Ruthie Smithens


 * "Ruthie" redirects here. For the doll, see Ruthie Smithens (doll).

Ruthie Smithens was the fifth Best Friend released; she is the "Best Friend" of Kit Kittredge.

Basic Facts

 * Name: Ruth Ann "Ruthie" Smithens
 * Birthday: August 22, 1923

Personality and Facts
Ruthie is Kit's best friend; it is unknown when the two girls met but it was sometime before the events in Meet Kit. She loves princesses and movie stars; she is depicted as an avid reader of fairy tales (including the Color Fairy Books and Grimm's Fairy Tales). She also helps write pieces for Kit's homemade newspaper, the Hard Times News; she mostly talks as Kit types.

Unlike Kit, Ruthie's family is not financially affected by the Depression (her father works at a bank); this allows Ruthie to continue paid hobbies such as dance, tennis, take vacations, go to the movies, and horseback riding lessons. The Smithens have many times offered help to the Kittredges but mostly in ways that don't hurt their pride. Ruthie has an idealized worldview; due to this, she sometimes hurts and offends Kit by trying to help in not-so-tactful ways. Ruthie shows that she is fascinated with Kit's house, and how exciting it is due to how quiet her house is. She really is curious about the boarders and things that the boarders are interesting. She was even at one point in the story jealous of Kit as she looked at Kit's new life as being busy, interesting, and exciting. Ruthie noticed that people relied on Kit more and Kit seemed more grown-up, which was conclusive in Kit's Surprise.

Despite their major differences Ruthie is a loyal and courageous friend who will go to great lengths to help Kit.

American Girl characterizes her as "compassionate" and "romantic."

Family

 * Lily Smithens: Ruthie's mother
 * Stan (presumably Stanley) Smithens: Ruthie's father, a banker.
 * Ruthie is their only child.

Friends
See Kit's Family and Friends

Book
Really Truly Ruthie

In Kit's Series
Ruthie plays a prominent role in all of Kit's stories and the short stories Kit’s Tree House, Kit's Winning Ways, and Kit Uses Her Head.

In Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
She is played by Madison Davenport.

Doll

 * Main Article: Ruthie Smithens (doll)


 * Face Mold: Classic Mold
 * Skin: Light/pale
 * Hair: Dark brown with highlights, side part
 * Eyes: Gray

Meet Outfit

 * Purple flower print dress
 * Light blue socks
 * Black shoes
 * Purple hair ribbon
 * Underpants

Meet Accessories

 * Wristwatch
 * Purple barrettes
 * Black purse
 * Handkerchief

Collection

 * See: Ruthie's Collection