A Growing Suspicion: A Rebecca Mystery

American Girl Mysteries

by Jacqueline Dembar Greene

Rebecca and Ana are spending spring vacation volunteering at a Japanese garden in Brooklyn. Rebecca is enchanted by the lush landscape of ferns and waterfalls, the exotic orchids, and the gardener's beautiful wife. Yet everything Rebecca does there turns out wrong. Someone seems determined to damage the garden ? and to cast suspicion on her and Ana. Can Rebecca find the real culprit before the girls are banished from the garden for good? Includes an "Inside Rebecca's World" essay on urban gardening and public botanical gardens in the early 20th century.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Middle Grade, Jewish, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile

184 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2014

About the author

Ms. Greene is an American author of more than 30 books and stories for young readers. In addition to her American Girl series, some of her notable books of fiction include: Out of Many Waters, a historical novel about the first Jewish settlement in America.

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Anyone mean enough to take Ana's tools certainly wouldn't have weeded her garden. It didn't make any sense."

Rebecca is so excited to spend a week with her cousin, Ana, but strange things are a-happening at Ana's new apartment in Brooklyn.

She has a beautiful little yard to grow vegetables in but someone's taken her hand-me-down tools.

Furthermore, Rebecca and Ana were allowed to join their neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Tanaka, at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Mr. Tanaka is a gardener at the Japanese Garden and his wife does ikebana demonstrations and hosts tea ceremonies for guests.

Initially the girls are beyond excited for this opportunity BUT soon they realize that something is afoot. Someone is sabotaging the garden - breaking things and messing up the plants.

"I thought the stone was properly anchored to the post," he said, "but the cement is cracked right through. Thank goodness no visitors stepped on the stone and fell in."

And (of course) trouble seems to follow the two cousins and soon all fingers point to them! Can Rebecca clear their names or are they stuck taking the blame?

"You've gotten us into enough trouble already, Rebecca Rubin, and I'm not going to let you cause any more."

This is my fourth Rebecca Mystery book and it's my favorite so far!

One thing that worked really well was the tension between Rebecca and Ana - it made the mystery and the story (in general) feel very real.

Rebecca wants to immediately clear their names even if it requires a little rule breaking, while Ana wants to prove their innocence by listening to every rule to the letter. I liked how the author showcased the disagreement between the two of them.

"At least we can come back with Mr. Tanaka. Maybe we can find a way to make things right."
"I know I can," Ana said, "but you only seem to know how to make things go wrong!"

The mystery itself was fairly well done! I liked how I never quite knew who to suspect and I LOVED the way the author interwove the beauty of the Japanese garden throughout this book.

When Mr. Tanaka taught the girls about the various aspects of the garden, I was right there with them, nodding along and taking notes.

Overall, this was a wonderful mystery book in the Rebecca series!!

More reviews in the Rebecca-verse

Main Series:
Meet Rebecca - ★★★☆☆
Rebecca and Ana - ★★★★☆
Candlelight for Rebecca - ★★★★★
Rebecca and the Movies - ★★★★☆
Rebecca to the Rescue - ★★★☆☆
Changes for Rebecca - ★★★☆☆
Rebecca's Boxed Set - ★★★★☆

Mystery Books:
Secrets at Camp Nokomis - ★★★☆☆
A Bundle of Trouble - ★★★☆☆
The Crystal Ball - ★★★☆☆
A Growing Suspicion - ★★★★☆
The Showstopper - ★★☆☆☆

Additional Historical and Activity Books:
American Girl Sweet & Savory Treats Cookbook - ★☆☆☆☆

Beforever (Re-Release of Main Series in 2014):
The Sound of Applause - ★★★☆☆
Lights, Camera, Rebecca! - ★★★☆☆

Abridged Version (Re-Release of Main Series in 2019):
Rebecca: The Sound of Applause - ★★☆☆☆
Rebecca: Lights, Camera, Rebecca - ★★★★☆

Picture Books:
Grandmas are the Best! (Little Golden Book) - ★★★★☆
Happy Birthday! (Little Golden Book) - ★★★★☆
Happy Holidays! (Little Golden Book) - ★★★★★
Time for School! (Little Golden Book) - ★★★★☆

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The great AG marathon continues. Again, reading for the first time as an adult, inspired by the American Girls podcast.

I have mixed feelings about this one. It took me a while to get into it, but the second half hummed right along and the solution was a satisfying mix of pieces I had figured out (though not too early on) and those I hadn't.

