Books in The American Girls Collection series

Addy knows that Christmas will be hard without Poppa, Sam, and Esther. When Addy spots a beautiful red scarf in a secondhand shop, she's determined to save her money and buy it for Momma to brighten her holiday. But when Addy sees the plight of newly freed slaves, she's torn. Can she help them and still save money for Momma's scarf? In the end, Addy's Christmas surprise for Momma is different from what she had planned. And a surprise awaiting Addy is better than she even dared to hope for.

Molly is excited to learn that an English girl is coming to stay at the McIntires'--just in time for Molly's birthday! But Emily turns out to be different from the glamorous girl Molly pictured. Emily is shy and standoffish. Then Molly discovers she and Emily have some important things in common. The girls become fast friends and decide to celebrate Molly's birthday with an English tea party. But they can't agree on how to do it, and it takes a special birthday surprise to help them patch up their hurt feelings.

Molly can't wait for Dad to come home--he'll arrive in time to see her dance the part of Miss Victory in the big Red Cross show! Molly isn't worried about her tap dancing, but she wants to look sophisticated so that Dad will know how much she's grown up while he's been away at war. Unfortunately, Molly's hair is all wrong. When Jill finally finds a way to give Molly glorious curls, everything seems to be perfect. Then Molly gets sick. Things couldn't be worse--until the doctor comes just in time.

Spring 1944: Emily Bennett, a young English girl, has come to stay with Molly McIntire's family to escape the bombing of London. Emily's parents sent her off with the reminder to be "a brave soldier for England," but Emily doesn't see how she can do that. Molly tries hard to make sweet, shy Emily feel at home, and Emily is grateful for Molly's friendship. Emily is delighted that she can help Molly with math and is pleased and proud when she impresses Molly. But it is not until Emily makes a big mistake and has to ask Molly for help that Emily shows how truly brave she is--and both girls learn what friendship really means.