Fresh New Adventures for Beloved Characters. American Girls Short Stories(TM) These perfectly pocket-size (41/2" 6") hardcover books feature exciting new adventures for the popular American Girls characters. Each book features full-color illustrations, a historical picture essay, and directions for a fun activity. At Cape Island, New Jersey, Addy eats at an ice cream parlor and feels very grown-up. But when a white girl is unfriendly with her, Addy wonders whether she is really ready to be a young lady.