American Girls: Caroline Books

Caroline Abbott is doing what she loves most--sailing on Lake Ontario with Papa--when her world turns upside down. A British officer boards their sloop, announces that Britain and America are once again at war, and takes her father prisoner. As Papa is led away, Caroline promises him that she will be brave until he returns. Then the British attack her village, and it looks as if the Americans are in trouble. Can she stay steady enough to help win the day? The illustrated "Looking Back" section explores the beginning of the War of 1812.

Caroline and her mother make a dangerous journey across Lake Ontario to the British fort where Papa is being held prisoner. When Mama isn't allowed to see Papa, it's up to Caroline to pass a secret message to him--right under the nose of a British guard! She hopes desperately that Papa will understand her message and make an escape. But can she get to him in time? The illustrated "Looking Back" section explores how the War of 1812 affected women and children.

Caroline imagined it would be great fun to have two girls staying at her house for the winter. But her friend Rhonda and her cousin Lydia seem to have more in common with each other than they do with Caroline. Worse, they'd rather stay inside styling hair than go skating and sledding on a beautiful day. When nothing Caroline tries seems to change things, her hurt feelings lead her to make a dangerous decision--one that puts all three girls on very thin ice! The illustrated "Looking Back" section discusses Christmastime and growing up in the early 1800s.

While Caroline is out fishing one spring day, she sees a British warship about to capture an American boat. With only an instant to decide what to do, Caroline takes a daring risk to try to save the day. She's been trying to be brave, like she promised Papa, but would he be proud of her now? Missing him terribly, Caroline visits their special fishing spot on the shore of Lake Ontario. She hopes to find comfort there--but instead she makes a startling discovery! The illustrated "Looking Back" section discusses transportation and medicine in the early 1800s.

Caroline's father has just returned when they receive frightening news--British warships are sailing to attack Sackets Harbor. Every grown man, including Papa, has been called to defend the village. Mama and Caroline are left alone to guard Abbott's Shipyard as the battlefront draws ever closer. Caroline knows she must be brave to keep Papa's shipyard safe. But when the battle seems lost, Mama gives her a terrible order: burn the shipyard to the ground. Will Caroline really be able to do what must be done? The illustrated "Looking Back" section discusses the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the burning of the White House during the War of 1812.

A letter arrives for Caroline, asking her to come help her uncle Aaron and cousin Lydia on their new farm for the summer. Although Caroline is reluctant to leave her family, she's eager to lend a hand. So when she suspects that a thief has been stealing much-needed food from the farm, Caroline helps keep watch to guard against the uninvited visitor. Then she makes an unexpected discovery--and learns that some things are not as simple as they seem. The illustrated "Looking Back" section explores how America began to change at the end of the War of 1812.

When Caroline learns that British spies may be lurking in Sackets Harbor, she is worried. Then, a long lost friend of Papa's shows up in town. Papa is delighted to give him a job at Abbott's Shipyard, but soon, strange things start going wrong. Caroline is sure a spy is making trouble at the yard--but is it one of Abbott's trusted workers, whom she has known all her life, or could it be Papa's dear friend? An illustrated "Looking Back" section discusses the role of spies in the War of 1812.

What if you suddenly found yourself in Caroline's world, right in the middle of the War of 1812? How would it feel to know your home is under attack--and how would you stay strong during such a scary time? Join Caroline on adventures where the two of you could find ways to help the Americans win, confront a possible spy, or even plunge headfirst into ice-cold Lake Ontario! Your journey back in time can take whatever twists and turns you choose, as you select from a variety of exciting options in this multiple-ending story.

The War of 1812 is still raging when Caroline goes to visit her cousin Lydia and Uncle Aaron's farm deep in the woods. While there, she finds evidence that someone is smuggling precious supplies to the British. She can't believe anyone would help the enemy during wartime! Even worse: could the traitor be her own uncle? Includes an "Inside Caroline's World" essay about smuggling during the War of 1812.