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American Girl: Rebecca #1-6
Rebecca: An American Girl, 1914
Presents six stories featuring Rebecca Rubin, a Jewish girl growing up in 1914 New York City.
560 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
6 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Dembar Greene
46 books33 followersMs. 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 31, 2010
It's strange coming back to a book series that you read last/was meant for young girls. Stranger, still, to read a series about a slice of American life you identify strongly with. Even now, Molly, Samantha, Addy, Kirsten and Felicity and their lives would probably feel strange to me, but not so much with Rebecca.
(To be fair, beyond Jewish immigrant/religious experience know-how, the books *did* contain eclectic info like what it might be like to be on the set of a silent movie set, Coney Island during the breaking of the Victorian age, and the turbulence of New York factory life and strikes.)
These books come with common characters- there almost always seems to be a grandparently figure or two, plus possibly a dashing "uncle" figure and his modern bride- or a pair of twins. :P Also a common theme- each girl is outgoing, headstrong, and eager to take part in her surroundings in ways most girls probably didn't. (For example- Rebecca randomly addressing a factory strike? What happened to the little girl who couldn't even stand up to her teacher to tell her that Christmas was *not* a universal American holiday?)
Still, putting the girls in the midst of things like that teaches today's young girls that it is possible to make a difference, so yay. :P
Rebecca was very endearing. Beyond the national-issues scale, she had to deal with regular girl-drama of petty older sisters, a bossy older brother, cliquish friend issues and standing up to her parents about her dreams versus theirs (though she was a little young to be choosing a career. :P Then again, kids back then didn't wait til 22!) And of course, I was a sucker for the Jewish themes- the cousins off the boat from Russia escaping oppression, 1914 Chanukah during Christmas time, Rebecca's birthday/actress experience during Passover, Victor's bar-mitzvah, wanting to light the Shabbat candles, Yiddish phrases, etc. Goes a long way into highlighting American Jewish history- and I know a lot of work went into that as well. So brava- mazel tov. :P
(To be fair, beyond Jewish immigrant/religious experience know-how, the books *did* contain eclectic info like what it might be like to be on the set of a silent movie set, Coney Island during the breaking of the Victorian age, and the turbulence of New York factory life and strikes.)
These books come with common characters- there almost always seems to be a grandparently figure or two, plus possibly a dashing "uncle" figure and his modern bride- or a pair of twins. :P Also a common theme- each girl is outgoing, headstrong, and eager to take part in her surroundings in ways most girls probably didn't. (For example- Rebecca randomly addressing a factory strike? What happened to the little girl who couldn't even stand up to her teacher to tell her that Christmas was *not* a universal American holiday?)
Still, putting the girls in the midst of things like that teaches today's young girls that it is possible to make a difference, so yay. :P
Rebecca was very endearing. Beyond the national-issues scale, she had to deal with regular girl-drama of petty older sisters, a bossy older brother, cliquish friend issues and standing up to her parents about her dreams versus theirs (though she was a little young to be choosing a career. :P Then again, kids back then didn't wait til 22!) And of course, I was a sucker for the Jewish themes- the cousins off the boat from Russia escaping oppression, 1914 Chanukah during Christmas time, Rebecca's birthday/actress experience during Passover, Victor's bar-mitzvah, wanting to light the Shabbat candles, Yiddish phrases, etc. Goes a long way into highlighting American Jewish history- and I know a lot of work went into that as well. So brava- mazel tov. :P
December 31, 2025
2025 Review:
I am continuing to (re)read the American Girl series alongside the Dolls of Our Lives podcast, which is hosted by two American historians. I listened to the Rebecca books on audio back in 2019, but I just re-read the physical books. I'm so glad I did because the illustrations are stunning.
Rebecca is a young Jewish girl living in New York City in 1914-1915. She is the child of Russian immigrants who first worked in a factory and moved their way up into the middle class. The first three books are great. Rebecca's family works to get her cousin's family out of Russia as the czar starts conscripting young Jewish men as cannon fodder in WWI. The first three books deal with immigration, assimilation and education — being banned from speaking Yiddish at school — religious freedom — Rebecca must decide what to do when her teacher requires the class to make Christmas decorations — class differences, poverty, and learning to prioritize the needs of the community over your own wants.
