Letters from Cuba

can. The Poles always know we are Jews. Some are kind, but some give us nasty looks and spit on the ground as we walk past. Yet I ve seen them nod hello to Mama and Malka, as if they are more worthy, just because of how they look.
    Mama is still angry about the loss of our store in Govorovo, and what happened was so unfair. Now that I m older, I under­stand that the government overtaxed you and put you out of business just because we are Jewish. You had no choice but to leave Poland to find work and take care of all of us. I don t know what we d do without the money you send us from Cuba.
    I ve been thinking a lot about all this. According to Jewish tradition, I will be an adult when I turn twelve in a few months.
    The truth shouldn t be kept from me, which is why I m upset that Mama tried to hide your letter. She knows how much I miss you, and I am always asking if you ve written. I thought we hadn t heard from you in so long because the mail s unreli­able these days, but then I found your letter squirreled away inside her shoe. I had gotten suspicious because suddenly we had a little bit of meat to eat with our potatoes and the money had to come from somewhere.
    When I read your letter, I understood why Mama hid it. She didn t want me to know that you now have enough sav­ings to bring only one of us to Cuba. Papa, you write that the child who should travel first is Moshe because he s the oldest of the boys and you think he ll be the most capable of helping you work. But I m the eldest and stronger than you think. By birthright, i

the calendar of Jewish holidays, as she wonders if she can be both Cuban and a Jew. As the coming war looms in Europe, she and her friends find solidarity. . . . An author s note describes how the story was loosely inspired by the author s own family history. Warmhearted cross-cultural friendship for a refugee on distant shores: both necessary and kind. Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Esther s poignant letters to her sister reveal the heartbreaking stories of the people the displaced, the downtrodden, the dreamers she meets along her journey, even as she exposes injustices among class and religion and within ethnic groups, all in parallel to her family s experience in 1938 Poland. Belpré-winning Behar s epistolary novel, based on a true story, addresses identity, family dynamics, culture, tradition, and acceptance as loving Esther opens her heart to her friends and neighbors in Agramonte while learning about issues both in her new home and abroad. Complemented by a vibrant supporting cast and an extensive author s note about the Holocaust and Cuban refugees, Esther s tale is one of adaptation and perseverence . . . while also fighting for her rights and for peace in her new home. --Booklist 

The story is in some ways refreshingly optimistic. . . . Behar creates a welcome portrait of a warm, diverse community one that supports the family members when they do face local antisemitism. . . . But the novel doesn t paint an overly sunny picture. . . . An author s note cites connections to Behar s family history and to Karen Hesse s Letters from Rifka. Horn Book

Inspired by her own grandmother s life, Behar (Lucky Broken Girl) crafts a series of loving letters from Esther to her sister, describing the perilous journey and Esther s first year in Cuba. . . . Global issues such as Hitler s rise, anti-Semitism, slavery, and worker protests are neatly woven into Esther s narrative. . . . Behar s appreciative descriptions of Cuba and Esther s close, protective bonds with her father and sister make for an engaging read. Publishers Weekly