MMGM: Letters from Rifka

This is not a very new book that I’m highlighting today (1992), but it is an important book, especially in light of all that’s going on in the Crimea/Ukraine right now.

I was drawn to this book for many reasons:

It starts in Ukraine, where I studied in college. Actually, I studied in the Crimea, but it was part of Ukraine then.

It deals with the effects of the Ukrainian pogroms, something I’ve been reading a lot about lately.

Pushkin—one of my favorite poets—is integral to the plot.

Here is the synopsis:

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.

What I loved about this book:

--The main character: Rifka is one of my all-time favorite MG characters. I loved how she was surprised when she found kindness --and smiled when she talked about trying chocolate, bananas, and ice cream for the first time. I couldn't help but root for her.

--Pushkin, Pushkin, Pushkin! I loved how a book of Pushkin’s poetry, a symbol of her Russianness, is used throughout the story in many ways—as a vehicle for writing her letters, as a medium for teaching a little boy to read, and ultimately what saves her.

--Loved the theme of focusing on your looks vs. being clever for girls. Rifka was always honest about this—sometimes she relied on her looks (until she no longer could). But how she embraces her cleverness was really well done.

--I’m not normally a fan of expository stories. I’m not sure why—maybe I just like to get right into the story. But this form worked well for this novel—I can’t imagine it any other way.

For writers: I took notes on how Hesse conveyed Rifka’s emotions with subtle gestures and details. I also think this book is one of the best examples of how to convey physical descriptions of a first person narrator without it being clumsy or forced. There are no “gazing at the mirror” scenes, but Rifka’s looks (which play an important part in the plot) are very well conveyed, as well as how she perceives herself.

If you like historical fiction, especially books about little known aspects of history, you should check this out.

Have you read any memorable middle grades lately?

To check out more Marvelous Middle Grade suggestions, check out Shannon Messenger's blog.