Special Collections
American Girl (Historical Fiction)
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Meet Samantha
by Susan S. Adler and Jeanne ThiemeSamantha Parkington is an orphan who lives with her rich grandmother in 1904. There are many servants in Grandmary's house, but no one for Samantha to play with.
That's why she's so excited when Nellie moves in next door. Nellie has come to work so that she can send money back to her family in the city. Even though their lives are different, the two girls become friends.
One day Samantha discovers that Jessie, the seamstress, is leaving. No one will tell her why. So she and Nellie plan a secret midnight adventure to find out!
The Light in the Cellar
by Sarah Masters BuckeyMolly wishes that she and her English friend, Emily, had exciting volunteer jobs that would help win World War II. Instead, they're magazine delivery girls at Oak Knoll Hospital, and soon discover that something very unpatriotic is going on at Oak Knoll -- and their snooping leads them into deep trouble!
Samantha's Special Talent
by Sarah Masters BuckeySamantha organizes a talent show to raise money to fix the library's leaky roof. Although she doesn't perform in the show, when the curtains close, she realizes just what her special talent is.
The Stolen Sapphire
by Sarah Masters BuckeySamantha and Nellie set sail for Europe. Also aboard the ship is a world-famous archaeologist and the legendary sapphire that he is carrying to a London museum.
When his priceless jewel disappears, Samantha relizes that every one of the passengers is a suspect - and one of them must be the thief!
A Thief In The Theater
by Sarah Masters BuckeyIn 1935, while preparing to write a newspaper story about a theater production of Macbeth in her hometown of Cincinnati, twelve-year-old Kit discovers that a thief is stealing from the box office.
Candlelight for Rebecca
by Jacqueline Dembar GreeneRebecca's teacher, Miss Maloney, assigns the class to make Christmas decorations -- but Rebecca's family is Jewish and doesn't celebrate Christmas. Miss Maloney tells Rebecca that Christmas is a national holiday, for all Americans to celebrate.
Although her parents came from Russia, Rebecca knows she's as American as anyone else, even without celebrating Christmas. Could Miss Maloney be wrong?
Then, on the first night of Hanukkah, Rebecca finds kindness in an unexpected place -- and learns the real meaning of the holiday season.
Candlelight for Rebecca is a children's book for children eight and up but adults can enjoy and learn something valuable from it as well. Candlelight for Rebecca is the third book in the Rebecca's six-book series. Each story in the series reveals more about Rebecca, a lively Jewish girl, who grows up in 1914 in New York. The books in the Rebecca series include: Meet Rebecca, Rebecca and Ana, Candlelight for Rebecca, Rebecca and the Movies, Rebecca to the Rescue, and Changes for Rebecca. Every book of the series not only features a fictional, realistic story and illustrations, but also has a historical "Looking Back" section. In this "Looking Back" section, the author describes some of the historical characteristics of Rebecca's 1914 time period in a style which children can understand and adults can appreciate.
Changes for Rebecca
by Jacqueline Dembar GreeneRebecca thinks it's a grand idea to make a movie with her cousin Ana, but when gentle Ana plays the role of a cruel factory boss, the fun turns sour.
Later Rebecca goes to the factory where Ana's brother and father work, and she's horrified at the terrible conditions but she knows the workers desperately need their jobs.
There's got to be a way to make things better at the factory, and Rebecca is determined to do her part--even if it means marching straight into danger.
Changes for Rebecca is a children's book for children eight and up but adults can enjoy and learn something valuable from it as well. This book is the sixth book in the Rebecca's six-book series. Each story in the series reveals more about Rebecca, a lively Jewish girl, who grows up in 1914 in New York. The books in the Rebecca series include: Meet Rebecca, Rebecca and Ana, Candlelight for Rebecca, Rebecca and the Movies, Rebecca to the Rescue, and Changes for Rebecca. Every book of the series not only features a fictional, realistic story and illustrations, but also has a historical "Looking Back" section. In this "Looking Back" section, the author describes some of the historical characteristics of Rebecca's 1914 time period in a style which children can understand and adults can appreciate.
