Letters from Cuba
on Goodreads (1,769)
What’s inside...
Pura Belpré Award Winner Ruth Behar's inspiring story of a young Jewish girl who escapes Poland to make a new life in Cuba, while she works to rescue the rest of her family. The situation is getting dire for Jews in Poland on the eve of World War II. Esther's father has fled to Cuba, and she is the first one to join him. Heartbroken from being separated from her beloved sister, Esther promises to write down everything that happens until they're reunited. Her letters record both the good--the kindness of the Cuban people and her discovery of a valuable hidden talent--and the bad: the presence of Nazism in Cuba. Through her evocative letters full of appreciation for life, Esther reveals herself as a resourceful and determined girl with a rare ability to bring people together, while striving to get the rest of their family out of Poland before it's too late. Based on Ruth Behar's family history, this compelling story celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the most challenging times.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Esther's letters make you feel? What does her resilience and hope teach us about facing challenges?
What can we learn about the different cultures and traditions that Esther experiences in Cuba? Why is it important to respect and understand different cultures?
Esther helps her family and forms new friendships in Cuba. What does this tell us about the importance of family and community?
How does the historical setting of Cuba in the 1930s influence Esther’s story? What historical events or details stood out to you the most?
What role does courage play in the book? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Esther?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Esther's shoes. Ask them how they would feel moving to a new country and what they would find most exciting or challenging.
Discuss the concept of resilience with your child. Use examples from Esther’s experiences to highlight how she overcame obstacles.
Use the differences in culture and lifestyle presented in the book as a starting point for a discussion on diversity and acceptance with your child.
After reading, ask your child to write or draw a letter describing their own life to someone far away, just like Esther did, to help them connect more deeply with her story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Letters from Cuba,' the protagonist, Esther, shows immense resilience as she navigates the challenges of moving to a new country and helps her family escape from persecution in Poland.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain hopeful and persistent despite difficulties, whether it’s dealing with a move, starting a new school, or facing any personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation and understanding
Explanation: Esther’s journey highlights the beauty of embracing and celebrating diverse cultures as she integrates into Cuban society while maintaining her Jewish heritage.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open and respectful towards people from different backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and diversity in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Importance of family bonds
Explanation: Throughout the book, the strong family ties play a crucial role as Esther works tirelessly to bring her family to safety, showcasing the importance of family support and unity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to value and nurture relationships within their families, understanding the strength that comes from familial love and support.
Example Lesson: Economic understanding
Explanation: Esther helps her father's business thrive by creating and selling clothes, teaching basic economic principles such as entrepreneurship and the value of hard work.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by engaging in small projects or enterprises, learning about earning, saving, and the basics of business.
Example Lesson: Courage to make difficult decisions
Explanation: Faced with tough choices throughout her journey, Esther’s bravery in making decisions that alter her life and her family's future stands out.
Real-World Application: This lesson imparts the value of courage in decision-making in children's lives, encouraging them to face hard decisions with bravery and to consider their impact on their future.