Kira Down Under (American Girl® Girl of the Year™)

So, first things first--the uproar over this book is ridiculous. There is ONE mention about her aunts being married to each other. That's it. Unless a parent makes a big stink about it, I highly doubt that most kids would even think twice about it. And representation DOES matter. This is a fact of life in today's world. Instead of banning this book from your house, use it as a teaching moment if your child does ask about it and quit being such horrible people who use your hangups to project on your children.The story is okay, it's definitely not one of my favorites. In all honesty, I think AG has gotten stuck in a rut with their stories for the GOTY characters. There's always a conflict with the main character and their best friend. REALLY? And while it's mentioned that Kira has lost her dad, there really isn't much about it and I think they missed out on an opportunity to use that as a teaching moment as well.Otherwise, the story does talk about protecting wildlife, makes mention of the current events and I think is a good book for showcasing environmental concerns.

I’ve been a huge fan of American Girl for years now, and I was blown away by the maturity and story of these books. Kira is an average 10 year old trying to figure out life while in the outback of Australia. She wants to do good but is anxious and must always be prepared for any situation. As she spends her summer at her aunt’s sanctuary, she deals with friendship, raising animals, climate change, bushfires, and doing what is right.AG, I applaud you for including such issues in her books. They have done so much good by including all of these storylines. Even though there are individuals in these reviews upset about the aunts, I am so happy AG has included this kind of representation. I have gay uncles and a lesbian aunt, and it really touched my heart to have them included in these stories. Family is always family, and the stories don’t hesitate to portray them as loving as two parents would be. The climate change angle brings awareness to an issue hurting our children. It’s so important to show them that it’s okay to take a stand and do what’s right. Erin Teagan is a wonderful author and brought these stories to life in a realistic, empowering way.Kira displays the best of girlhood, and I can’t wait to get her doll.

My daughter grew up with many American Girl books and some of the dolls. I love how this story takes you on Kira's visit to her aunts' Wildlife Rescue Clinic in Australia and the fun (and not so fun) adventures, making her new friend, and new experiences that require responsibility because they are "do something situations". Kira discovers that , "You can't let your fear of the worst keep you from living your best." You can tell from the wonderful descriptions that the author actually visited a Wildlife sanctuary in Australia as well as met/interviewed Izzy, and her family who took in Koalas and then started the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital in Queensland. That is one of the things I love about the various Girls of the Year books-the readers can see real people their age doing what they love to do.

Another good installment in the wide-ranging American Girl series that my oldest daughter enjoys.Not sure why to make of some of the homophobic, angry reviews I’ve seen here other than to say I feel sorry for those who choose to expend their energy this way. It’s the 21st century after all. My kids have always had friends, starting as toddlers in daycare, who have two moms or two dads. It’s about as novel or exciting to them as a friend who is left handed or has blonde hair. We grown-ups need to take some deep breaths and relax. The kids are going to be fine.

My girls (10&8) and I enjoyed this book together and look forward to reading the second one. We are animal lovers and love learning about anything related to Australia.I’m happy to report my girls’ innocence is still in tact, they had zero reaction to the fact that Kira has aunts and that they are married. I don’t know what kind of warning some parents expect about a same sex couple. Should book covers say WARNING, LESBIANS!!? Should they warn readers that Kira’s parents are heterosexuals? Should they warn readers that Kira’s father died? If you choose to shelter your children then it’s your job to pre-read every single thing they will read.

The only criticism is the print is so small for the younger reader…. Beautiful cover illustration and story

My 9 year old loves this book! I asked her if there was anything different about Kira’s aunts and she said “she doesn’t have an uncle because they are married.” The end. She wasn’t horrified or upset. These parents are horrified and upset for absolutely no reason. My daughter loves the storyline and I’m glad little girls are able to see representation of different families!

My 8 year old absolutely loved this book. Usually we have to force her to read her 30 min per day for homework but she loved reading this and read for way more than half an hour at a time (and now of course wants a Kira doll - and a koala!)

C’est un bon livre

My daughter loves this book!