Early on, Rebecca spends a fair amount of brain space imagining herself staring in a movie as "the gardener's wife," inspired by Mrs. Tanaka's graceful kimono. My adult brain wanted to explain cultural appropriation to Rebecca (not a concept of her time, though something a contemporary kid reader should be clued into), but it also felt SO true to being ten or eleven and having a rich imagination. I note it as a discussion point, not a problem.

I was rolling my eyes at Rebecca's insistence on "figuring things out," even early on when there isn't much of anything to figure out - this is the impulse that most gets her into trouble, and causes tension with Ana. And later, adult brain was skeptical that she'd be able to clear their names, even if they did figure out what was going on! But the girls' frustration with getting blamed for things they didn't do is completely relatable. Lucky for them, they live in the kind of book where eventually everything comes out, everyone talks through it all, and it turns out that there really are easy solutions that satisfy everyone. Adult brain was skeptical again at how nice some of the parties were being to each other: As usual, Rebecca lives in a candy-coated version of history. But sometimes it's nice to see a best-possible-outcome play out, and that's what happens here.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far, I’ve yet to read an AG mystery that tops Caroline’s, but I enjoyed aspects of this. I love gardens and the setting at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden was a delight, especially as we are easing out of winter here. I also appreciated the glimpse into Japanese culture thanks to Rebecca’s cousin’s neighbors (the Tanakas) and Mr. Tanaka’s work at the Japanese Garden in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden there was completed in 1915 and was the first public Japanese garden in the US). We also see how Rebecca’s cousin tries to utilize her limited yard space to grow herbs and vegetables, something to which city-dwellers today can easily relate. In Ana’s day, many city dwellers who did not have yards had to be resourceful and planted seeds in discarded soap boxes placed on tenement windowsills, fire escapes, or rooftops and, in 1914, Miss Shaw of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden began a children’s gardening program to teach children how to plant and care for their own seeds. As for the story itself, the mystery is fairly dull and it’s frustrating that Rebecca and Ana keep being unfairly blamed for things going wrong. Rebecca also makes a rather poor decision that is rather selfish. Finally, those readers who enjoy Rebecca’s theatrical interests will be disappointed here; I appreciate that the author does weave in a few moments where Rebecca thinks of acting, but the story is really focused on the gardens.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book educates readers about Japanese culture and gardening, but I found it extremely dull. It's also full of frustrating, stressful injustice, since the adults keep blaming Rebecca and Ana for everything that goes wrong at the garden, even though they already had a clear sabotage issue before the girls ever showed up. I did not like this, and am not at all sorry that I didn't pick it up when it came out in 2014.

[RaspberryRoses · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book did one thing the main series didn't, at least - it made me root for ana! i didn't particularly care for her in the main series, but she was my mvp here. i loved her interest in gardening and i loved how steadfast she was against rebecca's nonsense here. its really funny. i feel like AG protags are often enabled in their bad decision making. which makes sense. it is a kids book and it needs to have action. but ana is not having it. she is mad at rebecca and tells her not to do all this foolish stuff. good for her.

the mystery itself was... fine, if a bit frustrating because of how rebecca gets so needlessly into trouble.

[Shayla Salazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how all of these American Girl books really open your eyes to how diverse the past really was and it is beautiful to watch!

[Jessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've given up on ever loving Rebecca's characters in the books. To me, she's disobedient and selfish, and it bums me out because I was so excited about a Jewish character! I love the parts of her books that deal with Jewish or Russian culture, but it's hard to enjoy too much when Rebecca is constaly disobeying or doing inappropriately things and it just works out in the end.

I did manage to enjoy this book, though it was a poor decision to read this after Addy's really meaningful mystery, which explored race and Reconstruction and poverty and privilege. I really liked Mr. Tanaka and the glimpses into Japanese culture and heritage were great, and I loved the braiding of that with learning to make knishes. But once again, Rebecca was meddlesome and unfocused and impulsive, and the lesson she keeps seeming to learn is to just keep doing it until things work out. Love Ana (who reminds me a lot of Josefina or Melody.)

Come on, Beckie. I want to love you!

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a mystery, pretty good. There are plenty of clues and false leads, and I think young readers will largely follow along with Rebecca. I really liked how the author included aspects of Japanese culture in a natural way, and rolled in a bit of Jewish culture with Rebecca learning how to make knishes. I also liked how the book starts with Rebecca being supportive of Ana's interests: she doesn't care much about gardening, but Ana does so she enjoys doing it with her. But she can also be a little annoying, whether that's getting so lost in her movie star daydreams that she gets them in trouble or her insistence on investigating, which also gets them in trouble. Really, the only thing that spares her and Ana at the end is the remarkably sunny happy ending, where everything is fine and everybody gets exactly what they wanted. I shouldn't be surprised at this point, it's a staple of Rebecca's series for everyone to get an implausibly happy ending.

