Happy Birthday, Kirsten - Book Discussion

Hi everyone! I hope you all were able to read Happy Birthday, Kirsten so we can discuss it. If you don't have copies of these books going forward at home, you can check to see if a local library has them, and if no libraries have them, you can make an account at the Library of Congress's Internet Archive and check them out there.

Happy Birthday, Kirsten, the fourth book in Kirsten's series, is about

When I was rereading this book, several things came to mind about the themes within, and both their historical context and what it means to be a girl in 2025. I don't want these posts to be too long, so I'll list my thoughts, and let you discuss these topics as well in the comments!

1. It is springtime in Minnesota, which means that Kirsten's family has to work the farm and grow food, including the kids. How has work changed for children like Kirsten, and how has it stayed the same?

   Now, kids are mostly expected to go to school and not work until they are older, unless it's family stuff. While Kirsten is helping her family out with the work, it would still be permitted today, but it couldn't interfere with school hours.

2. Kirsten's mother is expecting a child, and Kirsten worries that because she is so preoccupied with the pregnancy, she won't celebrate her birthday. Why do you think that is?

   Kirsten does mention that her 9th birthday wasn't celebrated due to her family traveling to America. That must hurt, not being acknowledged on your special day - so I can imagine that's the reason.

   
   

3. When her mom is having the baby, Kirsten takes on extra responsibilities to let everyone know the baby is coming. How is she able to take her personal feelings aside and perform a task that shows her coming of age?

   Kirsten knows that part of maturity and growing up is taking responsibility, helping family out even when her personal wants interfere, and doing good within her family and community. 10 is a big deal - and Kirsten marks it in a big way.

   
   

4. Kirsten is unable to go to school because of her work when her mom has the baby. These days, is education or work more of a priority?

   In 2025, there would be no way a parent would keep their kid home from school so they can do more work. Obviously, staying home when the mother has the baby makes sense, but outside of that, Kirsten probably would have gone to school as normal if she lived in 2025.

   
   

Next week, we will be reading Kirsten Saves The Day!