The Friendship Doll Character Analysis

To be kind and happy during hard times can put a stop to many struggles, especially friendship. The Friendship Doll, by Kirby Larson, is a book about many characters who experience Miss Kanagawa’s magic to change hearts and lives during the Great Depression. Bunny, Lois, Willie Mae, and Lucy awaken Miss Kanagawa’s heart in each of their own stories. The characters all have different ways that they learned to be kind and happy to others during the Great Depression, but there was always someone or something that kept them from breaking. Miss Kanagawa is set on an exciting mission to carry out the true meaning of friendship and happiness. She and her fifty-seven doll-sisters travel from New York to Oregon.
Lucy Turner was a “true samurai”, as Miss Kanagawa
She was an interesting character because of how happy she stayed during hard times. For example, after her mother’s death Lucy returned to her normal self; singing songs and being cheerful (pg 136). This proves that she managed to stay positive even when she was crying on the inside. Especially after her father lost all hope, she still stayed happy and strong. What’s more,”Lucy and Gloria Jean held each other close as they sat transfixed in front of the radio, listening to the news” (pg 177). However, Lucy did not hate the Japanese because of the incident. She still loved Miss Kanagawa as much as before. Finally, Lucy had such a strong determination to stay happy, that not even a war could make her hate someone.
The characters in the story, The Friendship Doll, learned about the positive consequences from being positive and friendly to others through each of their stories about the Great Depression. To begin with, Bunny helped her rival, Belle, when she was struggling with her emotions (pg 43). As a result, Bunny was rewarded