Review: Meet Samantha by Susan Adler

Title: Meet Samantha
Author: Susan Adler
Genre: Juvi, historical fiction, friendship, growing up
Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Taken from Amazon, "Samantha Parkington is an orpan who lives with her rich grandmother in 1904. There are many servants in Grandmary's busy, bustling household, but there is no one for Samantha to play with. That's why she's so excited when Nellie moves in next door. Nellie has come to work so that she can send money back to her family in the city. Even though their lives are different, the two girls become good friends. One day Samantha discovers that Jessie, the seamstress, is leaving. No one will tell her why. So she and Nellie plan a secret midnight adventure to find out."

It is rare that two hobbies of mine collide, but that is exactly the case with 'Meet Samantha'. An avid doll collector, Samantha is one of my favorite American Girl dolls. Like many, I read this book series back in the early 90's when I was scrimping and saving my pennies for Pleasant Company's American Girl dolls. 2012, it seems, has been a year of re-reading for me, and I thought what better to re-read than Samantha's story?

Set in 1904, 'Meet Samantha' introduces us to 9 year old Samantha. Rich and upper class, Samantha is far from your typical socialite. She's full of spunk and not afraid to get dirty or speak her mind. This first book in this six book series is, for the most part, an introduction to the characters and settings. That's not to say there isn't a story, because there is, but a lot of this book concentrates on relationships.

What I love most about Samantha's story is the setting. 1904 was a time where you could realistically see cars and horse drawn carriages sharing roads. New things were being invented every day. Can you imagine?

I will forever recommend the Samantha book series to young readers.  They are great stories with great themes (ie: friendship, confidence, etc).  Even after all these years, I had a blast reading 'Meet Samantha' and your young reader will, too!  Because of that, this blog gives 'Meet Samantha' 5 out of 5 stars.

You can find 'Meet Samantha' at your local bookstore or library.

Review: The Teashop Girls by Laura Schaefer

Title: The Teashop Girls
Author: Laura Schaefer
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Young Reader/Growing Up
Perfect For: Girls 9-14

The Teashop Girls is about Annie, a girl who loves everything that has to do with tea and the tea business. After years of watching her grandmother run her local tea shop, she believes she is ready to be the ultimate tea barista. Problems arise, however, when the customers dwindle and the bills aren't getting paid. Annie knows she needs to help, but how, especially with her best friendships look like they're about to be pulled apart and barista boy may or may not have a thing for her?

This is a cute, simple story about a girl fighting to keep her passion, as well as her families passion, alive. Also in the mix is the story-line about her friendships changing into something different. On the verge of going into high school, each has their own things going for them, quite different from when they ran the Teashop Girls secret club. A realistic subplot that anyone can relate to.

Although The Teashop Girls is simple and slightly predicable, it is a good example for girls who want to read a book about a strong young teen who knows what she wants to accomplish and tries her best to do it. I recommend it for the young teen audience (9-14). It might be too simple for anyone over that, in my opinion.