written by Jacqueline Dembar Greene
grades 2-4 (and their Moms)
Rebecca Rubin is a nine year-old Jewish girl growing up in New York City in 1914. She wants to be an actress, although her traditional parents and grandparents think that this is not an appropriate aspiration for a young lady; they want her to become a teacher instead. Rebecca's family is working hard to make a successful life in America. When Rebecca and her family learn of the hardships of her cousins still living in Russia, her passion becomes helping them find a way to come to America- and safety. Spunky Rebecca puts on a show on the front stoop of their apartment building to make money to help with her cousin's boat fare, only to be met with reprimand from her family. Still determined to help her family in Russia escape to America, Rebecca finds another unexpected way to help.
American Girl has become synonymous with well-written historical fiction for children. Researched thoroughly, Meet Rebecca also includes a section entitled "Looking Back," about Jewish immigration and culture. Rebecca is a charming addition to the American Girl series; strong-willed and intelligent, she is a girl to be admired.
1 comment:
These American Girls series books really surprised me. They are thoughtful, wholesome, and based on conservative values. A great read that I would love to have my daughters pick up and enjoy during these development years!
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