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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
I really loved this book. The story was so well plotted and meaningful. I also loved the main character-her independence and growth throughout the novel. It’s so close to five stars. If it were told in another format (not a diary format) I think it’d be a solid five-star book.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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:
Yes
I love that this is based on a real person, and if these were actual letters, actually written at that time, my rating would be much higher.
As it is, though, the letters take away from the action and excitement I think.
It is a quick read, and a good read for anyone who loves historical fiction, but I highly doubt it will draw any new young readers into the genre.
As it is, though, the letters take away from the action and excitement I think.
It is a quick read, and a good read for anyone who loves historical fiction, but I highly doubt it will draw any new young readers into the genre.
An excellent book to use with students to teach them the horrors of the Holocaust. My students could feel empathy for Rifka and the troubles that she and her family faced trying to escape from Russia. Getting to America seemed like it would be the golden opportunity but it doesn't work out as planned and that shocked my students. I plan on using this books for years to come.
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 is a quick read, but powerful - especially knowing that the story is based on experiences and memories of the author's Aunt Lucy. I really liked the Pushkin excerpts at the beginning of each chapter. Rifka's only book was a book of Pushkin's poetry. This book was also her only paper, and she wrote letters of her experiences to her cousin back in Russia in the margins of the book - which made up the text of the book. I definitely felt for Rifka and admired her incredible strength as she survived experiences such as saving her family by distracting Russian guards, being left behind and alone in an unfamiliar country because of contracting ringworm, and then being held at Ellis Island because her hair hadn't yet grown back. 3.5 stars.
I remember reading this when I was about eight and being really disgusted by the ringworm - I had no idea it wasn't a gross crawly bug.