Across So Many Seas — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARD HONOR WINNER
Spanning over five hundred years, Pura Belpré Award winner Ruth Behar's epic novel tells the stories of four girls from different generations of a Jewish family, many of them forced to leave their country and start a new life.
In 1492, during the Spanish Inquisition, Benvenida and her family are banished from Spain for being Jewish. They journey by foot and by sea, eventually settling in Istanbul. Over four centuries later, in 1923, shortly after the Turkish war of independence, Reina’s father disowns her for a small act of disobedience. He ships her away to live with an aunt in Cuba. In 1961, Reina’s daughter, Alegra, is proud to be a brigadista, teaching literacy in the countryside. But soon Fidel Castro’s crackdowns force her to flee to Miami, leaving her parents behind. In 2003, Alegra’s daughter, Paloma, is fascinated by all the journeys that had to happen before she could be born. A keeper of memories, she’s thrilled to learn more about her heritage on a trip to Spain, where she makes a momentous discovery.
Though many years and many seas separate these girls, they are united by their desire to belong and to matter, and by the haunting beauty they find in sad Spanish songs--and each is lucky to stand on the shoulders of her courageous ancestors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Across So Many Seas appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative includes instances of violence such as a girl being pelted with rocks for being Jewish, men from the Jewish community being killed during the Turkish War of Independence, and a man being beaten for violating laws in Cuba. These elements are integral to the historical context of the story. The book includes frightening elements related to historical violence against Jewish people, such as being pelted with rocks and killings during wartime, which may be unsettling for some readers.
Does Across So Many Seas have violence?
The narrative includes instances of violence such as a girl being pelted with rocks for being Jewish, men from the Jewish community being killed during the Turkish War of Independence, and a man being beaten for violating laws in Cuba. These elements are integral to the historical context of the story.
Does Across So Many Seas have scary content?
The book includes frightening elements related to historical violence against Jewish people, such as being pelted with rocks and killings during wartime, which may be unsettling for some readers.
Does Across So Many Seas have religious themes?
The book centers on a Sephardic Jewish family, exploring their religious practices and cultural heritage, particularly during historical events like the Spanish Inquisition. The narrative includes elements of Jewish identity and the challenges faced by the characters regarding their faith.
Does Across So Many Seas have racial/cultural content?
The story features characters of different racial backgrounds, including Afro-Cuban identity, and discusses themes of cultural identity and displacement. However, it does not explicitly address racism as a central theme.
Does Across So Many Seas have profanity?
No profanity is mentioned in the search results for 'Across So Many Seas'. The content appears suitable for a younger audience.
Does Across So Many Seas have climate change?
No climate themes or discussions detected in the search results for 'Across So Many Seas'. The focus is on historical and cultural narratives.
Does Across So Many Seas have sexual identity?
No sexual content is mentioned in the search results for 'Across So Many Seas'. The focus remains on historical and cultural themes.
Does Across So Many Seas have gender roles?
The narrative emphasizes the experiences and voices of four generations of girls, highlighting themes of female empowerment and resilience in maintaining their Jewish identity across different historical contexts. This reflects modern feminist themes.
Does Across So Many Seas have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters detected in the search results for 'Across So Many Seas'. The focus is primarily on the experiences of Sephardic Jewish girls.
