Characters
Who is Rifka’s brother who is protective of her during their journey?
Saul
What illness keeps Rifka from traveling with her family?
Ringworm
What does Rifka struggle with the most while she is separated from her family?
Loneliness
What is the main purpose of Rifka’s letters?
To express her thoughts, feelings, and experiences while separated from her family.
What happened to the Polish baby Rifka was taking care of in Ellis Island?
She dies
Who is the girl Rifka meets in the hospital who encourages her to keep going?
The Polish Girl
Where does Rifka’s family go after leaving Russia?
America
Which country does Rifka stay in while being treated for her illness?
Belgium
Who does Rifka write letters to throughout the book?
Her cousin Tovah
How does Rifka prove to Dr. Fargate that Ilya should stay in America?
She makes Ilya read her Pushkin and prove that he is not a simpleton.
Who does Rifka write letters to throughout her journey?
Tovah
Where does Rifka go to get treatment for her illness while her family moves on without her?
Belgium
How does Rifka’s illness affect her ability to travel with her family?
She is forced to stay behind and can’t travel until she gets better.
How do Rifka’s letters help her cope with the challenges she faces?
They allow her to share her feelings and feel connected to her family, even when they are far away.
How does Rifka describe her physical features?
Blonde hair and blue eyes
Who is the family member who stays with Rifka and watches her care for the baby while detained in Ellis Island?
Mama
What was Rifka’s biggest fear when she was left behind in Belgium?
That she would never see her family again
What does Rifka learn about herself while being separated from her family in Belgium?
She learns that she is stronger and more independent than she thought.
What kind of feelings does Rifka express in her letters to her cousin Tovah?
Loneliness, fear, hope, and determination
What does Rifka ask Saul to get with the money she saved from Papa?
Candlesticks
Who gave Rifka the tallis before leaving her to get treatment in Antwerp?
Papa
What happens when Rifka finally reunites with her family? (think about the emotions)
She is happy and feels relieved
What major change does Rifka go through during her time in Belgium?
She learns to face challenges on her own and becomes more mature.
In her letters, what does Rifka ultimately come to realize about herself and her journey?
She realizes that she is stronger and more capable than she ever thought possible.
Who is Pieter and what happens to him?
Pieter is the boy Rifka met on the ship she got on to travel to America. He cared for her and saved her during a huge tempest at sea. He passed away by going overboard the ship.