Meet Rebecca
by Jacqueline Dembar GreeneRebecca Rubin, a brand-new American Girl, is a nine-year-old Jewish girl growing up in 1914 New York, with aspirations to become an actress.
When Rebecca learns of her relatives' struggle to gain passage to America from Russia, she wants to help and, after secretly earning some money, she is faced with a difficult moral choice.
American Girl fans should find Rebecca's story compelling and will enjoy the glimpse they're given into this chapter of immigration history. A concluding section provides additional historical information as well as a glossary including some Yiddish, Hebrew and other terms. Ages 8up.(May) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Rebecca and Ana
by Jacqueline Dembar GreeneRebecca can't wait to meet her cousin Ana. She's sure they'll be just like sisters. It's crowded with two families in one small apartment, but Rebecca is happy to share everything with Ana -- even her clothes!
At school, Rebecca is determined to help her cousin learn English, despite the other kids' teasing. But when the teacher tells her to include Ana in a special performance, Rebecca panics. Ana's broken English will ruin the show!
Rebecca realizes that the performance is one thing she does not want to share with her cousin. How can she explain this to Ana? Rebecca and Ana is the second in a series of beautifully illustrated books about growing up in New York City in 1914.
Rebecca and Ana is a children's book for children eight and up but adults can enjoy and learn something valuable from it as well. Rebecca and Ana is part of the Rebecca's six-book series. Each story in the series reveals more about Rebecca, a lively Jewish girl, who grows up in 1914 in New York. The books in the Rebecca series include: Meet Rebecca, Rebecca and Ana, Candlelight for Rebecca, Rebecca and the Movies, Rebecca to the Rescue, and Changes for Rebecca. Every book of the series not only features a fictional, realistic story and illustrations, but also has a historical "Looking Back" section. In this "Looking Back" section, the author describes some of the historical characteristics of Rebecca's 1914 time period in a style which children can understand and adults can appreciate.
Rebecca and the Movies
by Jacqueline Dembar GreeneRebecca can hardly believe it when cousin Max invites her to visit his movie studio! Although her parents don't approve of actors or movies, Mama relents and says she may go.
At the studio, Rebecca meets the glamorous Lily, a real movie star. When the camera begins to roll, Rebecca knows she must sit quietly and watch. Suddenly, the director shouts "Cut!" -- and Rebecca finds herself facing an opportunity she never imagined in her wildest dreams.
Does she have the nerve for it? And what would her parents say if they knew?
Rebecca and the Movies is the fourth book in the Rebecca, American-Girls collection, six-book series. Each story in the series reveals more about Rebecca, a lively Jewish girl, who grows up in 1914 in New York. The books in the Rebecca series include: Meet Rebecca, Rebecca and Ana, Candlelight for Rebecca, Rebecca and the Movies, Rebecca to the Rescue, and Changes for Rebecca. Every book of the series not only features a fictional, realistic story and has magnificent illustrations, the book also has a historical "Looking Back" section. In this "Looking Back" section, the author describes some of the historical characteristics of Rebecca's 1914 time period in a style which children can understand and adults can appreciate.
Rebecca to the Rescue
by Jacqueline Dembar GreeneRebecca can't wait to try the games and rides at Coney Island. After a dip in the sea, she and cousin Ana set off, full of giggles and excitement.
The one thing dampening the fun is Rebecca's big brother, Victor -- if only he would stop being so bossy! Fuming, Rebecca resolves to show Victor that girls can do anything boys can do. When Victor and Ana's brothers laugh at her, she and Ana decide to go off on their own.
But now Ana is missing, and Rebecca hears fire alarm bells clanging. If anything has happened to Ana, Rebecca will never forgive herself.
