Journey to America

By Sonia Levitin

A young girl flees Nazi Germany, facing danger and uncertainty.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 817 ratings

224 pages

$7.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1938, Lisa Platt's world is crumbling as Nazi oppression tightens its grip. With her father in America, Lisa, her mother, and sisters must escape to Switzerland. Can they survive the perilous journey and await a hopeful reunion amidst the looming war? This gripping tale of courage and resilience is inspired by true events.

From the publisher

A beautifully repackaged 50th anniversary edition of Sonia Levitin’s powerful classic story about a young Jewish girl forced to flee her home, winner of the National Jewish Book Award. In 1938, Lisa Platt and her family know something dangerous is happening in Germany. Lately, there have been more and more restrictions for Jews: yellow stars they have to wear, schools they cannot attend, things they are forbidden to do. When their neighbors are arrested for petty reasons, the Platts realize they have to escape. Forbidden to bring money or possessions out of the country, Lisa’s father secretly leaves for America, planning to work until he can send for them. But when conditions in Germany worsen, Lisa, her mother, and her sisters flee to Switzerland to wait, surviving on what little they have in a continent hurtling toward war. Inspired by Sonia Levitin’s own experience of fleeing Germany as a child, this moving novel chronicles one family’s bravery in the face of aggression and apathy.

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