From School Library Journal

Gr 4–7—When her father is brutally murdered, Sarah and her mother escape the Russian pogroms and sail to America with a prized postcard of the Statue of Liberty inspiring their dreams of a new life. This treasure offers little comfort however, after Sarah's mother is stricken with illness and dies upon their arrival at Ellis Island. With no relatives in the United States, the authorities decide to send Sarah back to her home country. Instead, she jumps overboard from the ship making the return trip and swims to Liberty Island, taking refuge in Lady Liberty. After a week's worth of evading capture and scavenging for survival, Sarah comes to the aid of the drunken night watchman when an accident leaves him incapacitated. Her discovery not only puts his position in jeopardy but gives Sarah a chance to make a life for herself far different from that which her parents had imagined. Many elements of this middling novel seem too far-fetched to be plausible. In addition, the majority of individuals are stock characters, some of whom seem racially stereotyped, only adding to the novel's contrivance. Ethnic diversity in the Lower East Side during the turn of the 20th century is portrayed as naively harmonious, with what little conflict that exists too neatly resolved at times. Still, readers interested in historical fiction will find a readable narrative with mostly likable personalities. Avi's City of Orphans (S. & S., 2011) surpases this book in its representation of daily life in the tenements and the gritty realities for many living on the Lower East Side. VERDICT For collections with a regional interest to its locale, this would be a servicable addition; passable for smaller collections and budgets.—Rebecca Gueorguiev, New York Public Library

Review

“The Girl in the Torch is a beautiful tale of discovery and adventure, a testament to the power of hope, and a reminder of the courage it takes to follow your dreams.” (Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Storm Makers and The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight)

“Like Mrs. Lee’s chop suey, Sarah’s story is a delicious mixture of old world ways and new world hope. I will not soon forget this charming cast of characters and the way they care for one another.” (Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor author of Hattie Big Sky)

“Sharenow presents a mixed picture of the experiences of immigrants and other outsiders in turn-of-the-20th-century New York, vividly describing what Sarah sees and hears, tastes and smells.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Fans of Sharenow…will not be disappointed” (Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA))

“Dynamic commentary on multiculturalism and the immigrant experience in America.” (Booklist)

“Rich with historical detail…moving” (Publishers Weekly)

Praise for THE BERLIN BOXING CLUB: “Sharenow delivers a masterful historical novel.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

Praise for THE BERLIN BOXING CLUB: “A story with well-drawn, complex characters, gripping history, and intense emotion.” (School Library Journal (starred review))

Praise for THE BERLIN BOXING CLUB: “A fine one-two punch with the author’s previous powerful work, My Mother the Cheerleader.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

Praise for THE BERLIN BOXING CLUB: “Readers will be drawn [in] by the sports detail and by the close-up narrative of the daily oppression.” (ALA Booklist)

See all Editorial Reviews