Meet Jess: A Homeschooled American Girl
Jan. 3, 2006 at 5:14 PM
Homeschooling
From the American Girl website,
With her first step off the airplane and into bright tropical sunlight, Jess McConnell begins an adventure. She and her parents are spending five months at an archeological dig of ancient Maya ruins in the Central American country of Belize. It's Jess's first time out of the United States. It's her first time being home-schooled. And it's her first trip without her older brother and sister to keep her company. But Jess is excited to explore a new place all on her own. She's ready for adventure and anxious to discover just who Jess is.I wonder if this is part of the Saving Girlhood campaign or the Saving the American Girl Company from future controversy? (Hat tip: Daryl)
4 Comments and Trackbacks
posted by Boltbabe on Jan. 3, 2006 at 8:34 PM
I posted an article I received in an email from NSTA today about a judge's ruling on ID. Wondering if you have blogged about this topic. If so, can ya give me the link. If not, can you. I'd love to her from Mr. Spunk, too. (I don't know why I call him that.) LOL~
Looking forward to catching up with your last few posts.
Leslie <><
posted by spunkyhomeschool on Jan. 4, 2006 at 11:29 AM
I blogged about it here.
Intelligent Design
Mr. Spunky won't be commenting on it though. Sorry.
posted by Anonymous on Jan. 16, 2006 at 7:46 PM
I'm the author of JESS, the newest book/doll from American Girl and the "Girl of the Year." Jess is homeschooled because she's spending months in the jungles of Belize with her archeologist parents. And homeschooling was easy for me to write about as I earlier wrote MOOSE TRACKS and WOLF SHADOWS, who feature Seth, a 12-year old boy who happens to be home schooled. We homeschooled our daughter two years during elementary school, too, so I have a little idea of what it means.
Hope you enjoy a story where homeschooling isn't the issue, but it IS a natural backdrop for this character--and reflects the many families who are out there homeschooling today. Though, honestly, that wasn't the reason for setting the story in Belize. The adventure setting came first, the best means of schooling naturally followed.
Mary Casanova
posted by spunkyhomeschool on Jan. 16, 2006 at 7:59 PM
Thanks for stopping by to comment, Mary. I appreciate the information. We are looking forward to reading the book as well. I have two daughters who love the earlier books. I figured homeschooling wouldn't be the focus of the book but it is nice to see it getting a little more "mainstream" literature recognition.