Rifka knows nothing about America when she flees from Russia with her family in 1919. But she dreams she will at last be safe from the Russian soldiers and their harsh treatment of the Jews in the new country. Throughout her journey, Rifka carries with her a cherished volume of poetry by Alexander Pushkin. In it, she records her observations and experiences in the form of letters to her beloved cousin she has left behind. Strong-hearted and determined, Rifka must endure a great deal: humiliating examinations by doctors and soldiers, deadly typhus, separation from all she has ever known and loved, murderous storms at sea — and as if this is not enough, the loss of her glorious golden hair. And even if she does make it to America, she’s not sure America will have her. “Hesse’s vivacious tale colorfully and convincingly refreshes the immigrant experience.” — Publishers Weekly, Starred Review “Based largely on the memories of the author’s great-aunt, this historical novel has a plot, characters, and style that will make it an often-requested choice from young readers. A vivid, memorable, and involving reading experience.” - School Library Journal, Starred Review
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"Interesting book for older kids & YAs, based on the experience of the author's Aunt Lucy. I suspect that part of the reason it struck a chord with me is that my mother's side of the family emigrated from Russia (my grandfather came from outside Omsk and my great grandmother is said to have walked across Russia to get away from her family, who were bootleggers). Nevertheless, it's a quick read, and I couldn't put it down, even though I was able to predict the ending well before it occurred." — Deb (4 out of 5 stars)
"Interesting book for older kids & YAs, based on the experience of the author's Aunt Lucy. I suspect that part of the reason it struck a chord with me is that my mother's side of the family emigrated from Russia (my grandfather came from outside Omsk and my great grandmother is said to have walked across Russia to get away from her family, who were bootleggers). Nevertheless, it's a quick read, and I couldn't put it down, even though I was able to predict the ending well before it occurred."
" An easy young adult book. I enjoyed the simple way the story was presented as letters in a book her cousin gave her. The story is a common immigrant one from 1919 based on real life. A quick easy enjoyable read. "
" SO BAD!!! ZERO STARS "
" was a little repetetive, but good story told through letters. "
" This book could be great for a social studies unit about immigrants. It gives an account about what a girl had to do to get into America. It will show the students that people did not just walk up to America and enter. It was a lot more difficult that that. "
" overall this book was great though i dont think i could read it more then once it was a little depressing but had a happy ending... "
" This is a great book. This is a book about a young girl from Russia whose family must run from their home land in order to escape the Russian Army during the Russian Revolution. It is another diary of a young girl during a very important part of history. A great way to implement good literature into a social studies class. Great Read Aloud! "
" Follows a Jewish girl as she tries to escape Poland to The United States. Being a story of a family that makes it out in time it creates a sense that the family is in danger without too much violent content. "
" I'm reading this book in school and it is great i would definitely recommend it...but there is a somewhat inappropriate scene just to warn (it is not anything THAT bad) Must have book...AMAZING! "
" I started reading this book b/c I read Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse and enjoyed the format and information about the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. This book brings to life the struggles of immigrants as they made their way to America in the hopes of starting a new life. "
" Students can relate this story to the injustice many Jewish people suffered at the hands of war torn Germany and Russia told by a young Jewish girl, seperated from her family as they seek freedom in America. "
" This is a good book because it's realated to how Russians want to kick out the Jews that are living in their. Rifka takes a risky journey all the way to America. "
" Loved this S.S book! I read this in a day. This book waas very interesting and flowed easly as letters. this would be great to use as in the class with having the students write letters to their distant relatives or placing themselvein to her Rifka's shoes. "
" About a Russian immigrants struggle in coming to America. "
" so sad...... almost made me cry!! "
" I have read this book 4 times. It is a great book to learn about a child's experience about the Holocaust. Highly Recommend. "
" I think it was amazing. "
" Has always been a fave. of mine. "
" I want to give it 3.5 though... "
" It was an ok book but not the best. "
" This is the first book I ever really, really liked. Then I told my mom to only buy me historical fiction from then on...which turned out to be a big mistake. "
" Well my name is Rivkah so that mad me read it I love this book it is so interesting!!! You should read it. "
" i thought it was a great book "
" They are running away from danger! (Hitler is not around in 1919) "
" It got boring so I stopped reading it "
" One of the best books I have ever read. "
" Everytime Iread this book Ilove it more than I did before. "
" I think I read this book in about 4th grade and I remember absolutely loving it. It's one of those books you can't forget even years later. "
" This book is great i have read it so many times. "
" Sweet, simple and innocent. "
" It's hard to get a better life. "
" Great for young readers. I read it for a monther daughter book club Katie (12) and I will attend in January. I am excited to hear my daughter's thoughts about Rifka's experience. "
" This book really motivated me. It showed me how the world is and how should we react. It also shows a (clever) strong, 12/13-year old girl who is determined to go to America for a better life than in Berdichev, Russia. "
" The difficulties of immigrant families and how Rifka went through many difficulties to gain entrance into the U.S. "
Karen Hesse is the author of some fifteen books for children, and was recently awarded a prestigious MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” for her contribution to literature for children and young adults. Her many novels have garnered considerable success, including the Sydney Taylor Award, the IRA/YA Award, 5 Notable Books for Children, 4 Best Books for Young Adults, and the Newberry Medal. Hesse has spent many years promoting her books to the school market, and is well-known in classrooms throughout the country. She and her husband, Randy, live in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Angela Dawe is an actor, writer, and audiobook narrator based in the Midwest. Her work as an actor has included roles in theater, film, and television, as well as improv and sketch comedy with such theaters as Second City and the Annoyance. In the literary world, Angela has received multiple awards and nominations for her work as an audiobook narrator, and is a published fiction author herself. She holds a BA in philosophy, so if the writing/performing work dries up, she has something to fall back on.
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