Jacqueline Dembar Greene
Author Jacqueline Dembar Greene responds to questions about Rebecca and her stories
Q: Why did you choose 1914 as the time period for Rebecca’s series?
A: At the start of the 20th century, America welcomed a steady stream of immigrants from all over the world. With new opportunities, they used their intelligence and creativity to contribute inventions and business enterprises that changed American life. Placing Rebecca’s stories in this dynamic historical period gave me a wealth of material to imagine how her life might have been shaped by the events of that time.
Rebecca is growing up when streams of immigrant families landed at Ellis Island in New York City. In the books, Rebecca’s parents and grandparents are Russian immigrants who fled from laws and hardships specifically directed against the Jewish population. Her grandparents retain many customs from their birth country and speak Yiddish mixed with English. Rebecca’s parents arrived in America when they were young adults and adapted more easily to their new land. Rebecca and her brothers and sisters are first-generation Americans. Like all young people, Rebecca doesn’t view her life as part of history, but as her everyday experience.
Q: What did you do to prepare to write Rebecca’s stories?
A: I plunged into a mountain of books about every aspect of American culture during 1914 and 1915, when Rebecca’s stories take place. I read about procedures at Ellis Island and read immigrants’ accounts of the overwhelming experience of coming to America. I learned what people wore, as well as what life was like in the tenements of the Lower East Side. I found fascinating books about the development of the first moving pictures Americans had seen. I also tried to incorporate some Jewish teachings in the books, such as the idea of tikkun olam, “repair the world.” It gave me great satisfaction to show Rebecca discovering how this idea has personal meaning for her as she helps her newly immigrated cousin Ana, and tries to find a way to improve conditions for immigrants working under horrible conditions in clothing factories.
The most enjoyable part of preparing to write the stories was spending several days in New York City with a team from American Girl helping to develop Rebecca’s series. We walked the streets that would have been part of Rebecca’s world. We toured the cramped apartments preserved by the Tenement Museum on Orchard Street, were invited into a period apartment like Rebecca’s fictional one, and toured the Coney Island Museum. In between, I snapped photos of Ellis Island, tenement fire escapes, and front stoops. We learned valuable historical details at the Eldridge Street Synagogue, The Jewish Museum, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and the Museum of the City of New York, among others.
Finally, I mined the memories of family and friends, and learned a few Yiddish words and phrases. I talked with my father about what it was like growing up the son and grandson of Russian immigrants. Born in 1915, his memories overlapped the time period for the series. He was amazed to think that some of his stories might be used in writing the books! In all, I felt as if I had truly lived in Rebecca’s world before I ever set pen to paper.
Q: How would you describe Rebecca’s personality?
A: Rebecca is a spunky and dramatic nine-year-old who tries to make changes in her life and in the lives of those around her. She has a large family, with older twin sisters, Sadie and Sophie, an older brother, Victor, and a younger brother, Benny. Rebecca often feels left out of the activities her older siblings enjoy, and left out of the special attention her little brother receives. She tries hard to be noticed and to follow her dream of becoming an actress.
Above all, Rebecca is compassionate. She cares deeply for others, and tries to help them solve the problems they face. Sometimes she is in a dilemma, trying to decide whether she should focus on her personal goals, or whether it is more important to give something up in order to help another. These are not easy lessons to learn, but Rebecca doesn’t shy away from challenges, and learns that sometimes by reaching out to others, your own wishes come true in unexpected ways.
Q: Were any of Rebecca’s stories based on your own or your family’s personal experiences?
A: I spent some time recalling events from my own girlhood, and talking with family members and friends who shared recollections of their childhood in the early 1900s. Although most of them weren’t born during 1914, some of their earliest memories were similar to those that Rebecca has in the books. My Aunt Gloria talked to me about crocheting, my friend Jack told me about his youthful games and activities and my mother-in-law supplied some Yiddish words and phrases.
My parents also had stories to share. My father recounted his excitement riding the Ferris Wheel at Coney Island, and told me about his simple bar mitzvah celebration. My mother told me about a brief job she had working in a clothing factory that was quite as horrible as the “sweat shop” Rebecca sees.