[Pala Mepaj · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Japan lovers this book was fun. I initially did wonder if Rebecca had fallen in love with Mrs. Tanaka when the opening had her beauty described so much and how Becky made an entire movie idea based on Tanaka and how she couldn't stop staring and didn't even care about the language barrier. Definitely sounded like an awakening, but I don't think it was because it wasn't really treated like that. The blued does mention Mrs. Tanaka as one of the things Becky is "enchanted" by, so make of that what you will.

Addy and Miss Cope in Secrets on Society Hill on the other hand what with the more often describing her looks, saying she was charmed by Cope's beauty and the fact that Cope invited her to a tea party (that is suspiciously framed like a date considering everything else)... has a lot more plausibility and I just think with her they didn't want to say Addy felt something special.

[Tomboy95577 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was great, but I did not like how when the Rebecca fell into the pond and the lantern fell, as well at the fern ending up in Rebeccas lunch box, and the sand garden getting ruined, Ms. Ward still blamed the girls. Even though I did not like some parts of the book, I still liked how they added a little bit of information of Japanese culture and gardening. I also liked how Rebecca risked her chance of going to go to the Japanese garden ever again, just so she could prove that it was not them who did all the damage.

[Franciszka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like reading this book because it shows Rebecca is willing to set things right no matter what. I like how Rebecca was able to get Ana, her cousin, to trust her after an accident in the garden. I read it once before; I want to reread the book again. I felt that the book is really fun to read. I recommend this book to any girl who loves reading mysteries.

[Linda J.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When The Lord Teaches: Finding your way out of every struggle ... by Abimbola Adeoti



Problems in life are inevitable but how do we rise above them, or do we just suffer in silence?
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with life and despite all your efforts, you feel stuck and nothing seems to work? Or are you at the verge of giving up? Hold on…

“When the Lord teaches” provides you with practical, tested and proven solutions to whatever challenges you might be experiencing. This book reveals the principles of applying God’s teachings to find your way out of your struggles. Leaving no details untouched, He will teach you how to cope with any issue, and walk you through every hurdle you will face in life. Whether you are married or not, or a minister of God, a businessman, whatever you are, after you read this book, you will experience liberation and initiate a path to change. You are guaranteed positive results if you practice everything written in this book with diligence and discipline.

OUR REVIEW

I would highly recommend When The Lord Teaches by Abimbola Adeoti to be bought in paperback version, as after some of the main points that are taught, there is a place to write out your needs and a space to add to your Journal...a great idea to keep your thoughts in order after reading and learning the lesson.



Linda
The author backs up all her lessons with accurate and appropriate scriptures. The main train of thought of this book is letting God teach you, how he can teach you, and not letting others influence you in your life. Be connected with God and not only live a healthy physical life, but a healthy spiritual life, by always calling on God first and foremost.

Each chapter touched on different subjects and I particularly enjoyed the chapter on following God's rhythm, along with the chapter on being single.

A great workbook for those who are searching for God's teaching.







Undeniably Yours ... by Becky Wade


When Meg Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she's forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of his empire. The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father's Thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

Bo knows he ought to resent the woman who's determined to take from him the only job he ever wanted. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them and earn her love.

Just when Meg realizes she can no longer deny the depth of her feelings for Bo, their fragile bond is broken by a force from Meg's past. Can their relationship--and their belief that God can work through every circumstance--survive?


OUR REVIEW




Debra Sue
Becky Wade definitely knows how to connect the reader with her characters right from the first chapter. It is inspiring and uplifting to read a clean, wholesome novel with a believable storyline. The level of romance is perfectly balanced with a hint of drama and a large dose of country charm. Undeniably Yours is a delightful novel by a very talented author.


Amazon Review




A Growing Suspicion (An American Girl Beforever Mysteries)...by Jacqueline Dember Green (Author) Sergio Giovine (Illustrator)





Rebecca and Ana are spending spring vacation volunteering at a Japanese garden in Brooklyn. Rebecca is enchanted by the lush landscape of ferns and waterfalls, the exotic orchids, and the gardener’s beautiful wife. Yet everything Rebecca does there turns out wrong. Someone seems determined to damage the garden—and to cast suspicion on her and Ana. Can Rebecca find the real culprit before the girls are banished from the garden for good?





