60 pages • 2 hours read
Karen HesseLetters from Rifka
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse follows Rifka and her family as they escape persecution in Russia during the Russian Civil War of 1919. Through letters to her cousin, Rifka recounts their harrowing journey through Poland and Belgium, her struggle with illness, and her eventual arrival in the U.S., where she must prove her worthiness to enter. The novel unfolds in an epistolary format, reflecting determination and resilience.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse is highly praised for its vivid storytelling and emotional depth, bringing the immigrant experience to life through a young girl's perspective. The epistolary format enriches the narrative, although some readers found it limiting. Overall, the book is celebrated for its historical insight and relatable protagonist, despite a few pacing issues.
Who Should Read Letters from Rifka?
Readers who enjoyed Number the Stars by Lois Lowry or The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank will appreciate Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse. This novel appeals to those interested in historical fiction, particularly stories of resilience and hope during times of displacement and war.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
660L