This is such an informative and fascinating book. I loved American Girls Collection when I was a kid and read so many of the fictional books. I was always so captivated by the stories and I think they encouraged my love and interest in history. This non-fiction book uses Samantha’s character to take readers on a tour of what life was like in America in 1904. It brings to life the many aspects of every-day life in the early Twentieth century. A new century brought on new ideas that challenged old-fashioned traditions and beliefs. I love that this book included a lot about the social reform that was taking place for women and girls, as well as the disparities between the wealthy and the poor. Authentic letters, photographs, and illustrations are brilliantly used to transport the reader back in history. ( )

An in-depth look at life for girls and women in America in 1904, discussing city and town life, social reform, new inventions, amusements, and more. ( )

In 1986, American Girl™ introduced the character Samantha Parkington, a young girl growing up in America during the turn of the century. In addition to publishing several books about Samantha's life set in 1904, American Girl™ produced Welcome to Samantha's World in 1999, appropriately at the turn of another century.

Welcome to Samantha's World uses text, black-and-white photographs of historical persons, color photographs of relevant objects, and gentle watercolor illustrations to bring to life many facets of American life during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Although the character Samantha came from a wealthy family, this book does not just cover the life of the privileged but also discusses life as an immigrant, a minority, a woman without voting rights, etc. Children will be equally delighted to see photographs of the toys and games available to their peers in the 19th century and saddened to read about children sent away from New York City on orphan trains in hopes of finding a family to adopt them out West somewhere.

As this book covers a vast array of topics, economic concepts crop up quite often. In particular, the section on children working in factories and the spread devoted to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory tragedy are perfect sounding-off boards for discussing modern child labor laws and safe working conditions.

This book is a definite win for children who love history, but even those who don't usually enjoy reading about the past may change their mind after being introduced to this book with its many graphics, varied topics, and true stories of children growing up during a time of change.

I reviewed this book for EconKids. Read the full review here: http://econkids.rutgers.edu/new-picture-books-in-2006-and-earlier/2009-2011-02-0... ( )

Delightful and informative read. Beautiful cover and tons of historical facts about life and the world during the early 1900's. ( )

This book details both what life in general was like at the turn of the century, and at the social reforms that began to sweep the nation. We get a clear picture of a changing world. ( )