OUR REVIEW





I will have to say this was my first introduction to the American Girl Collection, and what a pleasant surprise! A Growing Suspicion by Jacqueline Dember Green brought to life the way families lived in the 1914's. Even though I didn't have the background of this character, I quickly caught on to the dynamics of the American lifestyle of two immigrate families.





The story centered around two cousins, Ana the one living in Brooklyn and Rebecca, the other staying for a summer visit. Their friendship was deeply rooted, but this summer adventure at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens puts a wedge between the girls. Cousin Ana felt a connection with, and a desire to spend as much time at the beautiful Japanese Gardens as she could. Both girls loved the peacefulness that the gardens brought, and set themselves to do as much work or help they could find time for. But as would happen, they are blamed for all the bad things that have gone wrong. Determined to clear up the accusations that were made against them, the adventure begins!

It was wonderful to read a sweet and simple story, embedded with cultural traditions that was nicely slipped into the pages. A special surprise at the end of the book had totally caught me off guard. The pictures and the history of that era was an added bonus. This book is intended for ages 9 and up, but a great read for all!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about a girl named Rebecca and her cousin, Ana volunteering at a Japenese Garden. But, everything they do in the garden was wrong! Can Rebecca and Ana find the real culprit before it's too late?! Read the book to find out more!

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was unreasonable to put the blame on Rebecca and Ana, since the trouble started before they got to the garden.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daughter loved it, an easy mystery with a good moral happy ending.

[Caity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cool mystery. The garden was a wonderful setting and the characters are well written. It’s a great addition to this series of mysteries.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

We liked this mystery and learning more about Japanese Gardens. We look forward to walking through the Meijer Gardens Japanese Gardens this spring!

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not as fun as the previous Rebecca mysteries.

[Fionna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really good the ending was I big twist

Ps this is a kid

[Eliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca and Ana volunteer at a Japanese garden but everything Rebecca seems to do comes out wrong. Can Rebecca and Ana find the real troublemaker and save the Japanese garden?

[Jaime]

i hate to say, but rebecca is probably my least favorite so far

[Sarah Roberts Lundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8&9 year old daughters were looking for a new series to read. These are great little stories that Are not scary nor weird. I enjoyed the puzzle myself.
Highly recommend for a little girl.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never was as big as fan of the mysteries

[Katherine Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm an adult and read this book because it takes place at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Japanese Garden when it was newly created in 1915. Jacqueline Greene really did her research about the history of the first public Japanese garden in the USA. For children, it's a lesson in making choices and the consequences of those choices, which is something we all do constantly with our words and deeds.

Over 800,000 visitors go to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and visit the many gardens within the Garden, including the stunning Japanese Hill and Pond Garden. This is a fascinating, quick read that will enhance their visit.

Next time you're in New York City, stop by and visit the 52-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Brooklyn's Crown Jewel.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed following Rebecca and Ana in the last few weeks of their summer break. Their friendship with the gardener neighbor leads to a volunteer position, and soon they are faced with accusations and mysterious events. The girls take risks that today would be seen as fool-hardy, but seem appropriate at the time. Again, the author presents the girls sneaking out at night by deceiving Ana's parents in order to accomplish their goals. I disagree with the American Girls' philosophy of teaching these risky behaviors to our impressionable tween girls. But the ending is satisfactory, and it is my job as a parent to discuss these concerns with my children.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the realistic friendship between Rebecca and Ana, and the descriptions of the Japanese garden were fantastic, probably made even better for me due to the fact that I had the privilege of visiting one a few months ago, so reading this was like a refreshment of my memory.

As for the mystery, I've certainly read better; I guessed who was causing all the disruptions in the garden before the person was uncovered. It still had all the right lead-up clues, spooky noises in the dark, and suspicious suspects, though.

[Karol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was more excited about the idea of the story than the actual reading of A Growing Suspicion. It wasn't that interesting to me in the "mystery" aspect.

I did appreciate the "Looking Back" information on education in gardening and botanical gardens. The Glossary is always a favorite addition to the back of a book for me.

[Holli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is perhaps one of my fav in the AG line. My only criticism of the story is that there is a great deal of info in Japanese culture but not so much of an American Jewish girl. I loved the beauty of the Japanese culture and hope to visit a botanical garden soon due to the story. Imagine sitting in a grand garden reading a book. :)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense. I liked the Japanese gardens details that were based on a real garden.

[Brenna Lowder · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fun book hope every one get's to read it