The last three books, however, are ridiculous. In the fourth book, Rebecca visits a movie set with her actor cousin and is given a role in a silent film. In the next book, Rebecca's family visits Coney Island and she climbs a fireman's ladder to rescue her cousin at the top of a ferris wheel. In the final book, she goes to a factory strike, gives a speech, and is hit by a rock. I'm unsure what the message was, because Rebecca continually disobeys her family, keeps secrets with adults, and puts herself into dangerous situations. As a kid, I would have liked that plot, but as an adult it makes me uneasy. I appreciated the first three books, especially their deep exploration of Jewish identity and religion, but the rest of the series went off the rails. Regardless, the books are worth reading! I'm so glad that AG finally made a Jewish character.
2019 Review:
Rebecca came out just after I had outgrown American Girl. I found her book series on Audible and decided to give it a go. It was really good! A child of Russian Jewish immigrants living in New York in 1914-1915, Rebecca’s stories give a good overview of Judaism and the experience of immigrants/first gen people. The books are a bit outlandish at points, and definitely less serious than most other American Girl books, but they’re fun. I must be getting old because I was shocked by how often Rebecca disobeyed her parents (she goes to a picket line and gets clocked in the head with a rock! badass, but surprising for AG). The stories bring to life the early motion picture industry before it moved to CA, and the exhilaration and sense of classlessness at Coney Island. The stories also tackle heavier topics such as Jewish persecution, immigration, tenements, sweatshops, unionization, Americanization/assimilation programs, and war. The Looking Back historical lessons at the end were fantastic. As always, I commend AG for presenting history to children in such accessible, empathetic, and fun ways.
I am continuing to (re)read the American Girl series alongside the Dolls of Our Lives podcast, which is hosted by two American historians. I listened to the Rebecca books on audio back in 2019, but I just re-read the physical books. I'm so glad I did because the illustrations are stunning.
Rebecca is a young Jewish girl living in New York City in 1914-1915. She is the child of Russian immigrants who first worked in a factory and moved their way up into the middle class. The first three books are great. Rebecca's family works to get her cousin's family out of Russia as the czar starts conscripting young Jewish men as cannon fodder in WWI. The first three books deal with immigration, assimilation and education — being banned from speaking Yiddish at school — religious freedom — Rebecca must decide what to do when her teacher requires the class to make Christmas decorations — class differences, poverty, and learning to prioritize the needs of the community over your own wants.
The last three books, however, are ridiculous. In the fourth book, Rebecca visits a movie set with her actor cousin and is given a role in a silent film. In the next book, Rebecca's family visits Coney Island and she climbs a fireman's ladder to rescue her cousin at the top of a ferris wheel. In the final book, she goes to a factory strike, gives a speech, and is hit by a rock. I'm unsure what the message was, because Rebecca continually disobeys her family, keeps secrets with adults, and puts herself into dangerous situations. As a kid, I would have liked that plot, but as an adult it makes me uneasy. I appreciated the first three books, especially their deep exploration of Jewish identity and religion, but the rest of the series went off the rails. Regardless, the books are worth reading! I'm so glad that AG finally made a Jewish character.
2019 Review:
Rebecca came out just after I had outgrown American Girl. I found her book series on Audible and decided to give it a go. It was really good! A child of Russian Jewish immigrants living in New York in 1914-1915, Rebecca’s stories give a good overview of Judaism and the experience of immigrants/first gen people. The books are a bit outlandish at points, and definitely less serious than most other American Girl books, but they’re fun. I must be getting old because I was shocked by how often Rebecca disobeyed her parents (she goes to a picket line and gets clocked in the head with a rock! badass, but surprising for AG). The stories bring to life the early motion picture industry before it moved to CA, and the exhilaration and sense of classlessness at Coney Island. The stories also tackle heavier topics such as Jewish persecution, immigration, tenements, sweatshops, unionization, Americanization/assimilation programs, and war. The Looking Back historical lessons at the end were fantastic. As always, I commend AG for presenting history to children in such accessible, empathetic, and fun ways.