The holiday story where Rebecca makes a Christmas decoration is based on a school project that I made in third-grade. At the time, it was upsetting for me to decide whether or not I should make a Christmas decoration when my family celebrated Hanukkah! Rebecca’s fictional solution is similar to my own real one.
Q: Why was it important to set Rebecca’s stories in New York City?
A: The vast majority of immigrants who came ashore at Ellis Island settled in New York City. They moved into the crowded tenements and depended on their fellow immigrants to show them the ways of America. Soon, they got jobs, eventually started their own small businesses, and sent their children to school for the free education that would give them a better life. It is fitting that Rebecca’s family lives in New York City, and that she would have grown up on the East Side once her father’s shoe store provided a better life than when her parents first worked in “sweat shops.”
New York City was the fertile ground that spawned so many changes in American society–from the amusement parks that gave people of all classes the chance to share moments of pure fun, to the fledgling movie industry, and the workers’ movement that fought to improve conditions for immigrant laborers. Above all, it was a city where the children of America’s newest citizens saw a world of opportunity open to them, if only they could reach out and take advantage of it.
Q: What do you hope Rebecca’s stories will do for girls today?
A: Rebecca is a Jewish girl whose family customs and beliefs shape her in many ways. She upholds the values of giving to others and improving life whenever you might make a difference. She is not just the product of a Jewish family. Rebecca is typical of so many young people who found new opportunities in America. She can be a role model for girls who dream of a special career, and for those who discover that doing one small thing in your own small world can make a world of difference for many. I hope that Rebecca helps all readers understand how difficult it is to come to a new country and learn its language and customs, and more particularly how immigrants contributed to America, and still do.
Contributor: American Girl
Reviews
Meet Rebecca (American Girl Collection Series: Rebecca #1)
Jacqueline Dembar Greene
The year is 1914; the setting is New York’s East Side. Rebecca Rubin longs for the spotlight, a position that is hard to attain in a family with five children. Her fourteen-year-old twin sisters always light the candles on Shabbos. Victor is nearly thirteen and studying for his Bar Mitzvah. Benny is the youngest and the pet, and Beckie? She wants to go on the stage like her Uncle Max, but no one will take her dreams seriously. The first of six titles in a new “American Girl” series, Meet Rebecca is peopled with stiff characters and “filler” dialogue designed to dump information on the reader. True to the “American Girl” format, the book opens with a double-spread of the characters and concludes with a lengthy section about Jewish immigrants, their culture, and the difficulties they faced, and a glossary of Yiddish terms. A teaser chapter from the next book entices the reader to continue the series. Fans of “American Girl” dolls and books will enjoy the latest offering. Readers who prefer their historical fiction not watered down will turn to better books. 2009, American Girl, $6.95. Ages 7 to 10. Candice Ransom (Children’s Literature).
Rebecca and Ana (American Girl Collection Series: Rebecca #2)
Jacqueline Dembar Greene
Rebecca Rubin is excited about meeting her cousin, Ana, who recently emigrated from Russia to the United States. Rebecca is certain that Ana will be just like a twin sister. What could be better than having a cousin her own age to play with? The transition from Ellis Island to New York, however, is not at all smooth for Rebecca’s relatives. At school, Ana makes mistakes and struggles to learn English. Meanwhile, Josef suffers from a lame leg and might have to return to Russia. One day, Rebecca’s teacher asks the cousins to sing a song together at the final assembly. Rebecca worries that Ana will make mistakes and that other children will laugh. Will Ana’s broken English ruin the show? By the end of this story, Rebecca comes to an important realization; Ana symbolizes the courage of every American, and the cousins sing beautifully at the final assembly. In this heartwarming story, young readers will embrace the adventures of Rebecca Rubin, circa 1914, a unique and wonderful addition to the “American Girl” family. 2009, American Girl, $6.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon, Ph.D. (Children’s Literature).
