Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar

How I Heard About It:
*Author Ruth Behar was kind enough to send me an ARC of her upcoming middle-grade novel.  The book will be released in February 2024.  

What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*This is a unique novel/story because it has four distinct characters living in four distinct settings.

*The first story takes place in 1492 where Benvenida and her family must flee Spain because of their heritage.

*The reader is then taken to Turkey in the year 1923 where they meet Reina who makes one mistake that almost costs her everything.

*Next we meet Alegra, who is living in Cuba during 1961.  She is thrilled to be part of Castro's revolution, until she isn't.

*Finally, the story takes the reader to the United States in the year 2003 where Paloma is excited to travel back to Spain where it all began.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*A powerful piece of writing about four young girls and the choices they must make due to their religion and/or heritage.

*I found it quite interesting to follow this family from one generation to the next and next.  

*Ruth Behar has a gift for writing historical fiction with a focus on her characters.  

*The themes of family, belonging, and standing up for yourself came through each of the four stories.  

*This is going to be an important novel to share with young readers because it shows the power of the human spirit.


Who Should Read It:

*In my opinion the novel will be best suited for readers in grades five and above.  I think it will make for a strong class read aloud and/or to put in the hands of individual readers.  I also think young female readers will find great satisfaction getting to know these incredible and strong female characters.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars