Ship of Dolls

In Parenteau's well-conceived story, transformations come slowly and believably... Parenteau weaves in information about the Friendship Dolls so subtly that it never overshadows Lexie's story; an author's note explains the project in full.
--Publishers Weekly

Period details from the actual 1926 exchange of Friendship Dolls provide fascinating context for this old-fashioned heroine's journey of personal growth. ... Historically inclined readers will enjoy this heartwarming story and its feisty heroine.
--Kirkus Reviews

Set in 1926, this moving description of a child's coming to terms with a new family arrangement includes a real event: an exchange of dolls between Japanese and U.S. schoolchildren conceived as a message of peace. Period details abound, but what rings most historically true is the 11-year-old's relationship with dolls: Emily Grace, who will carry goodwill messages to Japan; and Annie, recipient of confidences and not a few tears.
--Booklist

The true story of how American children sent more than twelve thousand dolls to Japan in 1927--to promote friendship, trust, and future peace--serves as backdrop to this well-crafted, involving story.
--The Horn Book

The 1920s setting is nicely rendered through dialogue and descriptive details, and Lexie is a sympathetic heroine. The doll "ambassadors of peace" premise is also interesting and historically true, and an author's note on the real story is provided.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Students will relate to Lexie as she faces her dilemmas. She is a realistic character.
--Library Media Connection