Common Sense Media Review
Immigrant girl braves early 1900s NYC in tale of resilience.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Sarah and her mother flee Czarist Russia after her father is brutally killed during a pogrom. Then Sarah's mother falls gravely ill and dies soon after their arrival on Ellis Island. A minor, Sarah's told she will be returned to Russia. Knowing there's no future for her there, she makes a daring escape off the ship and survives by scavenging for food and pennies during the day and hiding out in the Statue of Liberty's crown at night. Ultimately, she lands in Chinatown, where she bonds with a half-Native American security guard, his Chinese landlady, their African-American help, and other Chinese tenants. She cooks and cleans in exchange for her room and board. Despite considerable dangers facing the orphaned child, Sarah manages to survive and becomes friends with the diverse members of the household who wind up putting themselves at considerable risk to protect her.
Is It Any Good?
By imbuing historical fiction with the feel of a thriller, this ambitious novel is both educational and entertaining. Immigrant America in the early 1900s provides a colorful backdrop as artfully drawn characters struggle for survival during a time fraught with danger.
THE GIRL IN THE TORCH's realistic portrayal of this harsh time period may be upsetting to some, but the hard times are offset by the goodness Sarah finds in some unlikely friends who take her in and ultimately prove that "family" means so much more than your blood relatives.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their own ancestral heritage. Where did your family come from, and what sorts of difficulties did they face when they first arrived in America?
Sarah never seems to get discouraged despite her considerable obstacles and losses. Where do you think she finds her strength and resolve?
The children in this story act more like adults, working hard and accepting responsibility for their own well-being. What are the differences between kids today and then?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray
- Publication date : May 26, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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