Written by Ruth Behar
Esther is the oldest child and convinces her parents that she needs to be sent to Cuba with her father. Poland is becoming a dangerous place for the Jewish people and it is expensive to get each person out. In Cuba she makes friends with many people and learns about their cultures, while trying to preserve her own. Will she be able to find valuable work as a child that will help her to save her family? Will they be able to save enough in time to get them out of Poland? Could the Nazis possibly have found influence in Cuba?
The endearing and lovable main character is based on the author’s family history. It also provides a different setting and historical view from most stories about the Jewish people in World War II. A must-read middle-grade historical fiction novel.
Reviewed by Jessica Moody, Library Media Educational Technology Specialist, Olympus Jr. High
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-8
Author Website: https://www.ruthbehar.com/
Letters From Cuba
Written by Ruth Behar
Nancy Paulsen Books
255 pages
Release Date: August 25, 2020
ISBN: 9780525516477
Reviewer’s Note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received. This review is also posted on NetGalley and Goodreads.
