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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Author Karen Hesse's great aunt serves as the model for main character Rifka, a 12 year old Ukrainian Jew, whose family is fleeing the persecution of 1919 Russia, and emigrating to the United States. The journey is filled with danger, but the family finally escapes to Poland, were they all contract typhus. When they reach their port of departure in Belgium, Rifka is denied passage due to ringworm. she is left behind and in the care of an aid society that will help her recover and then send her on her way. After getting to the States, she is quarantined at Ellis Island. There are heartbreaking scenes along the way, and since the world never lacks for persecution and discrimination, this book continues to have relevance today.
This is a really lovely immigration story. It’s one of Sally’s summer reading books, which gives me high hopes for her English class next year!
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book seemed very realistic. I liked the part about the Rifka being refused a ticket to America because the ticket sellers knew the USA would admit her and then it would cost the shipping company to send her back. This is totally accurate for that time period!
Recommended by the 10 yr old in my life. A great book to introduce immigration and Russian history.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I read this book in my youth, at school. It holds up even today as a strong example of courage in the face of suffering and uncertainty. A quick and heartfelt read, placing you in the shoes of a young immigrant, Letters From Rifka should be read by anyone who wishes to be reminded what we are capable of enduring for love and family.
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I just finished this book as a preview before reading it to my fifth grade class. We are currently in a unit about immigration in the 20th century. This book is so touching and I can't wait to share it with my students so they can feel along with Rifka the struggles and unfairness of her situation. Although she acknowledges the unfairness, she does not act the victim, but instead holds hope for the future.
My sister-in-law teaches 5th grade, and is reading this book to her class. It's a really interesting story about a Jewish immigrant named Rifka who is trying to go to American in the 1920's. Told through a series of letters to her cousin, Rifka endures starvation, separation, and even death on her journey. I think this is a great book for older kids and pre-teens.