New American Girl!!!

Hey all, guess what! There is a new American girl coming out, named Rebecca Rubin. She is a Russian-Jewish immigrant who lives in New York in 1914. Written by Jacqueline Dembar Greene. According to wikipedia, characters Samantha Parkington and Nellie O'Malley are to be retired, which is unfortunate and they will be missed. But I think this new character sounds really exciting. Anyway, here's the titles of the books in Rebecca's series and a description of each book.

Meet Rebecca
Rebecca Rubin is a lively nine-year-old girl growing up in a big Jewish family in New York in 1914. She dreams of becoming an actress, but her parents and grandparents have traditional ideas and don’t think young ladies should perform. When Rebecca learns that her cousins in Russia are in great danger and must escape to America, she puts on a show to raise money–until her disapproving grandmother steps in. Unexpectedly, Rebecca finds another way to earn money. But for her plan to work, she’ll have to keep it a secret. Includes an illustrated “Looking Back” essay about Jewish immigration and culture.

Rebecca and Ana
At last, Rebecca’s cousin, Ana, has made the long journey from Russia to Ellis Island. It’s crowded with two families living in one small apartment, but Rebecca is happy to share everything with Ana. At school, she is determined to help Ana learn English. But when the teacher tells her to include Ana in a special performance, Rebecca panics–Ana’s broken English will ruin the show! As the big day draws near, Rebecca learns an important lesson about what matters most. Includes an illustrated “Looking Back” section about urban schools in 1914.

Candlelight for Rebecca
Rebecca is troubled when her teacher assigns her class to make Christmas decorations. Rebecca’s family is Jewish and doesn’t celebrate Christmas, but her teacher says Christmas is a national holiday, for all Americans to celebrate. Yet Rebecca knows she’s as American as anyone else, even without celebrating Christmas! She wants to please her teacher, but she’s sure her family will be upset. Then, on the first night of Hanukkah, Rebecca finds kindness in an unexpected place, and learns the real meaning of the holiday season. Includes an illustrated “Looking Back” section about Christmas and Hanukkah in 1914.

Rebecca and the Movies
On her tenth birthday, Rebecca can hardly believe it when her cousin Max, the actor, invites her to come to his movie studio! Although her parents don’t approve of actors or movies, Mama relents and says Rebecca may go. When the camera begins to roll, 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? Includes an illustrated “Looking Back” section about the early days of silent movies.

Rebecca to the Rescue (In the description for the boxed set, it says Rebecca Saves the Day)
Rebecca is thrilled to spend a day at the Coney Island amusement park with her cousins. If only Papa hadn’t put her bossy brother Victor in charge of all the games and rides! Fuming, Rebecca resolves to show Victor that girls can do anything boys can do. When the boys tease and laugh at her, she and Ana decide to leave their brothers and have fun on their own. Then the Ferris wheel gets stuck and Ana disappears–and the girls get more excitement than they bargained for. Includes an illustrated “Looking Back” section about Coney Island in 1914.

Changes for Rebecca
Rebecca 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. Includes an illustrated “Looking Back” section about the labor movement in Rebecca’s time.