hour during a work break. I would’ve loved a dress like Felicity’s.
August 28, 2023
this girl was really going through it I can't believe her mom just almost died randomly
December 24, 2023
Picked this up for some nostalgic Christmas reading while sick! Enjoyable and still held up well as an adult. Felicity will always be my favorite American Girl
February 10, 2021
The year is 1774 and it is Christmastide in the Colonies. No one is more excited than Felicity Merriman; she has been invited to the governor's palace for a formal dance lesson! This dance lesson involves beautiful formal clothing and splendid refreshments. Mrs. Merriman decides to make Felicity's gown but becomes quite ill and is unable to finish the project. Now, nothing matters to Felicity except her Mother's health. She helps care for her Mother day and night. What will happen?
The "Looking Back" section explores Christmas in Virginia in 1774 which began a few weeks before Christmas and ended on January 6th. This short novel shows the tensions that existed between England and the Colonies.
The "Looking Back" section explores Christmas in Virginia in 1774 which began a few weeks before Christmas and ended on January 6th. This short novel shows the tensions that existed between England and the Colonies.
January 29, 2012
The book I am going to tell you about is "Felicity's Surprise" by Valerie Tripp. This historical fiction book is one of my most favorite series from the American Doll Books. As most girls know about the American Dolls because of their dolls. However, before you read my essay I am going to tell you that I am not telling you about the American Girl Dolls because this is goodreads. I am going to tell you about the book of a American Girl who's name was Felicity. She was born before the American Revolution started. The tension was growing around the colonies of America, and England. The problems all started when she was invited to a ball lesson by the governer of Virginia her state. After she got the message Ben a apperientice of her farther became mad with her because she was going to a ball filled with loyalists, and might be drinking punch with the governer who is so close to the King. Then after her father says she can go her mother gets terribly sick while making Felicity's dress. Now, Felicity can't go to the ball! Will Felicity be able to become friends with Ben again, and still save her mother from the cold?
I thought this book was really filled with tension. The reason I thought this is because people in America were starting to have debates if they should seperate from King George or not. When Felicity was invited to the dancing lesson from the governer Ben thought that she was going against her family, and friends who were patriots. After her father said she could go to the lesson Ben marched off really mad at Felicity. He even screamed that she wouldn't even care if Penny her favorite horse (who ran away from its owner) came back which hurt Felicity's feeling. After that time Ben, and Felicity didn't talk to each other which worried Elizabeth her best friend, and her family. Another time their was tension was when Felicity's mother got terribly sick. There were no cure back then to cure this. Felicity's life turned lonely, and grey without her mother being always happy, and bright. Everybody in the family now got so gloomy that they were now almost losing hope. Even Ben their fathers apperientice who was almost always happy was being really quiet, and was avoiding to look at people who were still cheerfull. These times were times when families were unhappy, and sad.
I noticed that when Felicity was in a unhappy mood she sometimes ignored people. This surprised me because Felicity is normally a happy person. However, in this book Felicity's Surprise she somehow gets unhappy. I think the motivations for this behavioris because she rarely ever gets insulted by people because everybody likes her except from Anabelle. Or maybe Banannabelle as Felicity likes to call her. I think Felicity doesn't realize she is insulting people so she doesn't feel bad. However, when she gets insulted she fells really unhappy. For example, when Ben said that she doesn't care about anything she got the feeling that she was insulted. So, she didn't talk to him or his friends untill he apologized. I sometimes fell bad when I am insulted. However, after a few days they seem to realize that they insulted me. So, they apologize to me which makes me feel a lot better.
After I read this book I realized thatpeoplecan make mistake without realizing it, and the person they insulted would have more things to worry about. So, if you think you are insulting people try to apologize to them. After you did I bbet that you feel a lot better than before.
I thought this book was really filled with tension. The reason I thought this is because people in America were starting to have debates if they should seperate from King George or not. When Felicity was invited to the dancing lesson from the governer Ben thought that she was going against her family, and friends who were patriots. After her father said she could go to the lesson Ben marched off really mad at Felicity. He even screamed that she wouldn't even care if Penny her favorite horse (who ran away from its owner) came back which hurt Felicity's feeling. After that time Ben, and Felicity didn't talk to each other which worried Elizabeth her best friend, and her family. Another time their was tension was when Felicity's mother got terribly sick. There were no cure back then to cure this. Felicity's life turned lonely, and grey without her mother being always happy, and bright. Everybody in the family now got so gloomy that they were now almost losing hope. Even Ben their fathers apperientice who was almost always happy was being really quiet, and was avoiding to look at people who were still cheerfull. These times were times when families were unhappy, and sad.
