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I discovered Escaping to America at a library book sale—drawn in by the striking cover and the fact that it was a true story. I had never heard of Rosalyn Schanzer before, but I was quickly taken in by the power of her storytelling and illustration.
This is a moving immigrant tale drawn from the author’s own family history. Set in Sochocin, Poland, just before the outbreak of World War I, the story focuses on the increasing danger faced by Jews in a land trampled by shifting armies and ideologies, all of which hated the Jews. The Goldstein family, once part of a close-knit community, finds themselves betrayed by neighbors eager to appease invading forces. Realizing they are no longer safe, they make the difficult decision to escape—risking everything in hopes of reaching the United States.
Their journey is treacherous and filled with challenges, but thanks to determined American relatives willing to stand on their behalf, they are accepted into America despite closed borders.
The storytelling is engaging and heartfelt, and the illustrations are dynamic. It’s a compelling, age-appropriate introduction to the realities many immigrant families have faced and gives us a window into Eastern European Jewish history. As a nation of immigrants, this story matters to all of us.
I would recommend Escaping to America for elementary-aged readers and as a powerful read-aloud. It’s also an excellent choice for those studying immigration or early 20th-century European history. Parents should be aware that while the story is gently told, it doesn’t shy away from the reality of persecution, and young readers may have questions as a result.