I've always been fascinated with Russian history. When watching a netflix movie titled The Last Tsar, I was reminded of the bloody revolts, and the ineptitude of Tsar Nicholas II, who did not want to rule, did not know how to rule, and in the end his life and that of his family came to a bloody end. His father, Tsar Nicholas I , at the beginning of the 19th century felt entitled to have the Cossacks randomly ride into Jewish settlements and kill. In fact, Tsar Nicholas I during the first part of 1900, listed 600 anti Jewish decrees. The author of this book provides a trove of information regarding the harshness of life of these pheasant people who eeked out a living. Many families lived in the same small wooden homes.

This is a story of Russian families who pulled together as much as they could in order to escape. Their escape destination was the United States. Two cousins, Rachel and Grisha lived together with Rachel's family. Sadly, Grisha lost his mother, and the only remaining thing he has is a raggedy coat she made for him.

When the family came to Ellis Island, they tried their best to look presentable, to look as through they could indeed not be a burden to the American population. Grisha wanted to keep his coat. In order to look presentable, he had to turn it inside out.
Tragically, many families were split apart at Ellis Island.

This is a story of many things, the harsh life of Jewish people in Russia, their determination to live without fear of being killed, and escaping to America. Once again, a well-written children's illustrated book explains historical experience woven into an understandable story of two Jewish children and the fears experienced in Russia. And, then the hope of going through the lines of Ellis Island and staying together as an intact family.

I firmly believe these excellent books that weave historical context to children, might spur them to learn more. ( )

Amazing, this book has everything you need to help insirpire those of a mother’s love. Love conquers all and helps us get through tough situations and in this case it help a young boy secure his spot as a US citizen. Loved it. Any grade level ( )

This story is about cousins named Rachel and Grisha and their family who make the journey from Russia to New York City. I would use this book in my class because the author does a good job of introducing the concept of immigration. It is suitable for 3rd graders. ( )

Grisha and Rachel’s family stayed in Russia. Grisha had lived with Rachel and her family because his parents were no longer around. They were just about two peas in a pod. Rachel would tell stories and Grisha would draw them. Well Grisha had this coat that his mother had made before she passed on. He would never let anyone through his coat away because it was the last memory he had of his mother. In the end of the book, Grisha old worn coat ended up saving him when they were traveling to Ellis Island. Rachel had turned his coat inside out which was lined with beautiful wool from his own mother’s coat. No one would say otherwise about the coat because it meant to much to him. I liked this book because even though he had something to old and worn he held onto it because it came from a special person in his life. I have never had anything given to me that special, as far as I’m concerned. Maybe one day I’ll have something as special as the coat Grisha’s mother made for him. ( )

Summary: This book is about a girl named Rachel and her cousin Grisha who live in Russia with their families. Grisha had just lost his family due to an epidemic across the land. In order to help him cope with his loss, Rachel and Grisha played a storytelling game that made them get close. Shortly after, the Tsar's soldiers invaded the Jewish community so the family quickly planned to flee to America. They were frightened that if one of them had any problems arriving in Ellis Island, the whole family would be sent back to Russia which was the last thing that the family wanted. Grisha had kept an old coat of his mothers from when she passed away. The coat was old and beat up and the family wanted Grisha to get a new coat so they would make a good impression when arriving in Ellis Island. In the end, the whole family including Grisha passed through in Ellis Island and Grisha got to keep his mothers coat to always be reminded of her.

Argument: I think the main message from this book is about holding on to memories. The memories that were stored in Grisha's coat were so important to him that he really could not afford to lose the coat. This book would be especailly good for students who had recently lost a family member and could relate to holding onto something that belongs to that family member as a strong memory of them. Another main message from this book is the truth behind many families having to flee Russia during the invasions from the Tsar. This book makes these tough concepts easier for children to understand because they can relate to either Grisha or Rachel and follow their journey. ( )