I noticed that when Felicity was in a unhappy mood she sometimes ignored people. This surprised me because Felicity is normally a happy person. However, in this book Felicity's Surprise she somehow gets unhappy. I think the motivations for this behavioris because she rarely ever gets insulted by people because everybody likes her except from Anabelle. Or maybe Banannabelle as Felicity likes to call her. I think Felicity doesn't realize she is insulting people so she doesn't feel bad. However, when she gets insulted she fells really unhappy. For example, when Ben said that she doesn't care about anything she got the feeling that she was insulted. So, she didn't talk to him or his friends untill he apologized. I sometimes fell bad when I am insulted. However, after a few days they seem to realize that they insulted me. So, they apologize to me which makes me feel a lot better.
After I read this book I realized thatpeoplecan make mistake without realizing it, and the person they insulted would have more things to worry about. So, if you think you are insulting people try to apologize to them. After you did I bbet that you feel a lot better than before.
February 6, 2019
So far this is my favorite Felicity book. Felicity is faced with something that causes her to realign her priorities and think about what is truly important. If that sounds cheesy, well it is, but if you don't want cheesy don't read these books. This amount of cheese was fine with me because it felt warranted, and of course remembering that it is a book for younger readers, they probably won't be quite as jaded as me. :)
February 10, 2020
About to start the American Girls podcast, so I’m rereading my AG books before I listen to the episodes.
This is a sweet Christmas story about what really matters. Felicity is a bit self-absorbed, but she’s an excited nine year old. She matures a bit over the course of the book. It’s quite sweet.
This is a sweet Christmas story about what really matters. Felicity is a bit self-absorbed, but she’s an excited nine year old. She matures a bit over the course of the book. It’s quite sweet.
January 13, 2018
3.5*
This is a sweet book. Felicity really matures when , I think. And I love the show of friendship at the end of the book.
I also like that it's decided that Felicity can go to the governor's ball despite the fact that her family disagrees with him. They can enjoy Christmas together regardless of their political beliefs.
This is a sweet book. Felicity really matures when , I think. And I love the show of friendship at the end of the book.
I also like that it's decided that Felicity can go to the governor's ball despite the fact that her family disagrees with him. They can enjoy Christmas together regardless of their political beliefs.
February 26, 2015
This was a cute book, not as engaging as Meet Felicity or the books in the series but still ok nonetheless. Felicity is invited to the governor's place for dancing, wants a new dress but money is tight. Her surprise is a new dress and doll.
December 18, 2015
Felicity was always my favorite as a youngster. Love these so much.
January 21, 2020
This is the third book in the “Felicity: An American Girl” series. I am reading the series to participate in the “American Girls” podcast with Allison Horrocks and Mary Mahoney.
In this Felicity tale, Felicity has been invited to the Governor’s Palace for dancing lessons at Christmastide. However, Colonial issues emerge over Ben and Felicity’s father no longer selling tea, which will put Felicity in a difficult position since attending the dance will be with a bunch of Loyalists who probably view her father as some type of traitor (yikes) and, more importantly, to her, at least, Felicity has nothing to wear (please remember that she is nine and although she is annoying as fuck at points obsessing over this dress and ignoring what is going on with her mother till it’s almost too late, I implore you to try to remember what the fuck you were focused on at nine because I’m sure it was nothing better than what Felicity is doing). Felicity’s mom starts working on a dress for Felicity, day in and day out, even though they don’t really have the money for it and in the process, Mrs. Merriman almost dies from a bad cough (FOR REAL). Felicity learns what is really important at Christmastide (family first, not a dress) and finally straightens our her priorities and through that, at the end, she is awarded with the privilege of going to the godforsaken dance lessons.
