Ruth Behar’s Across So Many Seas is a lyrical historical novel that spans generations, tracing the journeys of four Sephardic Jewish girls across pivotal moments in history. Aimed at middle-grade readers (ages 8–12), the story begins in 1492 Spain with Benvenida, whose family flees the Inquisition, and weaves through the lives of Reina in 1923 Turkey, Alegra in 1961 Cuba, and Paloma in 2003 Miami. Each character navigates displacement, cultural identity, and resilience, their stories interconnected by a shared heritage and a hauntingly beautiful song passed down through the centuries. The narrative balances intimate personal struggles—like Alegra’s defiance during the Cuban Revolution or Paloma’s quest to understand her roots—with broader themes of survival and belonging, offering readers a mosaic of courage and connection. Behar’s storytelling shines in its accessibility for English learners and reluctant readers. The text employs clear, straightforward sentences and short chapters that avoid overwhelming readers, while vivid illustrations provide visual anchors to settings and emotions, aiding comprehension. Vocabulary is intentionally simple yet rich, with cultural terms like Sephardic or diaspora naturally contextualized through dialogue and plot. For example, Reina’s journey to Cuba introduces Turkish phrases and traditions in ways that feel organic rather than didactic. While idiomatic expressions appear (“heart leaps like a fish”), they’re balanced by relatable emotional arcs—Alegra’s diary entries, for instance, mirror a teen’s authentic voice. The Pura Belpré Award-winning novel’s structure—intertwined but distinct timelines—allows educators to explore history in digestible segments. Scenes like Benvenida burying her family’s spice box or Paloma uncovering old letters can spark discussions about heritage and resilience, particularly for visual learners who benefit from the book’s evocative imagery. This is a rare gem that bridges historical depth with approachable storytelling, making it ideal for classrooms aiming to foster empathy and cultural curiosity without sacrificing literary rigor.
