Letters from Rifka

By Karen Hesse

An immigrant girl faces trials on her journey to America, seeking safety and freedom.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 11,339 ratings

176 pages· 28,448 words· Est. 3 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

In 1919, young Rifka flees Russia with her family, dreaming of safety in America. Armed with a cherished book of poetry, she writes letters to her cousin, Tovah, detailing her harrowing journey. From brutal examinations to deadly illness and storms, Rifka's courage is tested at every turn. Will she find the freedom she longs for, or will the challenges of Ellis Island and beyond prove too great? Discover a tale of resilience and hope in 'Letters from Rifka.'

From the publisher

From Newbery media winner Karen Hesse comes an unforgettable story of an immigrant family’s journey to America. America, the girl repeated. What will you do there?I was silent for a little time.I will do everything there, I answered. 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.