I don’t know what to really say about this story? I liked some aspects of it, like Felicity learning what was most important and taking care of her family throughout this difficult time (really growing up, for once), but the time to get to that took forever. Felicity was literally completely oblivious to her mother’s deteriorating health because of her obsession with her damn blue dress. However, with that being said, I don’t even know if you can really blame Felicity for how she is acting when Elizabeth and Ben are basically driving her to sort of act like this, which was my biggest issue with this story. Ben and Elizabeth drove me crazy throughout the book despite the final chapter, where everything was restored between them and Felicity. Although I understand what Ben was saying about the Loyalists, and I really do agree with his beginning remarks in the first chapter about how could Felicity attend a ball with people that don’t care for her, her family, her people, I also think he was being very harsh with Felicity sometimes at certain points (like, yes, she’s being self-centered about this dress and it is driving me crazy too, but she is only nine and you are not that much older to be calling her out, Benjamin) and, on the flip side, Elizabeth seemed be the exact opposite of too realistic Ben and chose to live in la-la-land the whole time. Elizabeth is the reason Felicity gets obsessive with the dress, after basically implying what she has it not good enough and embarrassing her. Not only that, but once Felicity’s mother gets sick... She barely cared. Felicity’s mom might die because it’s 1774 and medicine SUCKS and the only worry Elizabeth has is about having her friend at the dance, having her friend dressed nicely at the dance, who her friend was going escorted by to the dance, how she was going to get to the dance, et cetera. I really didn’t like Elizabeth in the second book either, I’m hoping in the next one she will be much better??? She just sort of sucks, but, yet again, I’m also the twenty four year old judging and criticizing what the fuck nine year olds are doing in 1774 at 12:57 AM... So maybe I’m the one in need of a reality check too, am I right?
In this Felicity tale, Felicity has been invited to the Governor’s Palace for dancing lessons at Christmastide. However, Colonial issues emerge over Ben and Felicity’s father no longer selling tea, which will put Felicity in a difficult position since attending the dance will be with a bunch of Loyalists who probably view her father as some type of traitor (yikes) and, more importantly, to her, at least, Felicity has nothing to wear (please remember that she is nine and although she is annoying as fuck at points obsessing over this dress and ignoring what is going on with her mother till it’s almost too late, I implore you to try to remember what the fuck you were focused on at nine because I’m sure it was nothing better than what Felicity is doing). Felicity’s mom starts working on a dress for Felicity, day in and day out, even though they don’t really have the money for it and in the process, Mrs. Merriman almost dies from a bad cough (FOR REAL). Felicity learns what is really important at Christmastide (family first, not a dress) and finally straightens our her priorities and through that, at the end, she is awarded with the privilege of going to the godforsaken dance lessons.
I don’t know what to really say about this story? I liked some aspects of it, like Felicity learning what was most important and taking care of her family throughout this difficult time (really growing up, for once), but the time to get to that took forever. Felicity was literally completely oblivious to her mother’s deteriorating health because of her obsession with her damn blue dress. However, with that being said, I don’t even know if you can really blame Felicity for how she is acting when Elizabeth and Ben are basically driving her to sort of act like this, which was my biggest issue with this story. Ben and Elizabeth drove me crazy throughout the book despite the final chapter, where everything was restored between them and Felicity. Although I understand what Ben was saying about the Loyalists, and I really do agree with his beginning remarks in the first chapter about how could Felicity attend a ball with people that don’t care for her, her family, her people, I also think he was being very harsh with Felicity sometimes at certain points (like, yes, she’s being self-centered about this dress and it is driving me crazy too, but she is only nine and you are not that much older to be calling her out, Benjamin) and, on the flip side, Elizabeth seemed be the exact opposite of too realistic Ben and chose to live in la-la-land the whole time. Elizabeth is the reason Felicity gets obsessive with the dress, after basically implying what she has it not good enough and embarrassing her. Not only that, but once Felicity’s mother gets sick... She barely cared. Felicity’s mom might die because it’s 1774 and medicine SUCKS and the only worry Elizabeth has is about having her friend at the dance, having her friend dressed nicely at the dance, who her friend was going escorted by to the dance, how she was going to get to the dance, et cetera. I really didn’t like Elizabeth in the second book either, I’m hoping in the next one she will be much better??? She just sort of sucks, but, yet again, I’m also the twenty four year old judging and criticizing what the fuck nine year olds are doing in 1774 at 12:57 AM... So maybe I’m the one in need of a reality check too, am I right?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2021
Once more, I was delighted by the many positive features the Felicity series appears to have time and time again. As I mentioned in my reviews for Meet Felicity, and Felicity Learns a Lesson, the two books preceding this one in the Felicity series, the illustrations are beautiful, every word was written was care, the main protagonist is relatable, the context is accurate, the messages are subtle yet clear, and the messages are positive. Several good features I noticed for the first time when reading this book, or that appeared in this book but not the previous two, are as follows:
1. A growing emphasis on the character Ben. If one reads the six-book series in order, he or she will begin to notice that Ben, who works at Felicity's father's store, is changing. Though the story does not focus on this subplot, one who notices it surely grows curious and gets a mixed feeling of anticipation and dread as he or she wonders where Ben's story is going.
