Publisher Description

"Hest simply and faithfully holds a mirror to the milestone event for millions of turn-of-the-century immigrants." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

When a young girl from a poor eastern European village learns that she must leave her beloved grandmother for a new life — and a new love — in America, they both feel that their hearts will break. The sure and inspired narrative by award-winning author Amy Hest is paired with paintings by P.J. Lynch that glow with warmth and carefully observed detail, creating an unforgettable tribute to the immigrant experience.

Review

The strong threads of family and faith run throughout this unabashedly sentimental story of one family's immigrant experience...heart-tuggingly emotional. Lynch's idealized watercolors are dramatically composed...Aside from being a story that has relevance for many, this could be used to personalize a discussion of immigration issues both historical and current.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, recommended review, The

A touching tale. . . . The stunning paintings by P.J. Lynch beautifully convey the courage and hope that are part of the universal immigrant experience.
—Cleveland Plain Dealer

With this tale of a 13-year-old girl's journey from a shtetl in Eastern Europe to America, Hest simply and faithfully holds a mirror to the milestone event for millions of turn-of-the-century immigrants...The subtle, emotional exposition is enriched by Lynch's dramatically charged watercolor and gouache illustrations. The candlelit and sunlit compositions express the yearnings of the immigrants; their faces form a study in hope, loss, and dignity. A compassionate, heartening view of an archetype.
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

Review Quote

The strong threads of family and faith run throughout this unabashedly sentimental story of one family's immigrant experience...heart-tuggingly emotional. Lynch's idealized watercolors are dramatically composed...Aside from being a story that has relevance for many, this could be used to personalize a discussion of immigration issues both historical and current. --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, recommended review, The A touching tale. . . . The stunning paintings by P.J. Lynch beautifully convey the courage and hope that are part of the universal immigrant experience. --Cleveland Plain Dealer With this tale of a 13-year-old girl's journey from a shtetl in Eastern Europe to America, Hest simply and faithfully holds a mirror to the milestone event for millions of turn-of-the-century immigrants...The subtle, emotional exposition is enriched by Lynch's dramatically charged watercolor and gouache illustrations. The candlelit and sunlit compositions express the yearnings of the immigrants; their faces form a study in hope, loss, and dignity. A compassionate, heartening view of an archetype. --Publishers Weekly, starred review

Details