Rifka knows nothing about America when she flees from Russia with her family in 1919. But she dreams she will at last be safe from the Russian soldiers and their harsh treatment of the Jews in the new country. Throughout her journey, Rifka carries with her a cherished volume of poetry by Alexander Pushkin. In it, she records her observations and experiences in the form of letters to her beloved cousin she has left behind. Strong-hearted and determined, Rifka must endure a great deal: humiliating examinations by doctors and soldiers, deadly typhus, separation from all she has ever known and loved, murderous storms at sea ― and as if this is not enough, the loss of her glorious golden hair. And even if she does make it to America, she’s not sure America will have her. “Hesse’s vivacious tale colorfully and convincingly refreshes the immigrant experience.” ― Publishers Weekly, Starred Review “Based largely on the memories of the author’s great-aunt, this historical novel has a plot, characters, and style that will make it an often-requested choice from young readers. A vivid, memorable, and involving reading experience.” - School Library Journal, Starred Review

Letters From Rifka

Literature & Fiction

KAREN HESSE

Literary

Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

Out Of The Dust

Out of the Dust

When Billie Jo is just fourteen she must endure heart-wrenching ordeals that no child should have to face. The quiet strength she displays while dealing with unspeakable loss is as surprising as it is inspiring.Written in free verse, this award-winning story is set in the heart of the Great Depression. It chronicles Oklahoma's staggering dust storms, and the environmental--and emotional--turmoil they leave in their path. An unforgettable tribute to hope and inner strength.

Children's Books

Listening Library

Stowaway (Lib)(CD)

Letters from Rifka by Hesse, Karen (2009) Paperback

Square Fish

Stowaway

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Thrillers & Suspense

scholastic

This one-of-a-kind guide to running literature circles, based on Karen Hesse’s Out of the Dust, shows teachers how to organize small discussion groups that work! Includes stimulating questions and writing prompts that motivate students to think and respond thoughtfully. As students dive into lively discussions, they learn to identify themes, analyze vocabulary, recognize the author’s craft, and respond meaningfully to the textall of which meet state and national language arts standards. For use with Grades 4-8.

Literature Circle Guide: Out of the Dust

Education & Teaching

Tara McCarthy

Schools & Teaching

Teaching Resources

Phoenix Rising

Women's Fiction

Discover the characters who witness social injustice in 1924.

Witness

Leanora Sutter, Esther Hirsh, Merlin Van Tornhout, Johnny Reeves...... These characters are among the unforgettable cast inhabiting a small Vermont town in 1924---a town that turns against its own when the Ku Klux Klan moves in. No one is safe, especially the two youngest twelve year old Leanora, an African-American girl, and six-year-old Esther, who is Jewish.

Witness (Including discussion and study guide)

Reference

Audio CD book , Scholastic Read 180 edition stage A 5 disc each disc has page number so you can read along

The Music of Dolphins

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Books by KAREN HESSE