All American Girl

American Girl follows Kit, a Depression-era child who experiences hard times when her father’s car dealership folds and her family takes in boarders to get by. The film is the first big-screen spin-off of the hugely popular line of themed dolls, launched in 1986, whose carefully scripted biographies introduce kids to life during various historical periods (Colonial, World War II and so on) from a young girl’s point of view.

Between takes, Breslin slides back into her real-life role as a New York City tween. Hanging out in her trailer during last summer’s shoot, she is like any other sharp, spirited girl on the verge of teendom: She knows exactly how many songs are on her iPod, adores Hannah Montana and daydreams about being a veterinarian (that is, if the whole acting thing doesn’t pan out). Her manager, Kim Breslin, also known as Mom, sits in a corner of her daughter’s dressing room casually knitting.

Born in the East Village—where she still lives—Breslin chats about her hometown like it’s a big playground. “Oh, there’s this one place that I love! It’s called Mars 2112,” she says, referring to the slightly gaudy Times Square theme restaurant. Considering that her native neighborhood is chock-full of some of the island’s best eateries, we’re curious to know what draws her to this midtown spot.

“You get in the elevator and it’s a simulator, and you have to sit down when you get in it. Then, when you get off, there’s all these aliens walking around,” she says excitedly. Hey, she’s a kid.

Mom chimes in, “When you want to get food, what’s your favorite restaurant?”

“Smith & Wollensky,” Breslin answers matter-of-factly. Hey, she’s a New Yorker.