Kit Kittredge: An American Girl 2008

In June 1934, ten-year-old Kit Kittredge is living in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a burning ambition to become a reporter. Amidst her literary pursuits in the attic, she observes the turmoil unfolding downstairs as her family’s house faces potential foreclosure—their mortgage is at risk following her father’s car dealership’s closure, compelling him to seek work in Chicago. To help make ends meet, her mother accepts an eclectic group of boarders, which includes the captivating magician Mr. Berk, the graceful dance instructor Miss Dooley, and the charming mobile library driver Miss Bond.

As the community grapples with troubling reports of muggings and robberies allegedly perpetrated by hobos, Kit immerses herself in investigative journalism. During her explorations, she befriends the resourceful young boy Will and the spirited Countee, who reside in a nearby hobo jungle by the Ohio River and Erie Lackawanna Railway. Filled with passion, Kit pens an article about the hobo camp and attempts to pitch it to the stern editor of the Cincinnati newspaper, Mr. Gibson. However, he dismisses her work, showing no interest in the topic.

In the midst of her challenges, Kit adopts a dog, while her mother buys chickens for their farm, enabling Kit to sell fresh eggs as another source of income. The plot thickens when a locked box containing her mother’s prized possessions is stolen, leading to a footprint discovery that matches Will’s boot, making him the primary suspect in the eyes of the sheriff, who soon sets off to apprehend him and Countee, unaware they have already vacated the hobo jungle.

Determined, Kit enlists the help of her friends Stirling and Ruthie to uncover the truth and exonerate Will. Their investigation reveals a shocking twist: Mr. Berk and his accomplices masterminded the robberies, framing Will and the homeless community in the process. This revelation transforms Kit into a local heroine.

Later on, Kit discovers that Countee has been masquerading as a boy. The story takes a heartwarming turn during Thanksgiving when the homeless community rallies to bring food for Kit’s family, and her father returns home, expressing a desire to find work locally. In a gratifying finale, Mr. Gibson presents Kit with the exciting news that her article has been published in Cincinnati’s leading daily newspaper, affirming her dream of being a journalist.