Rebecca to the Rescue is a children's book for children eight and up but adults can enjoy and learn something valuable from it as well. This book is the fifth book in the Rebecca's six-book series. Each story in the series reveals more about Rebecca, a lively Jewish girl, who grows up in 1914 in New York. The books in the Rebecca series include: Meet Rebecca, Rebecca and Ana, Candlelight for Rebecca, Rebecca and the Movies, Rebecca to the Rescue, and Changes for Rebecca. Every book of the series not only features a fictional, realistic story and illustrations, but also has a historical "Looking Back" section. In this "Looking Back" section, the author describes some of the historical characteristics of Rebecca's 1914 time period in a style which children can understand and adults can appreciate.
Changes for Julie
by Megan Mcdonald[Back Cover] Julie is in fifth grade-and in trouble! She was only helping her friend Joy, who is deaf, but her teacher doesn't care. After serving time in detention, Julie sets out to change the system. To do that, she'll have to win the election for student body president, running against the most popular boy in the school. As the election heats up, Julie tries to get the kids to listen to her ideas. When she realizes that the other kids don't like Joy, her choice for vice president, she considers dropping out of the race. But the last thing she wants is to hurt Joy's feelings-or lose her as a friend.
Happy New Year, Julie
by Megan McdonaldJulie knows the holidays will be difficult this year, but when her sister, Tracy, refuses to go to Dad's house for Christmas, Julie feels as if her family is falling apart. Over the holidays Julie finds comfort spending time with her best friend, Ivy Ling.
The Lings are getting ready for Chinese New Year, and helping with their preparations distracts Julie from her sadness about her own family. Then she learns that her whole family is invited to the Lings's New Year banquet. Julie tries to share Ivy's excitement, but her heart sinks-with Mom, Dad, and Tracy there, how will they all get along?
Julie and the Eagles
by Megan McdonaldJulie and Ivy are eating snow cones in Golden Gate Park when they hear an odd sound. It's a baby owl-and it needs help. At a wildlife rescue center, Julie meets Shasta and Sierra, two bald eagles. Shasta's wing is injured, and Julie hopes he'll be able to fly again-but that can happen only if the rescue center raises enough money to release the eagles back into the wild. Julie feels sure that if people knew about the eagles, they'd want to help. For Earth Day, Julie thinks of a unique way to tell the public of the eagles' plight. But money isn't exactly pouring in ... and time is running out.
Julie's Journey
by Megan McdonaldJULIE is joining her cousins on an old-fashioned wagon train to celebrate the Bicentennial. She can't wait to try pioneer life, especially riding a horse. But her cousin's horse turns out to be a handful, and Julie is afraid to ride him again. When cousin April laughs at her, Julie stops talking to April-not so easy to do while living in a covered wagon! As the journey grows harder, Julie wonders why she ever wanted to come. Then she makes a remarkable discovery that could bring something of real historic value to the wagon train. But there's only one way to get it-on horseback.
Julie Tells Her Story
by Megan McdonaldJulie is enjoying working on her school project, "The Story of My Life," until she comes to the part about "The Worst Thing That Ever Happened." That would be her parents' divorce, and she doesn't want to tell her class about that. Julie tries to find a different "Worst Thing" to tell about-and after her big basketball game, she thinks maybe she's found the solution to her problem. But as her parents and sister rally around her, Julie finds herself thinking about her family in a new, and more hopeful, way.
Meet Julie
by Megan McdonaldMoving is no fun, even just a few miles away. Julie Albright, a nine-year-old girl growing up in 1974 learns that life can be unfair when she has to move across town and attend a new school - one different than her best friend Ivy. Julie has other dreams too - like playing basketball. She is excited when she learns that her new school has a real basketball team. But soon, Julie finds herself facing a change she never expected.
Message in a Bottle
by Kathryn ReissWhen Julie visits Gold Moon Ranch, a farming commune in California's gold rush country, the back-to-the-land lifestyle seems idyllic at first. But peculiar problems keep cropping up - almost as if someone was trying to shut down the commune! Then, on a secret trip to an abandoned gold mine, Julie stumbles on a mysterious message that hints at long-lost treasure. Julie is desperate to find it - before danger closes in on Gold Moon Ranch.
