Customer Reviews

Samantha Learns a Lesson (American Girl)

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This is another in the American Girls series about Samantha Parkington, a nine-year-old orphan girl living in the America of 1904. In this book, Samantha is pleased to learn that her good friend Nellie and her family have been hired by a lady who lives a mere two doors away. Even better, Nellie and her two younger sisters are to start attending the local school. But Nellie is behind in her learning, and is relegated to the second grade, where she is teased as being stupid. With a quick thought, Samantha realizes that she can help.

The final chapter of this book contains a highly informative chapter on education in 1904 America. Also, I must say that I did enjoy the wonderful illustrations provided by Nancy Niles and R. Grace.

This is another excellent American Girls book. As with the other Samantha stories, this one shows the seamier side of the "good old days," but presents the story in a lighthearted and uplifting way. My daughter and I both enjoyed the story, and the lessons that it taught. We both recommend this book to you.

In this book we meet up again with Samantha Parkington, who is a nine-year-old girl living in the year 1904 with her wealthy grandmother.

Samantha is delighted to learn that her friend Nellie has returned to town with her two sisters. They will be living a few houses down from Samantha, where they will earn a living as servant girls. They also are allowed to go to a public school.

At school Nellie is teased by her classmates because she doesn't know the lessons. Back in New York Nellie had a job in a factory which forced her not to attend school with her sisters.

Samantha has a wonderful idea. She will teach Nellie her lessons in the attic of her grandmother's house. Over time Nellie's progress gets better and better. Meanwhile, Samantha must write an oral essay about progress in America. Samantha begins to write about all the wonderful factories and cars. She gives the essay to Nellie to read over, but is shocked when Nellie tells Samantha she is wrong. Remember Nellie use to work in a factory.

With Nellie's help, Samantha composes a new essay. But, will this new essay be too harsh for Samantha's grandmother, as well as the hundreds of people she is reading it to? Or, will it be just the right thing?

~~Kat

My daughter and I really enjoy reading the American Girl stories together. This one was especially nice because Samantha shows her love for her friend, not so much empathy, but love. Other friends also read this book with us so we did a book study and the girls (2nd and 3rd grade) enjoy making their own speeches. Read it and you will understand.

I highly recommend this book. My eight year old granddaughter and I read this book together. She loved it. The story lets children know what life was like in the early 1900's. Entirely wholesome and the themes of dealing with prejudice, caring and sharing are great!

Samantha helps Nellie to improve her reading, math and science to help her move up to third grade. Samantha learns about Nellie's life before she moved next door. A great story to read