Greetings!  

 
What a wonderful visit I had this last weekend at the USS Constitution Museum in Boston!

For three hours on Sunday afternoon I had the privilege of introducing Caroline Abbott, the new historical character I created for American Girl, to a lovely group of readers -- and budding writers!

The museum had space for 90 people to attend their tea party, and it sold out!

My program included an illustrated talk about how I researched and created Caroline, and an introduction to the settings and stories in my six Caroline books. That was followed by time for Q&A. The girls asked great questions!

Next we gave away door prizes -- starting with a full-size Caroline doll.

After that I personalized and signed books, and posed for pictures with the girls and their dolls. It took over an hour before everyone was accommodated. Those toward the back of the line were VERY patient people.

Afterwards I learned that the museum's store had completely sold out of Caroline books!

My thanks to the USS Constitution Museum for their well-organized tea, and generous sponsorship of my participation. Special appreciation must be given to both Lauren McCormack and Sarah Watkins for making sure everything went well.

This event afforded me the great joy of meeting lots of wonderful young readers, and the adults who encourage and support their love of reading.

Their enthusiasm helps explain why the six-book Caroline boxed set with game and the Meet Caroline paperback have, since their release five weeks ago, consistently been ranked in the top one percent of the 8 million plus printed books that Amazon sells.

Next I'm off to visit the American Girl stores in Chicago this Saturday the 13th, and in Kansas City on Sunday the 14th. If you have friends in those areas, please let them know. Details can be found on my calendar, which can be viewed by clicking HERE.

I had a wonderful time this last weekend, and I hope to return to Boston sometime in the upcoming months. I'll be sure to let you know in advance.