Meet Samantha by Susan Adler (1990, Hardcover)

This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Samantha Parkington, a nine-year-old orphan girl living with her wealthy grandmother in the America of 1904. In this first book of the series, Samantha begins to learn about the world outside of her opulent house; she learns of the yawning inequalities that separate race, class and sex. Through it all, Samantha works on her needlepoint sampler that bears the simple motto "Actions speak louder than words," and Samantha puts that motto to work.
This is an excellent book, with a wonderful story, excellent illustrations, and a great lesson. After each reading session, my daughter and I would have discussions about racism, child labor, and a host of other topics. I do think that this is an excellent introduction for children into some of the darker aspects of American history. We recommend it wholeheartedly. These books are read over and over in our house!