American Girl Samantha

American Girl, Samantha, returns from retirement with new and wonderful books. (Seriously, I’ve read the books, so have my kids, and we really love them!) My daughters LOVE Samantha and play so many imaginative scenarios with her. This doll is a perfect gift for the holidays for kids ages 8 – 12.

And don’t you just love the history of the American Girl dolls and the open-ended play opportunities?

American Girl Samantha Doll

The American Girl website says, “Samantha Parkington is kind, generous, and always ready to make a new friend. She has sparkling brown eyes that open and close and long, glossy brown curls. She comes in an authentic 1904 outfit.”

American Girl Samantha Books

Samantha is from the time period of 1904. In her first story titled Manners and Mischief, she learns about poverty when her new friend, Nellie, shares what it’s like to work in a factory and not have the opportunity to go to school. Samantha’s kind grandmother gets Nellie’s family a servent position that allows Nellie to go to school. Samantha helps Nellie catch up so she won’t the oldest kid in 2nd grade.

The new Samantha books in the Beforever series involve time travel and choose-your-own-ending. A girl from our time goes back in time to Samantha’s world to experience 1904 first hand. As a reader, you have the chance to make choices of how the story will go and end. It’s delightful!

Samantha Play

I know these are expensive and that’s why my kids have found ways to make their own accessories and play sets instead of buying them. We highly recommend the My Froggy Stuff videos for DIY American Girl crafts and printables!