What readers are saying…

  • May 24, 2010
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From Teen Reads blog:

**** Highly recommended

“Chapman makes effective use of a first person, chronological narrative to develop the story. She chooses her scenes well to reveal Edith’s loneliness and isolation as she tries to adjust to her circumstances, and the reader is quickly engaged, and cares what happens to her. Edith comes across as a complex and realistic young person who has much to struggle with. Dialogue is effective and realistic, sometimes painfully so.”

**** From Briony Zlomke at Goodreads.com

“I fell in love with this book despite the heaviness of the content…I also liked how Chapman demonstrated that people, especially relatives of Jewish victims, realized the gravity of the Nazi destruction, but many refused or could not extend the help that was needed. I think the greatest part of the book was the end in the epilogue when Chapman discusses her title. I do not want to give anything away, but reading her explanation brought tears to my eyes.”

***** From J. Prather at Amazon.com

“This is a stunning portrayal of a young girl struggling to fit into American culture after fleeing Nazi Germany in the years leading up to World War II…it takes a unique look at child immigration and will be a perfect addition to a social studies curriculum for middle schoolers. There are many parallels to be drawn here between Edith’s plight and the troubles of many immigrants today. I was impressed by the author’s ability to tell such a powerful story in so few words. She portrays Edith’s growth throughout the book and it was very gratifying to see her finally obtain a sense of pride in her Jewish heritage. A big recommend for grades 5-8.”

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