Samantha Saves the Day (American Girl Collection)

AUTHOR: Valerie Tripp
ILLUSTRATOR: Dan Andreasen

From the Publisher:

Samantha and her family are spending the summer at Piney Point, Grandmary’s home in the mountains. One day Samantha and the twins, Agnes and Agatha, find a sketchbook made by Samantha’s mother. In it, Samantha sees a beautiful waterfall she had visited with her parents long ago, before they died in a boating accident. Using the sketchbook as a map, Samantha and the twins set off. When their secret exploration puts them in the middle of a dangerous storm, Samantha must save the day.

Leah’s Thoughts:

The American Girl Books were some of my most beloved books growing up, and I still have such a soft spot for them. Each series introduces a girl from a different time in American history, bringing the past to life through their stories, struggles, and triumphs.

I love how these books weave real historical events and cultural details into engaging, character-driven stories. They offer young readers a window into the lives of girls who are brave, curious, and kind, while also being very relatable. Each character offers something unique and memorable.

I truly hope the next generation of girls discovers these stories and enjoys them just as much as I did. They sparked my lifelong love of historical fiction.

*Note: the older books are out of print, so look for them used.