2. The book's mood. Despite one character getting sick, the book still has a delightful, warm feeling to it, as if the reader can feel the Christmas season the author illustrates.
3. Something always happening. There is never a slow moment, and no scene can be tossed out. This guides the person reading the book to want to continue.
4. Simplicity. The author keeps the plot and subplots simple so that the reader will not be confused when something briefly mentioned earlier comes back up.
5. Character growth. Multiple characters grow in character, including Felicity. In this book, though she is at first selfish, she learns to sacrifice her wants for others' needs.
6. The wording. The elementary (maybe kindergarten or middle school--it depends) students reading the book should easily understand the sentences since they are simple. Simultaneously, a few large words are thrown in, which may help expand your child's vocabulary.
7. The context. The series should be read in order, but a few facts from previous books are mentioned here and there so as not to leave the reader confused if he or she starts reading in the middle.
Opt. #8. CHRIST-mas. Not everyone reading this review will agree, but I was impressed with the emphasis on God and how Christ is the reason for Christmas. The reason this is an optional positive part of the book is because some readers are of another religion and will be upset to hear that Christianity is highlighted. One way or another, it correctly teaches the young readers that Christianity was a popular religion during 1774 (the year this book takes place).
One of the only two negative features of Felicity's Surprise would be how Nan, Felicity's little sister, says that those who drowned from the Biblical, 40-day flood went to heaven. This may not bother those who are not Christians, but Christians may be disturbed by this idea, for most agree that it is those who follow God, not those in general, that go to heaven.
Also, despite my saying earlier that something is always happening, as it was described to be raining with dreariness in the air, I could feel it as well. It felt boring, and I wanted to put the book down.
In the end, the book was more good than bad. It was delightful and worth reading for all.
1. A growing emphasis on the character Ben. If one reads the six-book series in order, he or she will begin to notice that Ben, who works at Felicity's father's store, is changing. Though the story does not focus on this subplot, one who notices it surely grows curious and gets a mixed feeling of anticipation and dread as he or she wonders where Ben's story is going.
2. The book's mood. Despite one character getting sick, the book still has a delightful, warm feeling to it, as if the reader can feel the Christmas season the author illustrates.
3. Something always happening. There is never a slow moment, and no scene can be tossed out. This guides the person reading the book to want to continue.
4. Simplicity. The author keeps the plot and subplots simple so that the reader will not be confused when something briefly mentioned earlier comes back up.
5. Character growth. Multiple characters grow in character, including Felicity. In this book, though she is at first selfish, she learns to sacrifice her wants for others' needs.
6. The wording. The elementary (maybe kindergarten or middle school--it depends) students reading the book should easily understand the sentences since they are simple. Simultaneously, a few large words are thrown in, which may help expand your child's vocabulary.
7. The context. The series should be read in order, but a few facts from previous books are mentioned here and there so as not to leave the reader confused if he or she starts reading in the middle.
Opt. #8. CHRIST-mas. Not everyone reading this review will agree, but I was impressed with the emphasis on God and how Christ is the reason for Christmas. The reason this is an optional positive part of the book is because some readers are of another religion and will be upset to hear that Christianity is highlighted. One way or another, it correctly teaches the young readers that Christianity was a popular religion during 1774 (the year this book takes place).
One of the only two negative features of Felicity's Surprise would be how Nan, Felicity's little sister, says that those who drowned from the Biblical, 40-day flood went to heaven. This may not bother those who are not Christians, but Christians may be disturbed by this idea, for most agree that it is those who follow God, not those in general, that go to heaven.
Also, despite my saying earlier that something is always happening, as it was described to be raining with dreariness in the air, I could feel it as well. It felt boring, and I wanted to put the book down.
In the end, the book was more good than bad. It was delightful and worth reading for all.
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