I really liked this- addressed a LOT of the things going on in 1964, but written for a middle-grade reader. It resonates a lot with today's times because unfortunately, we STILL have the same issues about discrimination against Black people in the United States. The project to restore the park shows actions that kids can take, including how to do a group project by dividing into strength, when to ask for adult help, etc.

Unfortunately, American Girl wikia doesn't have information on changes in the abridged books for either Melody novel, but I don't feel like I lost anything (and again, really appreciated having illustrations like the classic AG historical novels.) ( )