Candlelight for Rebecca (American Girl Collection Series: Rebecca #3)
Jacqueline Dembar Greene
Rebecca Rubin, a Jewish-American girl living in New York City in 1914, loves celebrating Hanukah with her family, but her teacher, Miss Malone, assigns the class a project to make Christmas decorations. Even though Miss Malone tells Rebecca that Christmas is a national holiday, Rebecca wonders whether it is wrong to make Christmas decorations. What will her family think? Will her grandmother, Bubba, disapprove of the centerpiece that Rebecca worked so hard to create, and does Rebecca’s Jewish faith really make her less American than her classmates? Just when Rebecca begins to doubt the strength of her own patriotism, she realizes the true spirit of the holiday season is caring and loving family and friends. Rebecca takes pride in creating Hanukah presents for her family. In this heart-warming story from the “American Girl” series, Rebecca comes to terms with her Jewish faith and learns how to celebrate the holiday season by reaching out to neighbors and friends in need. 2009, American Girl, $6.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon, Ph.D. (Children’s Literature).
Rebecca and the Movies (American Girl Collection Series: Rebecca #4)
Jacqueline Dembar Greene
For her 10th birthday, Rebecca receives a brand-new hat and an exciting opportunity--the chance to visit a real movie studio set with her cousin, Max. Although her parents do not approve of actors or movies, Mama finally gives Rebecca permission to go. At the movie studio, Rebecca steps behind the scenes and learns exactly how movies are produced. Best of all, Rebecca meets the beautiful and glamorous Lily Armstrong, a famous actress whose movie, “Cleopatra,” is showing in theaters around the United States, but as the cameras roll, Rebecca seems destined to remain on the sidelines. Suddenly, the director needs a young girl for an upcoming scene. Will Rebecca finally step into the spotlight? Could this be her chance to become a star? While Rebecca wants to step into the film, she is not sure that her parents will approve of her aspirations to be a movie star. After all, Papa and Mama see Rebecca as a future teacher. Rebecca realizes the importance of taking her fate into her own hands and decides to step into the spotlight. In this upbeat story, young readers will explore a film studio of the early 1900s through the eyes of a character, Rebecca, who is destined to win the hearts of “American Girl” series fans around the country. 2009, American Girl, $6.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon, Ph.D. (Children’s Literature).
Rebecca to the Rescue (American Girl Collection Series: Rebecca #5)
Jacqueline Dembar Greene
After Victor completes his Bar Mitzvah with flying colors, the Rubin family decides to celebrate the occasion with a trip to Coney Island. Rebecca cannot wait to try the games and rides at this famous amusement park. The children take a quick dip in the sea before exploring the park. Rebecca is disappointed when she does not win a Kewpie doll, but she is excited about riding the Ferris Wheel. What could be more exciting than flying above the world, looking down at everything with a bird’s view? Victor, however, is bossy, and Rebecca is quickly sick of spending time with her older brother. Rebecca and her cousin, Ana, decide to explore the park on their own. Suddenly, Rebecca hears the alarm bell ringing and realizes that Ana is missing. Is it possible that Ana is still on the Ferris Wheel? Rebecca realizes the danger her cousin is facing but finds the courage to save her cousin’s life and realizes the importance of love and family in a changing world. In this heart-warming story from the “American Girl” series, young readers will travel back in time to Coney Island, circa 1914, with an adventurous and brave heroine, Rebecca Rubin. 2009, American Girl, $6.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon, Ph.D. (Children’s Literature).
Changes for Rebecca (American Girl Collection Series: Rebecca #6)
Jacqueline Dembar Greene
Rebecca Rubin dreams of being a movie star, but her parents want her to become a teacher when she grows up. Can Rebecca please her parents while still pursuing her own dreams? When Rebecca and Ana play act working in a factory, Rebecca begins to understand that factory jobs trap immigrants in poverty. During a visit to a factory, Rebecca is horrified at the working conditions, but can she help her uncle, cousin, and the other people who are trapped in these terrible working conditions? Can a ten-year-old girl really make a difference in the world? Rebecca decides she has to take a stand during a factory strike, even though it means putting her own life in danger. She gives a passionate speech about workers’ rights and does her part to bring about social change in her community. Young readers will enjoy stepping back in time with the intelligent new member of the “American Girl” series, Rebecca Rubin. 2009, American Girl, $6.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon, Ph.D. (Children’s Literature).
Added 08/25/09
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