November 25, 2023
daloy politsey! (i don't want to talk about the number of times i teared up rereading these)
October 1, 2024
**Meet Rebecca** – Rebecca lives in New York with her Jewish family. They are saving money to help their relatives immigrate to the U.S. from Russia, and Rebecca is eager to contribute however she can.
**Rebecca and Ana** – In the original American Girl system, this would be the "Lessons" book. Rebecca’s relatives arrive from Russia, but the oldest son is detained due to an injured leg. Ana joins Rebecca at school, and both are chosen to sing in an assembly. Ana is trying to embrace her new life in America, but learning English—and a difficult song—proves challenging.
**Candlelight for Rebecca** – Rebecca faces a dilemma at school during Hanukkah when the teacher asks everyone to make Christmas wreaths. In the original American Girl series, this would be the "Surprise" book. I appreciate how this story honors Rebecca’s Jewish heritage in the titles.
**Rebecca and the Movies** – Rebecca’s cousin brings her to the set of his latest film. She dreams of becoming an actress, and when a role opens up, she finally gets a chance to show her talent.
**Rebecca to the Rescue** – During a trip to Coney Island, Rebecca and Ana wander off after Rebecca has a fight with her brother. When Ana finds herself in need of help, Rebecca steps up to save the day.
**Change for Rebecca** – After watching a play with her cousin Ana, Rebecca becomes aware of the harsh realities of factory work in 1914 New York. She feels compelled to act, but at only 10 years old
**Rebecca and Ana** – In the original American Girl system, this would be the "Lessons" book. Rebecca’s relatives arrive from Russia, but the oldest son is detained due to an injured leg. Ana joins Rebecca at school, and both are chosen to sing in an assembly. Ana is trying to embrace her new life in America, but learning English—and a difficult song—proves challenging.
**Candlelight for Rebecca** – Rebecca faces a dilemma at school during Hanukkah when the teacher asks everyone to make Christmas wreaths. In the original American Girl series, this would be the "Surprise" book. I appreciate how this story honors Rebecca’s Jewish heritage in the titles.
**Rebecca and the Movies** – Rebecca’s cousin brings her to the set of his latest film. She dreams of becoming an actress, and when a role opens up, she finally gets a chance to show her talent.
**Rebecca to the Rescue** – During a trip to Coney Island, Rebecca and Ana wander off after Rebecca has a fight with her brother. When Ana finds herself in need of help, Rebecca steps up to save the day.
**Change for Rebecca** – After watching a play with her cousin Ana, Rebecca becomes aware of the harsh realities of factory work in 1914 New York. She feels compelled to act, but at only 10 years old
January 25, 2023
Listened to this with Ivory in the car on our way to/from ballet. I liked Rebecca and her story, for the most part. I liked hearing about New York and immigration in 1914, especially from the perspective of Rebecca's Jewish family. What I didn't love was that the author seemed to keep pushing that the characters should break out of their religious traditions, including keeping the Sabbath, for example. The author also pushes, multiple times, that Rebecca keep secrets from her parents if she wants to do something they wouldn't approve of. So that was a huge disappointment to me. That is not what our girls need to be hearing right now! It made for some important discussion between my daughter and me, but it is worrisome that this is the kind of content in books written for 8-12 year-old kids, even over a decade ago.
May 1, 2025
I'm having an American Girl nostalgia moment, don't judge me for reading kids books. I wanted to read some of the series that came out after my time that I was the age frame for American girl (Rebecca's books came out when I was 17). I wish this one was out when I was a kid, I would have adore this series coming from a kid with a Jewish step father and learning Jewish traditions as a kid (and I loved early 1900s books and as a kid who was always drawn to the stage). I adore these books encourage girls to be strong and follow their heart, and honestly, it still makes me feel empowered even in my 30s.
