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37th out of 415 books
—
398 voters
Samantha: An American Girl (American Girls: Samantha #1-6)
Samantha Parkington is a bright Victorian beauty being raised by her wealthy grandmother in 1904. Samantha's stories describe her life during this important period of change. Her own world is filled with frills and finery, parties and play. But Samantha sees that times are not good for everybody. That's why she tries to make a difference in the life of her friend Nellie, a...more
Paperback, Boxed Set of 6 books, 432 pages
Published
September 1st 1990
by American Girl
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I sort of wanted to be Samantha in 3rd/4th grade. Of course, I had the doll and her school desk. She was the jam.
Adler, Susan. The American Girl: Samantha. Wyoming: American Girl Publications Inc, 1990. Print.
Genre: Children’s Chapter Book
The American Girl: Samantha by Susan Adler is a series of books that gives the reader an in depth look into the life of Samantha. Readers are introduced to her family and friends as her life unfolds in the stories. This book has detailed illustrations that entice the reader into wanting to read further into the material, aiding in the visioning of events. The illustration...more
Genre: Children’s Chapter Book
The American Girl: Samantha by Susan Adler is a series of books that gives the reader an in depth look into the life of Samantha. Readers are introduced to her family and friends as her life unfolds in the stories. This book has detailed illustrations that entice the reader into wanting to read further into the material, aiding in the visioning of events. The illustration...more
Samantha was such a tart, I loved it. She was so fancy, she might as well have just kept her pinky held up in the air at all times. Whenever the exploitative American Girls catalog came around, I would run to my mom with it clutched within my white knuckles, and the only section that it would ever be turned to was Samantha's (except for Addy's cast iron skillet with a freakin' kit for sweet potato PIE). I would throw myself at my mom's knees and demand to know WHY I couldn't have an American Gir...more
Everybody wanted to be Samantha. Samantha was the most glamorous of the American Girls - a wealthy, well-dressed orphan who lived in a hugeass Victorian house (with servants) with her grandmother whom she called "Grandmary". She had a hot uncle who drove a jalopy and a hot soon-to-be aunt named Cornelia. One of Samantha's "adventures" was hiding her poor Irish immigrant child laborer friend in the attic. Samantha had a shiny brass lunchbox and ate glamorous things (well, to a seven-year-old) lik...more
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For some reason when I was growing up, I was not much of a reader, until I discovered these books. The whole series (and the other America Girl's collection) was always a constant page turner for me. The vivid writing transports you into a time of history, however, I connected to a lot of the same problems, relationships, and ways of lives that these girls were experiencing. It was nice to discover that Something I was experiencing as a child was actually happening to other girls back, even from...more
Serious quality. All the American Girl books are great. They give a great history lesson to kids. I first started reading Samantha's books in about 1st or 2nd grade. I got a Samantha doll when I was in third grade. Anyway, her stories an interesting picture of both wealth and poverty during the turn of the century. Nothing is too harsh because it's written for kids, but nothing is really sugar-coated either. Samantha also deals with stuff all girls deal with - tough teachers, annoying neighbor b...more
My obsession with this series all began with my Samantha "American Girl" Doll. Samantha was a young girl, like me, who was very privileged and came from a family with a lot of money, not like me. I learned a lot about the history of her time, and was able to relate to Samantha as a young girl, even though many of her circumstances were unlike mine. I loved being able to read about a girl that led a completely different life than I did, yet dealt with similar issues as I did growing up. The Autho...more
A small part of my heart will always love American Girl. Samantha was probably one of my favorites, and I started crying when I heard they retired her. I hate the doll they replaced her with on Principal. The Samantha books are also set in an area of I find fascinating: the early 1900s. During this time, the world was changing. Cars were starting to be seen on the streets, electricity was in homes, and women started to fight for their right to vote. Samantha is caught between a clash of traditi...more
Jan 30, 2011
Ash E.
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
young girls
Recommended to Ash by:
Cori Johnson
Shelves:
review-complete,
young-historical-fiction
REVIEW COMPLETE
Comparable with the Dear America series, the American Girl books provide an easily-accessible peek into the past through a young (usually 9 to 10 years of age) girl's eyes. In this case, that girl is Samantha, living during the Victorian Age (the early 1900s). The Samantha series tells of her escapades with her orphaned friend Nellie, her aunt, and her uncle while trying to be the proper young lady her grandmother expects her to be - so much for one girl to handle!
Comparable with the Dear America series, the American Girl books provide an easily-accessible peek into the past through a young (usually 9 to 10 years of age) girl's eyes. In this case, that girl is Samantha, living during the Victorian Age (the early 1900s). The Samantha series tells of her escapades with her orphaned friend Nellie, her aunt, and her uncle while trying to be the proper young lady her grandmother expects her to be - so much for one girl to handle!
