The two weeks before Christmas are filled with activity as Samantha finishes her homemade presents and makes peparations for visiting relatives

Samantha Parkington is being raised by her wealthy grandmother in 1904. She befriends a servant girl named Nellie, who moves in next door. The girls become fast friends, though their lives are very different. American Girls Collection/Samantha #1.

American Girl® Samantha™ stands up for what's right in this all new Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader that takes place at the Turn of the Century in 1904—and includes more than 30 stickers! It's 1904, the turn of the 20th century, and Samantha Parkington is a nine-year-old orphan living with her rich grandmother. When Samantha sees a friend in need, she makes space to help and a speech worth more than gold! Meet Grandmary, Nellie, Uncle Gard, and more people in Samantha's world while learning what it was like to be a girl in 1904 in this Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader! Great for young American Girl fans ages 5 to 8, the book includes more than 30 stickers! Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics for children who are ready to read on their own. Introduced in 1986, American Girl's flagship line of historical characters features 18-inch dolls, books, and accessories that give girls a dramatic understanding of the role women and girls played in shaping our country.

When Samantha is reunited with Nellie, she discovers that their lives have changed in very different ways.

A ten-year-old girl discovers the modern delights of turn-of-the-century New York City when she travels there with her grandmother to visit relatives.

Though the gossips had them pegged as an item, teacher Rachel Woodward was merely helping Sean Bates, the new guidance counselor, learn small-town ways. But his looks and charm were almost irresistible. And it was a good thing Rachel no longer fell prey to romantic insanity. Yet she couldn’t ignore Sean, or how wonderfully he cared for the sweet, rambunctious five-year-old who’d landed in their school—and both their hearts. Little Samantha needed a father, and Sean would be the perfect man for the job. But she needed a mother, too...and suddenly Rachel wondered if God had a family in store for her after all.

Samantha gives her naughty big brother Sam a box of birthday chocolates stuffed with mouth-watering surprises--and discovered that revenge is sweet indeed!