These were very enjoyable. If you have a daughter, encourage her to read American Girl books. History, empowerment, and nice little stories (that don't completely shy away from the horrors of the time... minus the twins from 1999 but that's a different tangent)
These were very enjoyable. If you have a daughter, encourage her to read American Girl books. History, empowerment, and nice little stories (that don't completely shy away from the horrors of the time... minus the twins from 1999 but that's a different tangent)
March 26, 2025
I've made it to the point in my AG journey of reading books that I did not read as a child. Rebecca's cool. There were some points that seemed deeply unrealistic (movie director grabs random child to be in a movie without auditioning and she does a great job, no one notices kid climbing very tall ladder in time to stop her, someone throws a rock at a child giving a speech), but what do I know? Maybe these things were a normal part of NYC in 1914. (I think they took liberties, which isn't what I read AG for, but at the very least there was a lot of information about Jewish practices, which is helpful for non-Jewish kids to learn.)
July 21, 2020
Rebecca reminds me of Felicity in that they are both headstrong and convince other people to do what's right. I like how she has good convictions and she follows her dreams of acting. I like that she was a good and accurate actress. It was nice to learn about movies when they were first being made. I'll remember that Rebecca was ready to be a leader and I liked her family a lot. They were ready to care for her and scold her and be everything they could be for her. - age 9 (audiobook and any original books with illustrations we can find)
May 22, 2021
american girl radicalized me as a child.
“What about those goons—those men who hurt the strikers and hit me with a rock?” Rebecca asked. “Why aren’t they in jail?”
“Because the city cares more about keeping the factories running than helping the workers,” said Michael with disgust. “The factory owners can get away with anything.”
- Changes for Rebecca, pg. 407-408
“What about those goons—those men who hurt the strikers and hit me with a rock?” Rebecca asked. “Why aren’t they in jail?”
“Because the city cares more about keeping the factories running than helping the workers,” said Michael with disgust. “The factory owners can get away with anything.”
- Changes for Rebecca, pg. 407-408
April 7, 2025
Mr. Five's most recent choice for a read aloud. He liked the various adventures that Rebecca had. I liked being able to talk a bit with him about life in the nineteen-teens. I showed him a few silent film clips as a result of one of the Rebecca stories to give him some context, and he really liked that.
June 16, 2022
This is the only AG series I’ve read that I didn’t read first as a kid. Rebecca is s great character, and I loved the first three books in the series. However, the latter three books, especially four and five, get pretty chaotic and a bit unrealistic, even for fiction.
June 9, 2023
Tries to cover a little too much ground—silent films, labor movement, immigration, etc—but it’s not disjointed. Found the early Jewish filmmaking experience to be the most interesting element of the story.
May 19, 2020
I love the american girls books, but not these.
May 7, 2021
I didn't know anything about this American Girl, but we really enjoyed it!
July 30, 2021
rebecca was one of the older characters whose books i never got a chance to read when i waa younger and its safe to say i enjoyed them as much as the others
October 9, 2022
Is Rebecca the best American Girl? Don’t tell Kirsten I said that.
June 9, 2024
3.5 stars. My daughter (7.5) really enjoyed this. It wasn't my favorite American Girl book series.
December 27, 2025
A wonderful engaging read aloud with my daughter. The Yiddish, and immigrant Jewish history that relates directly to our family made this a special collection. Loved the burgeoning awareness of the main character around class, girls equality, workers rights, and trying to to make the world a better place.
December 23, 2020
When Rebecca was released, Samantha had just gone into the vault. I was infuriated at the very thought that Samantha was being replaced! Then I found out that part of her story was about becoming an actress, and I decided to shun her.
I've since calmed down considerably and am now a huge Rebecca fan (especially since Samantha is no longer vaulted).
