Customer Reviews

Samantha's Story Collection (The American Girls Collection)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A friend and I compared the Boxed Set of Samantha's 6 stories and this All in One Book and were surprised that this version is lacking the informative "Looking Back" sections that are at the end of each of the 6 stories. The Welcome to Samantha's World book that you can buy separately does include some of the photographs and captions from these "Looking Back" sections. But it was slightly disappointing to see them omitted in this newer editionof the American Girls series. It's a beautiful and convenient book, and the stories are wonderful, but if you really want the nonfiction history included originally, buy them separetely or in the boxed set. It is interesting to note that another girl's (Kit ?) new all-in-one edition did include a Looking Back Section for at least one of the stories...so check before you buy if that part is important to you.

This is a collection of the first six books of the Samantha series. Of course the stories are great on their own, but how cool to have all six books bound together. Why don't they publish these series like this more readily? Can't wait to buy all eight girls' stories in this format.

My 5-year-old daughter is an early reader and it is sometimes challenging to find stories with content that is appropriate for a 5-year-old that can read at the 8/9-year-old level. My Daughter has thoroughly enjoyed the American Girl books that she has read (I read them first). Samantha's stories are enjoyable and true to the historical period, but truly Nelly's story is the compelling historical focal point of this series (Nelly is Samantha's friend). Small warning that the chapter on Nelly's work in the factory may be difficult for young readers because of the graphic depiction of child labor at that time (and which still exists in some countries). Read and discuss that chapter with your child, particularly if they are an early reader like mine. The most memorable book of this series is perhaps Samantha's Christmas, in which she prepares homemade gifts/decorations and then is disappointed when her holiday plans go sour; but she ultimately learns not to focus her frustrations on others and that upset plans can become more joyous events than what was planned (my daughter is now excitedly making gifts for her loved ones this Christmas). I love! this hard back collection although it does not include all of the historical inserts at the end of the individual books (only one smaller historical section at the end of all 5 books). The small American Girl dolls are beautifully made and are a nice "reward" for reading the stories (after my daughter has read and become "friends" with the American Girl, she gets the little doll to play with, a great motivator for continued reading).

A summary of other American Girl books that we have read that you might be considering buying:

Kaya's books were the first of the American Girl books that my daughter read and she loved the stories. From a parental perspective, Kaya does make some bad choices but always with clear consequences and ultimately shows understanding and growth in the end. Reading the Kaya books inspired excited further reading and lots of discussion of that period in American History. 5 stars for Kaya.

Josephina is the best of the American Girl books that we have read. Josephina has to overcome the loss of her mother and shows great character, intelligence, and personal growth throughout the 6 books. Some of the other American Girls make bad decisions without consequences, or are sassy or disobedient to their parents, but there is non of that in Josephina (she is kind, a peace maker among her older sisters, a hard worker, intelligent, yet very realistically portrayed in her fears and trials). Highly recommended reading for impressionable young girls. 5+ Stars!

Felicity - Did not like 1st book much at all. Felicity is disobedient and dishonest with almost no consequence for her actions. However, the rest of the books are quite good and give a good picture of the historical period. In the last book Felicity shows better character and it is more clear why the author went in the direction she did with the 1st book (her friend Elizabeth shows even better character and is a good example of how good friends help us grow and give us perspective). Still, it would be best for a parent to discuss Felicity's good and bad behavior with their child. Then go to Williamsburg with your child for a real history lesson! 4 stars.

Kirstin - Liked the historical aspect of the story (images, basic storyline), but Kirstin definitely has some character issues. She is disobedient and headstrong, and clearly makes some very bad choices which have pretty serious consequences (although the book shows the consequences, I do not think Kirsten really is held accountable for her actions -- this child almost gets her brother killed and then burns down her house, both through being headstrong or disobedience to direct instructions by her parents; she also considers running away from her family because she doesn't like school). A good story overall, but you will definitely want to read the book and discuss Kirstin's behavior with your child. 3.5 stars.

Kit - Give an excellent perspective of the great depression, and are very good for explaining the current economic times to young children. 5 stars.

We did not buy Abby right now because it has too much early black English in it, which of course is appropriate for the character and historical setting. However, because my daughter is an early reader (age 5), I do not want to feed her page after page of incorrect grammar when she is still in the formation years herself. We will probably get Abby when she is older. From a cursory reading of the library book, the story appears to be good, although I am a little hesitant about how the author handled the mother leaving an infant so that she could escape slavery with Abby (upon closer reading this could be a problem). Unrated.

We did NOT buy Molly because she appears to be a total brat. I recommend you get the book from the library and page though it before buying this book. It is not at all like the previously reviewed American Girl books, and seems to have little historical perspective (other than perhaps a comment on society in that, with time, some American children are becoming more sassy, bratty, and self absorbed). I did not read the entire book, but the pages I did look at did not impress me favorably (I certainly would not want this girl to be influencing the behavior of my daughter!). I chose not to give this collection to my daughter and I'm a bit disappointed with the American Girl series because they could have done a lot with this period in history. 0 stars.

This is a beautifully illustrated, great story book for young girls. Also good reading for adults as well. I wish this edition had included a Look Into The Past section at the end of the book, instead of the preview of Nellie's book. But the "Welcome To Samantha's World" book fills in the omitted information.

My 10 year old highly recommends this book. She ordered it with her birthday money and it arrived quickly in great condition. She was very happy with it. I would definately purchase from this again.

This is perfect! All the Meet Samantha stories in one beautiful hardback book. It is perfect because there is no worry of it getting bent like the paper back indivdual stories can become with normal reading and love.

Superb collection of the six volume stories about Samantha, the young lady growing up in New York in 1904. Wonderful to have a single hardcover volume with all the stories. Very good pricing, especially at Amazon. However, you should know that the historical sections found at the end of each of the six stories in the bookset are not included in this volume. Only one historical section is at the very end. Still excellent and super value. A book to be treasured!

I had to buy two sets of all the new AG books...one for me and one for my 36 yr old daughter and her 5 yr old daughter! The other set was for ME!

Brought the hardcover book on Amazon at a Cheaper price. My daughter loved the book (she also owns the doll). Book was delivered in a timely fashion and was not damaged. Packaging was great and the book came with a surprise free necklace. My child loved it.

I really thought it was awesome. What I really liked about it was that you could really picture in your mind what things would have been like in the Victorian times. Everybody might enjoy it too.