The Tangled Web
by Kathryn ReissJulie really likes the new girl in her class. Still, there's something odd about Carla Warner. The things Carla says don't quite add up, and she seems to avoid answering certain questions. As Carla's stories become more outlandish, Julie can't escape a disturbing fact: either her new friend is lying -- or she's in real danger!
Changes for Kaya
by Janet ShawSPEAKING RAIN has returned to Kaya's family, but Kaya still has one last fear-that she'll never see her beloved horse, Steps High, again. When Kaya hears of a herd of Nimiipuu horses running wild in the mountains, she hopes Steps High is one of them. Kaya soon has a chance to find out for herself when she joins the elk-hunting party traveling into the mountains. Kaya is filled with excitement and hope, but Speaking Rain is troubled by the smoke she smells on the wind-smoke from mountain fires. As Kaya searches for her beautiful horse, she has to face a fear, greater than any she's ever known.
Changes for Kristen
by Janet ShawThe Minnesota winter is bitter cold. It seems very long to Kirsten and her family, who are crowded in their tiny log cabin. Kirsten looks forward to the days she's allowed outside to help her brother Lars with his trap line. One day she brings home a baby raccoon she's found in the woods, and trouble begins for Kirsten and her family. The raccoon gets loose and starts a fire that destroys the Larsons' home and everything in it. The future seems bleak, and the family is discouraged until Kirsten and Lars make a frightening but important discovery in the woods. What they find means better times for the Larsons
Happy Birthday, Kirsten!
by Janet ShawExciting new things come to the Larsons' farm in Minnesota in the springtime-including a big new barn and a tiny new baby. But changes bring new worries and more work for Kirsten, too. First she is afraid for Mama's health. Then caring for a baby keeps her so busy that her life seems to be nothing but chores. Soon Kirsten doesn't even have time to help with the surprise she and her friends are planning for their teacher, Miss Winston. And when she has to miss school to help out at home, she worries that her friends will forget her. But Kirsten's hard work is rewarded, and her tenth birthday becomes a celebration of family and friendship.
Kaya's Escape!
by Janet ShawEnemy raiders are invading Kaya's village. Kaya's mother tells her to run for the woods with her blind sister, Speaking Rain. But as Kaya runs to help her horse escape too, she and Speaking Rain are captured.
Kaya's Hero
by Janet ShawA IS IN AWE of a young warrior woman named Swan Circling, who's so fearless, she doesn't even flinch when a runaway horse gallops straight at her! Swan Circling goes with the men into battle, bringing them fresh horses and tending to the wounded. If I were as strong as Swan Circling, Kaya thinks, I'd find a way to get my sister back. Swan Circling has heard the children calling Kaya "Magpie," the nickname she got for being irresponsible. Although Kaya has made mistakes, she wants very badly to be friends with Swan Circling. Will Swan Circling want to be friends with her? Kaya's Hero is the third in a series of beautifully illustrated books about growing up as a Nez Perce girl-before America became a country. What was it like to be a girl long ago? The American Girls Collection takes you inside the worlds of girls who lived during exciting times in the past. As you read their stories, you can imagine how different life was back then. But you'll also discover that their feelings, ideas, and dreams are just like yours.
Kaya Shows the Way
by Janet ShawSUMMERTIME MEANS salmon fishing at thundering Celilo Falls-and horse racing, games, parades, feasting, and dancing, too! Kaya loves to join in the fun, but she's also got something serious on her mind: searching for her lost sister, Speaking Rain.
Thousands of Indian families and friends gather at Celilo Falls each summer, and Kaya hopes that someone may have word of her sister. Kaya's older sister, Brown Deer, is on her mind, too. Brown Deer will soon marry Cut Cheek, a thought that makes Kaya both glad and sad. She lost one sister when she had to leave Speaking Rain with the enemies. Now will she lose Brown Deer?