Title: Meet Samantha: An American Girl
Author: Susan S. Adler
First published January 1, 1986
61 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780937295045 (ISBN10: 0937295043)
Rating: 3.99
Overview
In Meet Samantha: An American Girl by Susan S. Adler, readers are transported back to 1904 where they meet Samantha Parkington, a young orphan living under the care of her wealthy grandmother.
Although surrounded by a bustling household of servants, Samantha yearns for a friend to confide in and play with. Her wish is granted when Nellie moves in next door, seeking work to support her family.
Despite their different backgrounds, the two girls form a close bond. However, when Samantha discovers that Jessie, the beloved seamstress, is leaving, she and Nellie embark on a secret midnight mission to uncover the truth.
Join Samantha and Nellie on their daring adventure as they unravel the mysteries of their world and learn the true meaning of friendship.
Editoral Review
Meet Samantha: An American Girl by Susan S. Adler is a classic children’s novel that was first published on January 1, 1986.
The American Girl collection is well-known for its historical fiction series, which follows the lives of girls from different periods, giving readers an insight into bygone eras. In Meet Samantha, readers are taken back to the early 1900s and get to experience life through the eyes of Samantha Parkington.
Samantha, a nine-year-old girl, lives in Mount Bedford, New York, with her grandmother, a wealthy but stern woman who expects Samantha to act like a prim and proper lady at all times. Samantha, on the other hand, is curious and adventurous, and often finds herself in trouble for breaking societal norms.
When Nellie, a servant girl in Samantha’s neighbors’ household, arrives after her father passes away, Samantha and Nellie quickly become friends. But, things are not easy for Nellie, who faces hardships because of her father’s passing, and Samantha tries to be a good friend and help her as much as she can.
The book is set in a time when societal norms were very different from what they are now. It highlights the injustices that women and minorities faced, and shows the stark difference between the rich and poor.
While Susan Adler beautifully portrays the lives of Samantha and Nellie, she also draws attention to the social conditions of the time. The book does an excellent job of showing how people from different social and economic strata co-existed, and the challenges they faced.
The author’s careful attention to detail in terms of how clothing, customs, and etiquette were different back then, immerses the reader into this world. Meet Samantha is an engaging story that’s suitable for children aged 7-12.
The book has been written keeping in mind young readers who are just venturing into reading chapter books. The story is told from Samantha’s point of view, and the character development is done well.
Samantha is relatable for children who are curious and headstrong, and Nellie’s background adds a layer of depth to the story, with children learning about hardships that other people may face. One of the weak points of the book is that Adler could have explored the characters of Samantha and Nellie more deeply.
While the book does a great job of showing their friendship, there are points where their storylines could have been further developed. However, it’s important to note that this is a book intended for a younger audience, and this might not be an issue for them.
Overall, Meet Samantha: An American Girl by Susan S. Adler is a wonderful book that is perfect for younger readers.
It’s an interesting and educational read that shows how different life was back then, and how much has changed. The writing style makes it an accessible read and is complemented by beautiful illustrations by Nancy Niles.
This book could serve as a starting point for discussions about social justice and equality for children who are becoming more aware of the world around them. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for children’s literature, especially those who are fans of historical fiction.
Based on the criteria of its genre, target readers, and historical context, I would give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