There is so much to love here. The series starts with Shabbat, grounding us in the traditions and beliefs that are key to Rebecca's culture and identity, and it's done beautifully. Candlelight for Rebecca also picks up on this trend and deals with her navigating a school assignment to make Christmas decorations with no inkling that not everybody celebrates Christmas. Rebecca makes something beautiful and then gives it to someone who needs it. That someone respects the traditions she always loved, and we're left with a fantastic cultural exchange and a beautiful Chanukah celebration.
Also, the movie stuff was amazing! I probably wouldn't have appreciated it before teaching film and researching early independent studios, but since I have, reading Rebecca and the Movies was like being transported to Alice Guy-Blaché's New Jersey studio. This book did fantastic things with the technology and process of silent movie making, and Rebecca inhabits her craft in a believeable way.
There were a few less believeable moments (like the Coney Island rescue and her relative prominence in advocating for union rights), but even then I loved the modernism and the characters enough to allow myself to get swept up in it.
The stuff on immigration and sponsorship with bringing her cousin Ana's family over from Russia was also really well done, and I appreciate the struggles with Ellis Island, language barriers, a low-paying first job, and tenement life.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this one (and not just because it was a breath of fresh air after MG and C).
I've since calmed down considerably and am now a huge Rebecca fan (especially since Samantha is no longer vaulted).
There is so much to love here. The series starts with Shabbat, grounding us in the traditions and beliefs that are key to Rebecca's culture and identity, and it's done beautifully. Candlelight for Rebecca also picks up on this trend and deals with her navigating a school assignment to make Christmas decorations with no inkling that not everybody celebrates Christmas. Rebecca makes something beautiful and then gives it to someone who needs it. That someone respects the traditions she always loved, and we're left with a fantastic cultural exchange and a beautiful Chanukah celebration.
Also, the movie stuff was amazing! I probably wouldn't have appreciated it before teaching film and researching early independent studios, but since I have, reading Rebecca and the Movies was like being transported to Alice Guy-Blaché's New Jersey studio. This book did fantastic things with the technology and process of silent movie making, and Rebecca inhabits her craft in a believeable way.
There were a few less believeable moments (like the Coney Island rescue and her relative prominence in advocating for union rights), but even then I loved the modernism and the characters enough to allow myself to get swept up in it.
The stuff on immigration and sponsorship with bringing her cousin Ana's family over from Russia was also really well done, and I appreciate the struggles with Ellis Island, language barriers, a low-paying first job, and tenement life.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this one (and not just because it was a breath of fresh air after MG and C).
August 25, 2020
This series came out in 2009 when I was in my American Girl prime. Rebecca was also the last character in what I would consider part of my "era." The six historical figures released since Rebecca were released after I had outgrown the age range for these books. I think that's why the Rebecca books have always been some of my favorites. They are that grand finale series for me, and the nostalgia and appreciation for this series is very important to me.
Meet Rebecca:
These books are quite a bit longer than the previous in the American Girl collection. These books are closer to 100 pages each which the others are about half that length. I liked this book. It introduces Rebecca's personality and love for performing, and it also shows her constant need for a close friend. It also shows how her selfish personality changes for the better by the end of this book, putting aside her own wants for the needs of others.
4/5 Stars
Rebecca and Ana:
I liked this one, although I felt the primary storyline following Rebecca being embarrassed by her cousin's accent was kind of odd. I know that this was just a way of introducing the cultural differences of immigrants, and perhaps this would have been an age appropriate issue, but it seemed a little boring. I did enjoy it though.
3/5 Stars
Candlelight for Rebecca
This one is so sweet! Rebecca deals with the pressure of keeping her family's Jewish holiday traditions while also obeying her teacher in school who believes all Americans should celebrate Christmas. I always love the holiday stories, and I felt this one was just as sweet and heartwarming as the others.
5/5 Stars
Rebecca and the Movies
This one was unique in the American Girl series because it follows the production of a movie. I didn't know how old moving pictures were made in the 1910s, and this was not only entertaining, but also seemed to be historical accurate. It makes me want to do some more research into old movies. It was also kind of cool to see Rebecca get the chance to be in a movie.
