Ship of Dolls

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

The author took a piece of history as the setting for this story of 11 year old Lexie who is living with her grandparents in Portland, Oregon, while her mom and new step dad earn a living as musicians. It is 1926 and Lexie is not happy living with a very strict grandmother who loves this child but wants her to "grow up right." Lexie's class has been raising money to buy a doll that will join thousands of others from all over the nation on a friendship voyage to Japan. This is the true part of the story - some 12,000 dolls were sent to Japanese girls to promote goodwill and peace between the 2 countries in a time of growing tension. The story has all the elements the reader is looking for - a friend, a mean, very mean girl at school, strict but loving grandparents, a mom who cares for her child but is not ready to give up her career to settle down, a mistake, consequences, a bit of heartbreak, and a resolution. An excellent story, a glimpse at a small piece of history, and what is important in life.

Overall Book Score: excellent