Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that kids (especially girls) who are familiar with the vast array of American Girl products (dolls, books, DVDs, etc.) will definitely want to see this movie. The good news is that it's entertaining and even thought-provoking, so it doesn't feel like just a way to sell more stuff (though it probably will do exactly that). And it doesn't depart from the age-appropriateness of the brand -- if anything, it's even tamer than some of the direct-to-DVD movies. There's no swearing; very little violence; and plenty of positive messages. Even kids who've never read an American Girl book will have plenty to enjoy.
Sexual
Content
Very mild flirtation between two characters.
Violence
No outright violence, though two men who appear to be thieves bicker, and bullies at school pick on children who are perceived to be poor. Thieves also chase down children who've figured out that they're criminals.
Language
"Moron" is as strong as it gets.
Social
Behavior
Even though the rich pick on the poor, the disenfranchised pick on hobos and are rude to them, and young bullies needle other children, Kit and her friends work together to rise above the fray, and they do the right thing. Kit's mother is truly a rock, a stabilizing force in a turbulent time.
Consumerism
Period-accurate product placement, like the National Trailways bus line, Smoot's Board House, etc. More notably, this film is part of the American Girl family, a hugely popular brand among young girls and tweens that includes toys, books, DVDs, and much more.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Not applicable
