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christinavarela's review
3.0
Recommended by one of my students. Quick read. I appreciated the blending of the cultures. As World War II loomed I kept expecting something really horrible to happen.
adria_reads's review
2.0
This is a sweet story that seems well researched and stems from family experiences. My main problem with the book is with the epistolary delivery. It really wasn’t believable and seemed lazy story telling. I wish the letters were a starting off point for actual narrative. It was very difficult to want to keep reading because the story was so slowly paced. Even the conflict with a nazi-sympathizer couldn’t be fully developed because of the letter format. For such interesting content and untold stories, I wish this had been presented differently.
rachelannak's review
5.0
What a beautiful story that takes place during a tragic time. I can’t wait to share this with my middle school students.
Ps - the author’s note is just as phenomenal as the story itself
Ps - the author’s note is just as phenomenal as the story itself
daninithepanini's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
If I were purely basing my review of this book on my own opinion, it would probably just be 3 stars because the plot and the situations are pretty simple and predictable. however, considering that this is a kids book (which I didn’t know when I started), I gave it four stars because it is fitting for the age group. It’s about a less-talked about aspect of the holocaust: Jewish refugees in Cuba. 11 year old Esther joins her dad in Cuba so that they can earn enough money to move their family away from antisemitism in Poland. Although her journey has many challenges, the amiability of her new neighbors makes it a heartwarming story with a glimmer of hope.
macknz_p's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jakennedy's review
3.0
Purchased from Harriet's Bookshop in Philly (an Independent bookshop & writing space celebrating female writers, activists, and artists) this is not my "go-to" reading. However, it was a charming historical fiction of Jewish girl starting a new life in Cuba. Well written but it does skew to a younger reader.
booksnacks's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
pipn_t's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Honestly, the best book I’ve read all year. I picked it up just for a reading challenge and ended out adoring it. The main character is a delightful, I love her sweetness. The writing was full of beautiful description, and it was really heartwarming to read a story with such good characters. Can’t recommend this book enough!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism