Families that immigrate go through many challenges. As Valentina's father wears himself ragged day after day trying to provide both basic needs and the funds to start their dream, Valentina feels the pressure to help too. After much effort, Valentina finally found a way to help the family add to the "dream jar." As she taught all her neighbors english, the dream jar began filling. Finally, one day their dream is fulfilled. This story clearly depicts how struggle and hard work can ultimately provide your biggest dreams. With a vision an persistence, anything is possible. ( )

Valentina is a young Russian immigrant who wants nothing more than to help her family and make her parents happy. Valentina's father has trouble finding steady work and has become sad since the family has moved to America. Valentina's father wants to open his own shop and the whole family tries to save up in order to fulfill this dream. Valentina wishes to help, but she is small and must also go to school and watch her younger siblings. Valentina begins to help her brother, father, and neighbors learn to read and write in English to help save money. Valentina's family is finally able to buy a shop with all the saved money and Valentina realizes her true passion for teaching.
This is a great book for children who aspire to be teachers one day. ( )

This was a wonderful book that showed how a family can work together to reach their dream. I love how it shows everyone contributing to the family dream. This would be a great book to read to young children and show them that things can get easier when everyone pitches in. ( )

Valentina and her family immigrated to the United State from Russia. Papa spends long exhausting days laying brick while Mama and Aunt sewing for hours and hours each day. Michael, Valentina’s brother, drops out of school to make money for the baker. Valentina wants to contribute to the family’s dream jar, set aside to purchase a store, but everyone says she is too little. However, Valentina begins teaching her family and neighbors how to speak and read English and she is finally able to contribute to the dream jar. Well written and engaging, the characters come to life and the illustrations are colorful and interesting, ( )