Seeing that Letters from Rivka was an inspiration for this really wasn't surprising: they're quite similar in both plot and tone (though there are significantly fewer mentions of Pushkin here, which is fine; I remember being quite confused and mostly uninterested in that element of Rivka as a kid). I did sometimes find the writing a little stilted or awkward in its decisions (e.g. the scene where Esther tells people about the animals which were on the ship with her and they disbelieve her, at which point she gets annoyed with them and then...nothing happens or is revealed? Also the moment of hearing about Hitler for the first time from some German immigrants, even though by the time of the story he had been in power for 5 years or so), and I wished Esther's family might have been characterized more fully, but it's a winning story which blends cultures nicely and Behar's connection to the material really comes through. Reading about Esther building relationships with her new neighbors was lovely, especially as it brought together so many aspects of Cuban history, and I appreciated the descriptions of Jewish holidays and their use as markers of time. (Sometimes I felt as if Esther's Judaism was a little separate from her, but perhaps that's due to some explanation being due the likely majority non-Jewish audience?) Overall a nice historical fiction entry which covers a less frequently discussed immigrant and cultural experience.

As the situation grows more dire in Nazi-occupied Poland, Esther and her father head to Cuba to try and earn enough money to bring the rest of the family to safety. Finding a knack for being a dressmaker, Esther works with the doctor’s wife she and her father live with to sell her dresses and designs. Will their scrimping and saving come in time to rescue the rest of her family before it’s too late? A harrowing, touching story based on a true story. The characters are likable, realistic, and engaging. The plot is enjoyable, well-written, and gives a realistic portrayal of the time period. Fans of world war two fiction, historical fiction, and stories of family and courage will enjoy reading this book.

Please Note: A copy of this book was given to us by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No financial compensation was received.

4.5 stars: An inspirational story told through the unique format of letters from Esther to her younger sister Malka. Esther has recently left Poland to join her father in Cuba to help him work and save money in order to bring the rest of the family to Cuba. This historical fiction is based on the life of the author’s grandmother and exemplifies the struggles that Jewish families faced trying to flee from violence in the events surrounding WWII. I love how Esther uses her talents to design and sew dresses, hoping to save enough to reunite her family. An excellent addition to historical fiction novels about WWII for the middle grade set.

I enjoyed this middle grade novel about a young Jewish girl who escapes Poland in 1938 to begin a new life in Cuba with her dad, and the trials they go through in attempting to save the rest of their family from the Nazi invasion in Poland. Although dry at times, I think it provides middle grade readers with insight into how kids struggled and how they felt going through an inconceivable experience. I appreciated the diversity of the Cuban town Esther and her dad lived in, and I always love hearing about Cuban sights and sounds.

Esther's father has emigrated from Poland to Cuba and for three years has been working as a peddler to try to earn enough money to bring his family over. In 1938 is the onset of WWII in Poland and Jews are suffering under the hate of the Nazi regime. Esther convinces her father that she should join him instead of her brother, so she travels alone on a ship to Havana. and then on to the small town of Agramonte. Based on the author's grandmother's life, this book was very engaging and I think Esther's struggle to help support her family would resonate with middle school readers. I particularly appreciated how Behar wove African slavery issue with Jewish history. This well-researched book is relevant, moving, moving and very readable. I liked "Lucky Broken Girl," but I loved "Letters from Cuba."

Absolutely fantastic and riveting story of a young girl's experience moving from Poland to Cuba in the late 1930s. I loved Esther’s point of view and the format of the book (letters to her younger sister). Extremely compelling middle grade historical fiction that is beautifully written.

An interesting and accessible account of a Jewish family leaving their home of Poland to immigrate to Cuba. Richly textured description in the form of letters written by a funny and insightful protagonist to her sister, Letters from Cuba is great historical fiction for kids..

"Letters from Cuba" is a heartfelt story of immigration during WWII. Esther leaves Poland to join her father who is already working in Cuba with the hope that the two of them will be able to raise enough money to pay for the rest of the family to eventually join them. However, in leaving, Esther also leaves behind her beloved sister in a time when mail delivery is spotty at best, so Esther writes letters in her journal to be shared with her sister when they see each other again. Over time, Esther shares her fears, hopes, and dreams, and we see how Cuba looked to an outsider during the prelude to the second world war. I loved the descriptions of the countryside and it was interesting to learn more about how immigrants were treated in and around Havana, the various laws regulating what they could and could not do, and how Nazism infected the island. I would definitely recommend to young and old alike.

....Esther is the star of this story. Her resourcefulness, hard work, willingness to try new things, and acceptance of other cultures and customs make the story shine.
This epistolary middle grade novel was inspired by Behar's grandmother’s journey from Poland to Cuba. Her story offers young readers a fresh perspective on a contemporary issue. ​ Letters from Cuba is a mind-opening, heart-expanding look at the plight of immigrants, the far-reaching effects of World War II, and the stain of racism.

There is much to love about this middle grade novel about a young girl, Esther, who convinces her father to allow her to leave their home in Poland and join him in Cuba, in order to work and earn enough money to bring their entire family to their new home. It is a unique storyline of the perils faced by Jewish families facing the potential of being turned away while trying to flee the violence during WWII, one which was unfamiliar to me until I read Refugee by Alan Gratz. The author’s note connecting the book to her personal story and her writing process was particularly moving. I truly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to sharing it with my students.

An engrossing story based on the author’s grandmother life in Cuba just prior to WWII. Fascinating setting - had no idea there was such a large Jewish community in Cuba. Lots of rich descriptions of the culture and nail biting tension - will they save enough money to bring the family to Cuba and will they be allowed in. Satisfying.

