American Girl: Rebecca Series by Jacqueline Dembar Greene

Rebecca Rubin longs to be the center of attention, but it's not easy in a family of five children! When mysterious cousin Max, the actor, tells her the secret to pleasing an audience, Rebecca can hardly wait to try it out. Then she learns that her young cousin Ana and her family are in danger--they must escape Russia and come to America. Rebecca decides to raise money for their passage by putting on a show right in her New York City neighborhood-until her disapproving grandmother steps in... moreRebecca Rubin longs to be the center of attention, but it's not easy in a family of five children! When mysterious cousin Max, the actor, tells her the secret to pleasing an audience, Rebecca can hardly wait to try it out. Then she learns that her young cousin Ana and her family are in danger--they must escape Russia and come to America. Rebecca decides to raise money for their passage by putting on a show right in her New York City neighborhood-until her disapproving grandmother steps in. Unexpectedly, Rebecca finds another way to earn money. But she knows that for her plan to work, she'll have to keep it a secret. less

At last, cousin Ana has arrived at Ellis Island, and Rebecca can't wait to meet her. She's sure they'll be just like sisters, doing everything together. It's crowded with two families in one small apartment, but Rebecca is happy to share everything with Ana, even her clothes! At school, Rebecca is determined to help her cousin learn English and keep up in class, in spite of the other kids' teasing... moreAt last, cousin Ana has arrived at Ellis Island, and Rebecca can't wait to meet her. She's sure they'll be just like sisters, doing everything together. It's crowded with two families in one small apartment, but Rebecca is happy to share everything with Ana, even her clothes! At school, Rebecca is determined to help her cousin learn English and keep up in class, in spite of the other kids' teasing. But when the teacher tells her to include Ana in a special performance, Rebecca panics--Ana's broken English will ruin the show! Rebecca realizes this is one thing she does not want to do with her cousin. But how can she explain this to Ana? less

Rebecca's teacher assigns the class to make Christmas decorations--but Rebecca's family is Jewish and doesn't celebrate Christmas. Her teacher tells her that Christmas is a national holiday, for all Americans to celebrate. Although her parents came from Russia, Rebecca knows she's as American as anyone else, even without celebrating Christmas. Could her teacher be wrong? If Rebecca does the project, her family is sure to be upset; if she doesn't, her teacher will be displeased... moreRebecca's teacher assigns the class to make Christmas decorations--but Rebecca's family is Jewish and doesn't celebrate Christmas. Her teacher tells her that Christmas is a national holiday, for all Americans to celebrate. Although her parents came from Russia, Rebecca knows she's as American as anyone else, even without celebrating Christmas. Could her teacher be wrong? If Rebecca does the project, her family is sure to be upset; if she doesn't, her teacher will be displeased. Then, on the first night of Hanukkah, Rebecca finds kindness in an unexpected place--and learns the real meaning of the holiday season. less