Ship of Dolls

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Can a ship carrying Friendship Dolls to Japan be Lexies ticket to see her fun-loving mother again A heartwarming historical novel inspired by a little-known true event.

Its 1926, and the one thing eleven-year-old Lexie Lewis wants more than anything is to leave Portland, Oregon, where she has been staying with her strict grandparents, and rejoin her mother, a carefree singer in San Franciscos speakeasies. But Mamas new husband doesnt think a little girl should live with parents who work all night and sleep all day. Meanwhile, Lexies class has been raising money to ship a doll to the children of Japan in a friendship exchange, and when Lexie learns that the girl who writes the best letter to accompany the doll will be sent to the farewell ceremony in San Francisco, she knows she just has to be the winner. But what if a jealous classmate and Lexies own small lies to her grandmother manage to derail her plans Inspired by a project organized by teacher-missionary Sidney Gulick, in which U.S. children sent more than 12,000 Friendship Dolls to Japan in hopes of avoiding a future war, Shirley Parenteaus engaging story has sure appeal for young readers who enjoy historical fiction, and for doll lovers of all ages.

Reviews

Tender and funny, this story of friendship and family is reminiscent of Beverly Clearys work. Fans of Ramona will have no trouble connecting with and rooting for lively and likable Lexie, and doll aficionados will also enjoy this engaging title.
School Library Journal

In Parenteaus well-conceived story, transformations come slowly and believably... Parenteau weaves in information about the Friendship Dolls so subtly that it never overshadows Lexies story; an authors note explains the project in full.
Publishers Weekly

Period details from the actual 1926 exchange of Friendship Dolls provide fascinating context for this old-fashioned heroines journey of personal growth. ... Historically inclined readers will enjoy this heartwarming story and its feisty heroine.
Kirkus Reviews

Set in 1926, this moving description of a childs coming to terms with a new family arrangement includes a real event: an exchange of dolls between Japanese and U.S. schoolchildren conceived as a message of peace. Period details abound, but what rings most historically true is the 11-year-olds relationship with dolls: Emily Grace, who will carry goodwill messages to Japan; and Annie, recipient of confidences and not a few tears.
Booklist

The true story of how American children sent more than twelve thousand dolls to Japan in 1927to promote friendship, trust, and future peaceserves as backdrop to this well-crafted, involving story.
The Horn Book

The 1920s setting is nicely rendered through dialogue and descriptive details, and Lexie is a sympathetic heroine. The doll ambassadors of peace premise is also interesting and historically true, and an authors note on the real story is provided.
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Students will relate to Lexie as she faces her dilemmas. She is a realistic character.
Library Media Connection

Author Bio

Shirley Parenteau is the author of many books for young people, including the picture books Bears on Chairs, Bears in Beds, and Bears in the Bath. She lives with her husband in Elk Grove, California.