When a case of ringworm prevents Rifka from joining her Russian family as they emigrate to the United States, she spends nine months living in Warsaw, with her care overseen by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. During that time, and the following journey by boat to the United States, Rifka writes "letters" in the margins of a book of Pushkin to a cousin still in Russia, telling of her loneliness, fear and determination to join her family. Rifka's compelling story, relating her burgeoning maturity and ability to cope with her situation, is presented in letter format. (Ages 9-12)