By
– April 24, 2012
Pogroms have been occurring more and more often in Nora’s little town in Eastern Europe. Her family decides that the only way to ensure the safety of Nora and her sister safety is for the family to leave for America, however they must travel separately as money is very tight. Nora’s father, in America first, begins to send back money for the ship’s passage but soon the family realizes that they cannot wait any longer and they know they must board the ship. In the meantime, the price of the tickets has increased and they only have enough money for two tickets. It is decided that as the youngest, Nora must stay behind with a caring doll maker and his wife until the family can afford another ticket. Unable to bear the thought of Nora being left behind, the doll maker creates a special doll with a secret compartment which will enable her to join her mother on the trip. Illustrations in warm pastel colors depict each stage of the story. Children will wonder at Nora’s miraculousvoyage and will learn the importance of saving another’s life. This book is recommendedfor ages 8 and up.
Drora Arussy, Ed.D., is an educational consultant who specializes in integrating Jewish and secular studies, the arts into education, and creative teaching for excellence in Jewish education. She is the mother to four school-age children and has taught from pre-school through adult. Drora is an adjunct professor of Hebrew language at Drew University.