5/5 Stars
Rebecca to the Rescue
I normally don't care for the summer stories too much, but I really liked this one! It followed the Ruben family as they go to Coney Island for the day. It was exciting and written very well. I also liked the storyline between Rebecca and Victor.
4/5 Stars
Changes for Rebecca
While this series does hint at the struggles of immigrants in the early 20th century, this book really focuses on this fact as it deals with labor strikes and the abuse of sweat shop workers and the mistreatment of immigrants. This was hinted at in the Samantha's Story Collectionbut not at the extent of this book. I was really glad they followed this storyline, as I believe it is important for young readers to know about. I felt it was a great conclusion to this series.
5/5 Stars
Final Rating: 4.75/5 Stars
Current Rating of Series
1. Addy
2. Rebecca
3. Kirsten
4. Felicity
5. Kit
6. Samantha
7. Kaya
8. Julie
Only two more to go!
Meet Rebecca:
These books are quite a bit longer than the previous in the American Girl collection. These books are closer to 100 pages each which the others are about half that length. I liked this book. It introduces Rebecca's personality and love for performing, and it also shows her constant need for a close friend. It also shows how her selfish personality changes for the better by the end of this book, putting aside her own wants for the needs of others.
4/5 Stars
Rebecca and Ana:
I liked this one, although I felt the primary storyline following Rebecca being embarrassed by her cousin's accent was kind of odd. I know that this was just a way of introducing the cultural differences of immigrants, and perhaps this would have been an age appropriate issue, but it seemed a little boring. I did enjoy it though.
3/5 Stars
Candlelight for Rebecca
This one is so sweet! Rebecca deals with the pressure of keeping her family's Jewish holiday traditions while also obeying her teacher in school who believes all Americans should celebrate Christmas. I always love the holiday stories, and I felt this one was just as sweet and heartwarming as the others.
5/5 Stars
Rebecca and the Movies
This one was unique in the American Girl series because it follows the production of a movie. I didn't know how old moving pictures were made in the 1910s, and this was not only entertaining, but also seemed to be historical accurate. It makes me want to do some more research into old movies. It was also kind of cool to see Rebecca get the chance to be in a movie.
5/5 Stars
Rebecca to the Rescue
I normally don't care for the summer stories too much, but I really liked this one! It followed the Ruben family as they go to Coney Island for the day. It was exciting and written very well. I also liked the storyline between Rebecca and Victor.
4/5 Stars
Changes for Rebecca
While this series does hint at the struggles of immigrants in the early 20th century, this book really focuses on this fact as it deals with labor strikes and the abuse of sweat shop workers and the mistreatment of immigrants. This was hinted at in the Samantha's Story Collectionbut not at the extent of this book. I was really glad they followed this storyline, as I believe it is important for young readers to know about. I felt it was a great conclusion to this series.
5/5 Stars
Final Rating: 4.75/5 Stars
Current Rating of Series
1. Addy
2. Rebecca
3. Kirsten
4. Felicity
5. Kit
6. Samantha
7. Kaya
8. Julie
Only two more to go!
April 18, 2013
This is the first in the Rebecca Series my daughter read (mainly b/c it was her favorite Amer Girl doll/character). She liked it, got exposed to another culture/religion, etc which was useful and enjoyable.
November 20, 2009
The girls and I loved this series.
January 14, 2010
Really cute book for girls/tweens. Rebecca is a Jewish immagrant growing up in America, very historically accurate.
February 25, 2010
I love Rebecca! She is one of my favorite American Girls! Her books are awesome! You have to read them!
Want to read
February 26, 2010We are loving this next set of American Girl books.
February 20, 2011
The books were good.Ihave they american girl doll and i bought all of her outfits and books.
March 8, 2011
Another one of my favorites
February 12, 2012
I really liked this series. It gave a different perspective on the Industrial Revolution.
August 20, 2012
Read this series with Emma. We loved the books.
March 5, 2025
Very fun and interesting. However, sometimes she goes against authority and she gets away with it and it always seems to work out for the best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews