A difficult but inspiring journey

Based on the true experiences of the author's great-aunt, Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse is an amazing glimpse at the strength of a child. Written as a series of letters to her cousin back home in Russia, 12-year-old Rifka details her journey to America. It was difficult enough just to get as far as Belgium, but when it's discovered that Rifka has ringworm, she has to stay behind while the rest of her family gets on the steamship. She eventually gets to leave and survives a deadly ocean crossing, only to be quarantined at Ellis Island because of the baldness caused by the ringworm - the immigration authorities think she will never get a husband and they will end up supporting her. But Rifka's survival instinct is strong, and she's both intelligent and resourceful, and all turns out well. A wonderful story of courage and perseverance.