The Girl in the Torch
Immigrant girl braves early 1900s NYC in tale of resilience.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Girl in the Torch is the story of 12-year-old Sarah, a Jewish immigrant escaping the pogroms of Russia, who is orphaned upon her arrival in New York City. About to be sent back to a misogynist uncle in Russia, Sarah makes a daring escape and lives briefly in the crown of the Statue of Liberty -- the emblem of the hope and freedom she desperately seeks. While danger abounds, Sarah works hard and relies on her good instincts and a diverse group of newfound friends who risk their own welfare to help her. This novel vividly depicts the immigrant experience and the complexities of early 1900s America, which promised freedom yet was mired in poverty and racism. The endpapers give more information about U.S. immigration history. A fine choice for fans of historical fiction and families looking for books with diverse characters.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
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: Robert Sharenow
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Topics: Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, 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, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: February 22, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
-
Number the Stars
Stirring tale of girl who smuggles Jews to safety in WWII.
-
The One and Only Ivan
Heartwarming story of a heroic, artistic, captive gorilla.
-
Little House in the Big Woods
Beloved classic follows a frontier family for four seasons.
For kids who love strong girls and history
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate