Kirsten Saves The Day - Book Discussion

Hi everyone! I hope you all were able to read Kirsten Saves The Day 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.

Kirsten Saves The Day, the fifth book in Kirsten's series, is about how Kirsten and Peter discover a bee tree - but then get in more trouble than they were expecting, ultimately for a reward to come with it.

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. When Kirsten discovers the bee tree, the first thing she thinks of is how her family will be able to profit off of it. How is that a contrast between how people think of nature today?

   Since not as many families rely on farming as they did in 1855, it makes sense that not many people would see much value in a beehive like Kirsten does. But the way she sees it - as a tool to help her family - really shows that she values them a lot.

2. Kirsten learns what the Fourth of July is and how it is commemorated in this book. What do you think the holiday means for immigrants like Kirsten?

   Kirsten has a different relationship with America then many Americans who have known nothing different, but seeing America and what it is has really left an impression on her. She's been able to balance her old Swedish traditions with the pride of being an American, and I'm sure some other immigrants feel the same.

   
   

3. Kirsten is scolded by her papa when the bear attacks since she almost hurt herself and her brother Peter, and feels bad because of that. Why do you think that is?

   It hurts to be told that you're wrong by your family - and it hurts to be told that you're wrong by people you love. Kirsten feels like she has abandoned her responsibility to them, and that's why ultimately, it hurt so much when Papa told her those things.

   
   

4. Ultimately, Kirsten's discovery helps her family and helps save the day after all. How do you think Kirsten feels after that?

   Relieved - but most of all, happy that her intentions were good and that they were able to help her family get more resources so that they can be fed.

   
   

Next week, we will be reading Changes for Kirsten! After that, we'll move on to Molly's series.