Annushka's Voyage
Edith Tarbescue
(Reviewer - Rebecca Brown)
1998 Clarion Books
ISBN: 039564366X

Two young sisters make the long journey from Russia to freedom in America.

“Take care of Tanya, Annushka. And remember, we love you.” Those are Grandpa's parting words as he & Grandma wave good-bye to Annushka & her younger sister when they leave their small village in Russia to begin the long & arduous journey to America, where their Papa is waiting.

Set at the turn of the 20th century, this tale follows the sisters aboard a gigantic steamship jammed with immigrants, as they sail across the Atlantic Ocean & its misery of seasickness until they land at Ellis Island & the long & hopeful lines to get into the land of the free.

Entrusted with a special pair of Sabbath candlesticks, Annushka must take care of her sister, on a long train trip to the sea. At lasst they arrive in Holland & board a ship that will take them to a newer, safer life.

In the Author's Note, Edith Tarbescue recounts the reasons why her mother made that journey to America from their little Russian village, so Annushka's Voyage is a true story, one millions of people, like me & Annushka, from all over the world have made looking for a better, freer life. At least I had English!

Absolutely riveting, a tale simply told, with fascinating illustrations by Lydia Dabcovich, that just about any grandparent could read to their grandchildren to explain how they too made it to America, & why we immigrants are so very grateful for being let in.

Ages 4-8. More from Edith Tarbescue:
The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue: A Yiddish Folk Tale
Bring Back My Gerbil!
The Crow: Indians of the Americas
(03/27/05)

Rebecca