Millions of girls have been waiting for the debut of the newest American Girl -- and now she's here! Kit Kittredge is a nine-year-old girl growing up during the 1930s, a time when banks failed, people lost their money, and families struggled -- but Americans opened their hearts and helped each other. When the hard times hit home, Kit responds with spirit and determination to help her family face the challenges the Depression brings to their lives.

Kit hopes her father will find a new job soon so that things can return to the way they were before -- with no boarders in the house and no long list of daily chores. But a visit to a soup kitchen brings a shock -- and shows Kit just how much the Depression has changed everything.