This is one of the best books that I've read regarding a Jewish family immigrating from Russia to the United States during WWII. I didn't know that immigrants could be kept from entering America at Ellis Island because of diseases or conditions. The book is written as letters from Rifka to her cousin describing the events they had to go through regarding guards and examinations along with the lonliness and despair she had to endure when she was left behind when her family went to America. I felt like I was almost in the story because it was so emotional.

The book started out quickly which I admire most in a story. King Harold took Evyn (Shadow) in as his foster son which developed a strong relationship between the king and Evyn. I liked the way the author made a purpose in Evyn's life after he was muted because he felt that all his hopes and dreams had been vanished. But because of his mutism, his future was better than he would have hoped that it would be. It's a good read, especially if you're not too familiar with the Battle of Hastings.

This was a fantastic book. The ending surprised me which was good because it showed how Albert learned what it was like to be a man and to be ready on a moment's notice to make the most critical decisions of his life as well as for his family and his future. It also realistically showed how younger siblings really do act in public. Barbara William doesn't sugar coat the siblings like most authors do by making them unrealistic.

I was kind of disappointed with this book. It was too short. Actually, I thought that Bright Morning was made out to be masculine and Tall Boy was made out to be feminine. Everything that Tall Boy did was wrong. I thought that maybe there should have been more on the Spanish slavery than was written. It seemed to have ended too abruptly. But the history of the removal of the Indians from their homelands were incredible and very accurate.

The author is great at making someone who has a handicap or disability not feel so abnormal but a benefit to society. It's amazing to see how a young boy can overcome his handicap and find a way to fit in. This is a great adventure story of a young boy coming of age.