The message that continued to be at the forefront of my thoughts is people don’t leave their country by choice. They are forced to leave because of the mistreatment and desire to live without fear. Ruth thank you for sharing your family’s story with the world. May every person that reads it, grow to understand the hardships of those that seek refuge and share kindness with all people.

It’s 1937, and Esther has just convinced her father that she should come from Poland to join him in Cuba. He has been working as a peddler in Cuba trying to earn enough money to bring his family across the sea and away from the growing anti-Semitism that threatens them. Esther is enthusiastic and dedicated to helping her father and reuniting their family. The entire story is written as letters to her younger sister, Malka, and includes both the good and the bad of life as a Jewish refugee in Cuba on the brink of World War II.

Ruth Behar draws her inspiration from her own family history, basing her fictional Esther on Behar’s grandmother. The novel champions inclusivity, and celebrates the unique blend of cultures that comprised Cuba in the 1930s, without shying away from the realities of Nazi influence that were expanding across the globe. Some scenes felt a bit clunky, but nine year old me would have devoured this book and clamored for more. A solid middle-grade novel, with a bright and energetic protagonist.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

Esther’s father left his family behind in Poland and headed to Cuba, intent on earning enough money to give them a better life. Though he had been working for 3 years, he only had enough money for one of them to make the trip. Esther begged to be allowed to make the trip and, when she arrived, she was entranced. Cuba’s friendly neighbors made her feel welcome, everyone called her a little Polish girl instead of Jew, the weather was balmy, and the sea was breathtaking. It was wonderful!

Esther decided to tell her story in daily letters to her sister that she saved for when they’d be reunited. Though her father had been a peddler before she arrived, Esther was able to earn more money designing and selling her own dresses. As they worked to earn money to reunite the family, she learned about the heritages of the people in their small village. As Nazi beliefs began to invade their village, former slaves, Chinese Cubans, rich sugar mill owners and poor sugar cane workers were united in their belief that Esther and her father should be protected. Through faith and hope, they all learned that love could overcome evil.

This beautiful story recounts parts of Ruth Behar’s own family history, told from her grandmother Esther’s memories of leaving her home in Poland and arriving in Cuba. Though Ruth and her mother were both born in Cuba, and they immigrated to the United States when it became Communist, Cuba is always in her heart. After reading Esther’s story, her memories will stay in her reader’s hearts too.

Highly recommended for ages 11 and older.

PS – I believe “Letters from Cuba” should be a contender for the treasured Pura Belpré Award, to be announced at the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards in January 2021. Remember when Ruth Behar wins an award there that you read it here first!

I received a digital advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Behar has certainly written an important book. Children need to be aware of the hate that can consume societies. The story of Esther's father being made to leave his homeland and venture to an unknown place without his family is certainly a frightening premise. Yet, the author beautifully weaves a story that balances the fear along with the kindness that was shown by the Cuban people they met.
The use of letters written by Esther to her sister was a wonderful means by which to convey all that she was encountering. The variety of characters from all perspectives made the plot even more compelling. The idea of such hatred was well-balanced by the kindness of those who helped tremendously. What was especially heartwarming was introduction of so many new customs and traditions taught by all to each other, proving that there should be no room for hate in this world. What a powerful and timely message!

Living in Florida, this is an inspiring book which can give insight to children about Cuba and Cuban refugees/immigrants.

Esther boldly asks her father if she can be the one to emigrate to Cuba from their native Poland. The year is 1938, and Esther's father has been gone for some time, after losing the family store due to an increase in taxes. When her father agrees, Esther, 11, takes the train to a nearby city and embarks across the ocean in steerage. From her first step on Cuban soil she is entranced. She and her father work together toward earning the money to bring over the rest of the family left behind in Poland to Cuba.

Esther is Jewish, and the 1930s is a time when people of the Jewish faith are misunderstood and often mistreated; in Europe, but also in rural Cuban villages. This is the story of Esther and such prejudice. It is the story of friendship, acceptance, and fitting in during a terrible time in history. Esther makes her way in a world dominated by men, by those of the Christian faith, and she does so by keeping her chin up and persevering. .This story, though fictionalized, is based on the truth of the author's own grandmother. A beautiful story of family, of life, of acceptance, and adapting to a new way of life.

I have so far read two books by Ruth Behar and have loved them both! The truth and intrigue in her storytelling is enticing and gripping. It’s incredibly interesting to read stories that take place during the time of the Nazis that show how people may have escaped to other countries and the experiences they faced there. There is sadly so much about the circumstances in this book that still ring true too many years later. It’s relatable, that’s for sure! I loved the way this book emphasizes the importance of getting to know cultures other than our own! I loved getting to know some of Polish and Jewish culture, some of Cuban culture and some more about the time period.

I loved everything about this book! Letters from Cuba did a terrific job developing the world that Esther is sucked into to the point where the reader feels like they are right their with her. Telling the story in letter format was very powerful. It helped the readers to delve into the psychological impact that WWII was having on the characters in the book. The details were also fantastic, every time the author described places, I could picture them in my head perfectly. As a historical buff, I thoroughly enjoyed the notes from the author at the end explaining who the characters were based off of and what actually happened to him. I have no doubt in my mind that my library will be purchasing this book, but will still make the suggestion for them to do so. I would recommend this book to anyone ages 14 and above and will give this book a five out of five stars.

Wonderful, fresh perspective on a topic that often is oversimplified for students of this age. Really enjoyed the letter format as we saw things through Esther's eyes, her naivety in some cases but also her compassion and care for people.

You’re going to love Esther as she tells her story through letters written to her sister! A slice of history that I was unaware of!