American progress

Maureen the detective: Set in 1903, eleven-year-old immigrant Maureen Stevenson is ready to become a U.S. citizen--just as soon as she solves the case of who's stealing artwork from her employer's mansion. Maria takes a stand: In 1914, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the war in Europe increases general hostility towards German Americans, twelve-year-old Maria Schmidt finds inspiration in the women's suffrage movement and decides to join the cause. Carrie's courage: Carrie tries to protect her Jewish friend from intolerant people. Anna's fight for hope: Times are tough for twelve-year old Anna during the Great Depression, but they are even tougher for many of her friends. They come up with some clever ideas to help but wonder if they will be enough.