Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse

Rifka knows nothing about America when she flees from Russia with her family in 1919. But she dreams that in the new country she will at last be safe from the Russian soldiers and their harsh treatment of the Jews. 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 Tovah, the 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, detainment on Ellis Island - and is if this is not enough, the loss of her glorious golden hair. Based on a true story from the author's family, LETTERS FROM RIFKA presents a real-life heroine with an uncommon courage and unsinkable spirit. Karen Hesse calls LETTERS FROM RIFKA a oea gift to my grandparents and to my heritage, and to people like Rifka who have made the passage between two worlds.a The acclaimed writer of more than twenty books for children, she has received numerous honors for her writing, including the Scott Oa (TM)Dell Historical Fiction Award, the MacArthur Fellowship a oeGeniusa Award, the Christopher Award, and the Newbery Medal. Ms. Hesse is also the author of PHOENIX RISING and WISH ON A UNICORN, both will be available from Square Fish, and her newest book, BROOKLYN BRIDGE will be published by Feiwel and Friends in Fall 2008. She lives in Brattleboro, Vermont. 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 Based on a true story from the Newbery Medal-winning author's family, "Letters from Rifka" is a deeply felt, deeply personal story of immigration that presents a real-life heroine with an uncommon courage and unsinkable spirit. From Newbery Medalist Hesse comes a story based upon her own family's experience. Rifka and her family have fled Russia's brutal treatment of the Jews for a new life in America. But the path to freedom is full of terrible obstacles.

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Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse