Book Gallery- Rebecca

It's 1914 and Rebecca Rubin is a lively nine-year-old girl who longs to be an actress, admired by everyone. But growing up in a family of five children, she usually just feels overlooked-- until she meets dashing cousin Max, the actor. Max tells Rebecca she has talent, although her parents and grandparents don't think proper young ladies should perform. Rebecca stages on her own performance, until Bubbie, her stern grandmother, stops the show. What would Bubbie do if she knew what else Rebecca was up to?

Includes an illustrated "Lookng Back" section about Jewish imigration and culture.

At last, Rebecca's cousin, Ana, has made the long journey from Russia to Ellis Island. Ana and her family move into the Rubins' crowded apartment, and Rebecca loves having a "twin sister" of her own. But at school, Ana can't follow the lessons, and when Rebecca tries to help, she gets into trouble. When the teacher tells her to include Ana in a special performance, Rebecca panics-- Ana's broken English will ruin the assembly. How can Rebecca save herself-- and her class-- from embarrassment?

Includes an illustrated "Looking Back" section about urban schools in 1914.

Rebecca is troubled when her teacher assigns the class to make Christmas decorations. Rebecca's family is Jewish and doesn't celebrate Christmas, but her teacher says Christmas is a national holiday, celebrated by all Americans. Rebecca knows she is as American as anyone else, but she can't possibly bring a Christmas decoration home to her family. Then on the first night of Hanukkah, Rebecca finds kindness in an unexpected place, and learns the real spirit of the season.

Includes an illustrated "Looking Back" section about Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations in 1914.

On her tenth birthday, Rebecca can hardly believe it when cousin Max invites her to visit his movie studio. The movie people are glamorous and fascinating, especially the beautiful star, Lily, who takes an interest in Rebecca. Then, in the middle of a scene, the director shouts "Cut!" Suddenly, Rebecca finds herself facing an opportunity she never imagined in her wildest dreams. Does she have the nerve to pull it off? And what would her parents say if they knew?

Includes an illustrated "Looking Back" section about the early days of silent movies.

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 the tickets for the games and rides. When Victor and some other boys tease Rebecca during a game of skill, she and Ana decide to go off on their own. Then Ana disappears and the Ferris Wheel gets stuck, and the girls get more excitement than they bargained for.

Includes an illustrated "Looking Back" section about Coney Island in 1914.

Rebecca thinks it's a grand idea to play at making a movie with her cousin Ana, but the fun turns sour when gentle Ana plays the role of a cruel factory boss. Later, Rebecca visits the clothing factory where Ana's father and brother work, and she's horrified at the terrible conditions. Yet she also knows that the workers desperately need their jobs. When the factory workers go on strike, Rebecca realizes that it's not enough just to want things to change-- sometimes you have to be willing to speak out for what's right-- even if that means marching straight into danger.

Includes an illustrated "Looking Back" section about the labor movement in Rebecca's time.

A Message from the Author: Jacqueline Dembar Greene

I feel quite fortunate to have had the opportunity to create Rebecca Rubin for American Girl. When you open the book covers, you’re stepping into a different time in America. Walk around in Rebecca’s high-button shoes and feel what it was like to live in New York City in 1914, and how immigrant families struggled to keep their traditions while adapting to new American ways. Rebecca is part of the many changes that hard-working, caring immigrants brought with them—from silent movies to better working conditions. She dreams of becoming a movie actress while still holding on to the treasured Russian Jewish traditions of her large family. Can she reach her goal?

Click here to learn more about the process of writing The Rebecca Series

Rebecca ordering information (How to Buy)

Available from American Girl, with color illustrations by Robert Hunt, at www.americangirl.com

Available at your favorite bookstore, or order from any online independent bookseller or distributor.

• Meet Rebecca, ISBN 978-1-59369-520-0
• Rebecca and Ana, ISBN 978-1-59369-523-1
• Candlelight for Rebecca, ISBN 978-1-59369-525-5
• Rebecca and the Movies, ISBN 978-1-59369-527-9
• Rebecca to the Rescue, ISBN 978-1-59369-529-3
• Changes for Rebecca, ISBN 978-1-59369-531-6