Product Overview
Letters From Rifka: Immigrating To America
In her letters, Rifka tells the story of her journey to America to avoid persecution in Russia in the WWI era. It is an important story that reflects the immigration experience of that time and serves as a springboard for discussion about immigration to America--past and present.
Ordering Books for Letters From Rifka by Karen Hesse
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About the Book Letters From Rifka |
Based on a true story from the author's family, Letters From Rifka is set during the turbulent period of World War I. The story unfolds through a series of letters written by Rifka, a young Jewish girl fleeing Russia with her family to escape persecution. These letters are addressed to her cousin Tovah and offer a firsthand account of Rifka's harrowing yet hopeful journey to America. The tale begins with Rifka and her family escaping their hometown, facing numerous challenges such as illness, separation, and anti-Semitism. Despite these hardships, Rifka's spirit remains unbroken. Her letters capture the essence of her experiences, from the struggles in various European cities to the final stage of her voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. The book ends on a hopeful note, with Rifka finally reaching America and reuniting with her family. |
Themes in the book Letters From Rifka |
Courage and Resilience: One of the most prominent themes in Letters From Rifka is courage. Rifka's bravery in the face of adversity is inspiring. Her resilience is evident in her ability to cope with the many challenges she encounters along her journey. Cultural Identity: Rifka's struggle to maintain her cultural identity while adapting to new environments is another significant theme. This theme offers a rich ground for discussions about the importance of cultural heritage and the challenges of assimilation. Family and Sacrifice: The book also highlights the theme of family and sacrifice. Rifka's family makes numerous sacrifices to ensure their safety and well-being. This theme can be used to discuss the importance of family support systems, especially during difficult times.
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Activity Ideas for the book Letters From Rifka |
Character Analysis: Encourage students to analyze Rifka’s character by tracking her development throughout the book. Have them create character maps that detail her traits, motivations, and changes over time. Historical Context: Integrate history lessons with literature by discussing the historical context of World War I and the Jewish experience during this period. Use multimedia resources to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the era. Creative Writing: Have students write their own letters from the perspective of a character in the book. This activity helps them engage with the text on a deeper level and fosters empathy. Discussion Questions:
Virtual Field Trip: Take a virtual field trip to Ellis Island via the Internet to learn more about immigration during this period of time.
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