Backpack Books

AG Backpacks logo.

Backpack Books are miniature books. Part of the American Girl Library, the books were published from 1999 until approximately 2001. Each book retailed for $1.95. Books could also be purchased at book stores.

Overview

Backpack books are paperback books, 3" by 3" (7.6cm x 7.6cm). Each book is no more than 32 pages long and themed on various topics such as activities, games, crafts, tips, or adaptations of articles, most of which were first published in American Girl Magazine.

The book has a hole in the upper left near the spine through through which a colored metal ball chain link was threaded; the chain also had the American Girl Logo on a paper hanging tag. Books were advertised as either being able to link together by the included chain and/or hang from a backpack. There were forty-five various books published before the series was retired; each book has the number in small text on the spine (below a star) and a larger, themed artistic number (or symbol of the number) on the back cover along with the ISBN and bar code.

A set of the the first five books with a miniature clear backpack that held them was also available for a cost of $13.95; the backpack could also be purchased alone for $4.95.

List of Backpack Books

1: The Little Book of Buzzwords: A variety of unique vocabulary words.
2: Say Cheese: A Friendship Photo File: A friendship scrapbooks with slots for small photographs of friends and space to have their autograph (signature).
3: An A-maze-ing Day: Amusement Park Fun: a fold-out maze themed around a day at the amusement park.
4: Learn a Little Sign Language: a book about American Sign Language, including the finger alphabet and some full signs.
5: The Hand Book: Crafts and activities themed around hands, such as crafting jewelry.

6: Splash: Swimming and water play activities.
7: Pencil Play: Word Games for Girls: Pencil and word puzzles.
8: 50 Best Babysitting Tips: Tips for successful baby-sitting submitted by readers.
9: Just Giggles: Selected jokes and riddles.
10: Heart Art: Arts and crafts projects themed around hearts.

11: Sip and Slurp: Recipes for drinks such as smoothies and milkshakes.
12: Miles of Smiles! Backseat Games: games and activities to pass time during car trips.
13: Start a Club:Tips on creating a personal club; includes membership cards.
14: Pin Pals: Crafts using safety and craft pins.
15: Beautiful Barrettes: Dazzling Designs to Create: Directions for crafting unique hair barrettes.

16: You're It! Great Games for Girls: Outdoor games to play.
17: Homesick Blues? Here's What to Do!: Tips for alleviating homesickness; includes address book pages.
18: Help Wanted: Fashion Designer: Outlines of clothing on various models for users to design their own fashions.
19: I. O. U. Love: Gift Coupons from Me to You: A mix of "gift coupons" to give to others for redeeming activities and chores.
20: Daisy Crazy: Crafts and activities themed around daisies.

21: Pop! A Popcorn Party: Ideas and recipes for hosting a popcorn-themed party.
22: Great Gifts: For Girls to Make and Give Gift ideas to make.
23: The Little Book of Notes: A collection of notes to pass to friends.
24: Go Team! Cheers and Chants: Cheers and chants for sports; includes temporary tattoos.
25: Boo!: Halloween-themed makeup ideas, recipes, and games.

26: 103 Perfect Pet Names: A list of names for pets.
27: Can You Do It?: Challenges for 1, 2, 3, or More!: Challenges of skill.
28: Way To Yo!: How to Yo-Yo Like a Pro: Tips, tricks and techniques for yo-yo play.
29: Cute Cupcakes: Ideas for decorating cupcakes.
30: Wig Out! Hilarious Hairdos to Try On: Various images of hairstyles to "try on" by sliding a school photo behind cut-out ovals.

31: Birthday Memory Book: A scrapbook for birthday pictures, thoughts, and memories.
32: Words Around The World: Various words in non-English languages and their meanings.
33: Tricky Doodles: Picture Puzzles You Solve for Smiles: Picture riddles and puzzles
34: Super Smileys: A selection of various well known and unique emoticons.
35: Bitty Bites: Tiny Treats to Make and Eat: Small snack and treat recipes.

36: Puzzle Party: Pencil Play for Special Days: Holiday-themed word and puzzle games.
37: The Care and Keeping of Friends Scrapbook Starter: Tips on making a scrapbook themed on friendship.
38: Gigglets: Made-up words and definitions, submitted by users.
39: Collections: Ideas about things to collect; tips on shopping for, caring for, and storing treasures.
40: Sports Secrets: Soccer: Tips for playing soccer.

41: Frosty Bites: Recipes for frozen dessert pops and treats.
42: Backyard Carnival: Ideas and tips for holding a backyard carnival.
43: Who's It?: Brain teasers with scratch-off answers.
44: Little Book of Secret Codes: Tips and examples of coded messages to send with friends.
45: Travel Memory Book: A scrapbook for traveling pictures, thoughts, and memories.