kidswife wrote:Should I venture into the world of the American Girl books? I've heard mixed reviews --
Yes- because girls love reading them; they incorporate history in the stories; opens opportunities for parents to engage in topics that might not otherwise come up
No - because the company supports Planned Parenthood; the vocabulary is too simple, the storyline isn't complex, the characters lack depth; books and associated toys are too expensive
Vision Forum has, what I would call, an American Girl alternative called, The Beautiful Girlhood collection. Books with dolls and dresses to match. But I've called them and the customer support rep told me the books were more suited for girls 10+ whereas the dolls were for 3+.
I'm just looking for more good chapter books for my avid 6 y/o reader. What do y'all think?
At 6 y.o, I would read them out loud to her instead of letting them read them to herself. Not a good idea to let a 6 y.o read them on their own. Just because they can, doesn't mean they " should". Just like the people at Vision Forum told you - the age on them is not for 6 y.o with either of these series.
Perhaps a list of fun chapter books from Honey for a Child's Heart (from MFW 1st grade) would be helpful?
You might be shocked to find out that in some of the history years, MFW recommends some (not all) of some of the book series American Girl. Marie is careful to put some disclaimers in there on the books and which ones have character issues that need to be discussed. She doesn't recommend all of the books, just some of the older ones. My manuals are a few years old by now. But I'm sitting here looking at EX1850 and ADV and... well. and 1850MOD and well..... uh....
I read them to my oldest and checked them out of library. Followed the warnings in the manual that some of the actions weren't perfect. The vocab is age appropriate (otherwise most children wouldn't enjoy reading them.) Plots don't have to be complicated for elementary age children.
A little soap box moment -- don't believe every rumor you hear on the internet about what AG supports. IN 2005, American Girls severed ties with Girls Inc. (AG was never part of PP by the way, it was a guilt by association thing.) The bracelets were sold, profits donated to the math and science, and literacy and athletic divisions. It was a short term project. It was never the books nor the dolls themselves that was part of the campaign. it was a specific merchandise item being used to raised funds for specific projects in Girls Inc. The Girls Inc thing was from 5 years ago and the rumor persist. The "boycott" was successful as AG did not renew support for that group. It was only sales from a bracelet as part of the I Can campaign. And when in doubt, contact the company directly in question and just ask for their media relations department. so, uhm..... I'll say that as nicely as I can, but uh... uh..... uh... there's not an easy way to say you have incorrect information about that topic.
I'm not saying you should run out and buy any of these dolls from either place. But in terms of the books, wait a little longer than 6 y.o? If it were me asking the rich grandparents and I had a daughter who really really really wanted an expensive doll, I'd probably lean toward Vision Forum just because it's more homeschool company. But for the books, I'd wait a few years or at least until sometime in ADV and check books from library, then get the other ones (VF) when they are older.
-crystal