Really fascinating story of a Jewish boy, Yossel, and his family escaping Tsarist Russia and settling in the desert of New Mexico, where he befriends a Navajo boy, Thomas. A really sweet story about heritage, family, and home. ( )

Back in the time of the tsars, Yossel's parents take them away from their home in Russia to Odessa to England to NYC to Topeka to Santa Fe to a new home at the trading post near the Navajo reservation. Once they have settled in, Yossel begins to learn English and Navajo in addition to his own Yiddish while getting to know a neighbor boy and making friends. I loved it! Great for gifting.
Learn about some Jewish immigrants who did not stay in NYC.
The illustrations by Johnson Yazzie are delightful, colorful, vibrant, and imaginative.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you! ( )

This is a story of a Russian Jew’s immigration to America. However, Yossel traveled much farther than just New York. His family traveled to the south and lived near an indigenous reservation where they took over an uncle’s trading post. There Yossel made friends with a native child. Their traditions may be different, but they can both belong and be friends. While this story is fiction, it is based on similar real-life events. The story is wonderful, and the illustrations are a perfect match. ( )