Samantha Parkington, an orphan, lives a privileged life with her Grandmary in a luxurious home in 1904. She is expected to be a proper young lady who practices piano and works samplers. But Samantha doesn't quite fit the profile.
Samantha meets a girl, Nellie, who works as a servant for the Ryland family and the two nine-year-olds become friends. Samantha soon realizes that Nellie's life is quite a contrast to her own elegant life.
Meet Samantha is the first book in the Samantha series.
Samantha meets a girl, Nellie, who works as a servant for the Ryland family and the two nine-year-olds become friends. Samantha soon realizes that Nellie's life is quite a contrast to her own elegant life.
Meet Samantha is the first book in the Samantha series.
I highly recommend this book to people that are into victorian times and into happy stories.This book is very interesting it get really into detail that you canm almost feel you are there.The way the author expresses is very good.She really gets to her point and makes the reader feel the tone of the story.This book is also very intersting.This book never gets boring and the more times you read it the more you get into it.
I read these books to my girls. We loved learning about Samantha and what life was like in the early 1900's. When I was young like they are, I always wanted a Samantha doll so it was a little sentimental too. :) I loved the way they explored the lives of both the rich and the poor. These books make it easy to explain difficult subjects such as child labor to my children.
I think my fascination with history stems from reading all these American Girl books--they were so interesting and I loved how I could relate to the stories of a young girl. I stopped reading the books after Felicity was added as the newest American Girl, but I get so excited when my friends' kids read these books!
Samantha Parkington is a bright Victorian beauty being raised by her wealthy grandmother in 1904. Samantha's stories describe her life during this important period of change. Her own world is filled with frills and finery, parties and play. But Samantha sees that times are not good for everybody. That's why she tries to make a difference in the life of her friend Nellie, a servant girl whose world is nothing like Samantha's The perfect way to learn about Samantha is with a complete set of her si...more
UGHH! im sorry but i find that this book was horrible!! i really dont like any of the books in this series, its so boring... i dont recommend this book to anyone unless you are completely in love with american girl dolls and want to know the different stories about them... i read this book in 4th grade btw
I liked that it was about a girl a little older than me, living in another time. I could see how her childhood then compares to mine at the time I read them. Also, the historical facts and pictures in the back of each book are really cool. I think this series is part of what has made me love history.
My first grader really enjoyed the whole Samantha series. The content really kick started some good discussions about life during different times. The historical aspects definitely help expose children to some additional perspectives on life in different generations.
Samantha was the AG doll that EVERYONE wanted. Her popularity probably stems from being the most fantasy like of all the girls: wealthy, well dressed, orphaned and in the care of her Grandmary. My favorite of her books is Happy Birthday Samantha, where she makes homemade ice cream, only to have it spoiled with salt by her nasty neighbor. It was also my first introduction to petit fours, which I then wanted for my next birthday (of course).
Samantha was my first American girl doll, which I got way back in 1st grade, not long after the American Girls came out. I always loved her books the best esp 'Samantha Saves The Day' and 'Changes for Samantha', both of which I still remember the plots from.
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Samantha was always my favorite American Girl doll, so when I got her, I started to read her story. Wonderful books! I read them all more than once. Her background is something of a hero. When she has a friend in need, she comes to the rescue.
Sadness, adventure, and history. I have felt like Samantha so many times when I come to my Mom with a ripped dress because I was climbing trees! Why must I be so girly? heartache and fun, so much to read! perfect for 8-12 yr olds.
Although the "American Girls Collection" books are for kids, I find myself rereading them even now that I'm in my 30s. They're very educational (especially for me, who never had a course on American history) and heart-warming.
I absolutely loved the American Girl series when I was growing up. I checked out a different one every week from my elementary school library. I'd definitely recommend these books for young girls that love to read.
I read this book back when I was a little girl, and I was obsessed with American Girl dolls and things. But i remember whwn i was reading it how amazing it was. At least for an 8 year old.
Oh my goodness!! These books were amazing when I was little. I still have my Samantha doll, as well as her books, clothes, bed and tea table/set. She was my favorite American Girl doll :)
I was in love with the American Girls when I was about 11/12, Samantha was my first doll and I read her story first. I absolutley loved this sweet story of family and love!
I love American Girl. The whole enterprise is to make girls relate and care about history. Ask any history teacher and they will spend hours telling you how important that is.
I love this book. And how samantha has great courage to befriend Nellie and stands the test of time and becomes friends with her . Such A Great book set!
I adored the American Girl series as a little girl. They taught me pretty much all I know about history. I still read them sometimes, and I'm 14!
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