Anastasia Baranova's opening scene in her series Scout's Safari is captivating. She portrays a lively, pretty girl embarking on the exciting world of adolescence. Anastasia's talent is immediately apparent.

Who is this shining star? Anastasia only recently immigrated to the United States from Russia. Four years ago, she and her mother moved from Moscow to Minnesota. Two years ago, they moved to California. Anastasia's command of English is flawless. Her accent is perfect. Did she learn English in speech classes? Well, a little. She has had speech and singing lessons that helped. However, Anastasia began learning her second language with Jumpstart CD-ROMs.

The mega-move from one continent to another helps Anastasia define her character, Scout Lauer. She can relate to Scout's dramatic relocation to a nation with a vastly different climate and culture. Like Scout, she left behind friends and family, whom she misses very much. And like Scout, she uses email to stay in touch. For both her real self and her character, the challenge of meeting new people and doing new things is exciting. Anastasia misses Moscow's snow, although the winters are as cold and harsh as legend says. To her, there are few things more beautiful than waking up to white, fluffy snow blanketing the city. Her sincere passion and enthusiasm for life becomes apparent as she discusses her favorite things. Anastasia loves American life; the freedom to become who you want to be. She loves the people in Minnesota. Loves Halloween and the tons and tons of candy you get trick-or-treating! She loves everything about California, especially the beach. She loves Moscow and Russia and tells everyone how wonderful her native land is.

On South Africa
"It is a beautiful nation. Johannesburg is a lot like L.A., except not as much traffic. Capetown is exciting and totally different." Anastasia loved the people and the animals. The delicate looking teen works easily with animals. She became quite attached to the baby elephant, which Scout must give away in the series. She held a lion cub without fear, but was surprised by how quickly they grow!

As wonderful, beautiful and exciting as South Africa is, Anastasia was saddened by the poverty and "squatters' camps." The South African government allows citizens to claim land simply by occupying it for a short time. Poverty is so rampant there that the new landowners can only afford to build homes out of junk and scrap metal. Some houses are built out of soda cans. Because of the contrast between American and South African life, Anastasia dreams of establishing a charitable foundation that would help the people of South Africa fulfill their own dreams of building homes and supporting their families.

ANASTASIA'S FAVORITE THINGS

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Number: 3 — "...because it's lucky." 23 because that's her birth date (January 23).

Favorite Food: All Russian foods, desserts, junk food. She loves "her Burger King and pizza." Italian and Chinese dishes.

Favorite Artist: "No Doubt. Gwen Stefani is awesome!"

Favorite Book: The Harry Potter series. C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. As Anastasia reads, her imagination soars. "It's like watching a movie in my head."

What she does when she's just kicking back: Hang out with her friends. Go to the movies and the mall. Likes to have girly days. She tells us that some days she's very feminine; other days she just wants to get outside and play soccer.

Favorite Actor: One of Anastasia's favorite actors is Billy Crystal. She also admires Julia Roberts and Reese Witherspoon.

Favorite Class: This year, it's English. She has an inspiring teacher who doesn't give easy-work. Instead she helps the students learn. Anastasia likes learning new words, studying history.

Least Liked Class: This year, it's math, though it was her favorite last year. Math is not her strong point. Anastasia needs a teacher who can make it interesting and exciting.

Hobbies: Russian needlework is intricate and colorful. Anastasia's grandmother taught her some stitches. Although she appreciates the beauty of the pretty designs, she hasn't had much time to do embroidery since moving to America.

Who Inspires Her Career: Anastasia told us "I seriously respect the acting industry and anyone who really does that." When she hears someone criticized, she thinks of what they do and how difficult it is to act.

How She's most Like Scout: Facing challenges and meeting new people.

How She's least Like Scout: Anastasia would never leave the house with just a note to her parents. She tells us, though, that it's kind of fun doing the things she never would do in real life.

Perfect Christmas: One with lots and lots of family!