Synopses & Reviews
A moving story of a secret that tears a family apart and the love that brings it togetherWhen Sara sees the large blue-and-white envelope that came in the mail, she knows it's from her uncle Benjamin in America. Usually he sends wonderful photographs of his life in Brooklyn, but this time Benjamin has invited Mama and Grandmother Hanna to the 1939 World's Fair in New York, and instead of sending pictures, he's requested an old photo of his mother - a picture that Sara has never seen and a request that upsets her mother. Assuming that the photo has been lost, Sara takes it upon herself to find it. But no one in the family will talk to her about it. That's why Sara goes to visit her outspoken aunt Lisa, knowing she will have some answers for her. But the answer Sara gets is one she never expected to hear.
Esther Hautzig's clear, evocative telling and Beth Peck's lovely renderings from old photographs create a vivid portrait of a family on the eve of World War II.
Synopsis
Sara's Uncle Benjamin in America invites her Mama and Grandmother Hanna to the 1939 World's Fair in New York. Benjamin requests an old photo of his mother--a picture Sara has never seen and a request that upsets her mother. When Sara takes it upon herself to find the photo, she visits her outspoken aunt for answers. But the answer Sara gets is one she never expects to hear. Illustrations.
About the Author
Esther Hautzig is the author of
The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia, a
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, as well as many other acclaimed works. She lives in New York City.
Beth Peck is the illustrator of many books for children, including Colby Rodowsky's Jason Rat-a-tat. She lives in Menomonie, Wisconsin.