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.

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.

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.

Emotional / Inspirational / Hopeful / Bittersweet / Challenging

Karen Hesse

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore Letters from Rifka reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Letters from Rifka | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Letters from Rifka and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Letters from Rifka Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Letters from Rifka Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Letters from Rifka Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Letters from Rifka Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 Letters from Rifka Part 4 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Letters from Rifka Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Letters from Rifka Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Letters from Rifka Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Letters from Rifka Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Letters from Rifka Essay Topics

Introduction

Letters from Rifka Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Letters from Rifka Before Reading

During Reading

Letters from Rifka During Reading

After Reading

Letters from Rifka After Reading

Letters from Rifka

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Letters from Rifka?

Reading Age

Book Details