VERY good book. ( )

On the eve of WWII, Esther describes her journey from Poland to Cuba, where everything from the people to the climate are foreign to her. A heartwarming and satisfying immigrant narrative that brings a lesser known Jewish community to light. (Sydney Taylor Middle Grade Notable Book) ( )

A great addition to any elementary school library collection, and as relevant today as in the time in which this book of fiction-based-on-fact letters from one sister (in Cuba) to another (in Poland) is set. ( )

Based in part on the true story of the grandmother of the author, Ruth Behar, this epistolary historical fiction middle grade novel, Letters from Cuba opened me up to a refugee story of which I was unaware.

Esther is a 11-year old Polish Jewish girl who lives with her grandmother, mother and siblings in Poland in 1937. The family is separated from her father, who emigrated to Cuba to work and send back money for the family. The novel unfolds in the form of letters Esther writes to her younger sister, describing her travels to meet their father in Cuba and all the new experiences Esther has once she arrives in Cuba, meeting people of different faiths, racial, ethnic, linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds in the melting pot that is Cuba. ( )

Letters from Cuba, a 2022 Lone Star novel, reveals that kindness and generosity eclipse evil, showing that civilization and humanity have hope.

Esther lives in Poland with his mother, grandmother, and four siblings. Her father lives in Cuba, trying to make money to pay for his family's passage to Cuba in order to escape the Nazi. It's 1937 when Esther writes to her father, saying that as the oldest, she should come to Cuba first to help make money to bring everyone over more quickly. He agrees and in January of 1938, Esther sets sail for Cuba. She immediately loves the island country. Cuba is much different from Poland--it's warm and the people express friendliness toward her. She quickly learns that she needs cooler clothing--her wool clothes are way too hot, which leads to a much better life.

Esther's life in Cuba brings her friends because of her positive and welcoming attitude. She helps her dad peddle goods in order to make money. She quickly discovers that he isn't very good at peddling. She actually talks to people and can get people to smile and buy. People like her and give her things. She gets material and makes a dress; she also makes dresses for people who have helped her. At twelve years old, she's very good. She even makes her own designs that people love. She ends up selling her dresses thanks to a Jewish friend in Havana. Because she shares and invites people to share her life as well, she makes friends. She doesn't judge people by their religion or color; so, when she invites people over, there is a diversity of people. They learn that people of all faiths, cultures, and color can enjoy each others' company and help one another. Her father also opens his eyes and minds to others instead of judging them or dismissing them because they are different from him. Because of her sewing talent, her beliefs, and her dad's help, Esther strives to make enough money to bring the family over sooner.

I enjoyed the novel. It's told through a series of letters from Esther to her sister in Poland. Sometimes the letters can stretch the imagination because it tells information that wouldn't be in an actual letter. Esther's optimistic attitude helps keep her from despair. Situations are getting worse in Europe as Hitler gains more power and abuses the Jews. Esther and her dad need to get the family to Cuba before they can't travel anymore due to the danger. You'll enjoy the novel, learning about all the people who have been abused because of faith, culture, and/or color. By supporting one another, hate cannot grow. It's a good lesson and a good book. ( )