Ruth Behar’s Across So Many Seas is a lyrical middle-grade historical novel that spans five centuries, weaving together the interconnected stories of four Sephardic Jewish girls navigating displacement, identity, and resilience. Targeted at readers aged 10–14, the story begins in 1492 Spain with 12-year-old Benvenida, whose family flees the Inquisition. The narrative then shifts to Reina in 1923 Turkey, Alegra in 1961 Cuba, and finally Paloma in 2003 Miami. Each protagonist grapples with preserving her cultural heritage while adapting to new environments, whether through forbidden friendships, political upheaval, or personal sacrifice. Behar’s narrative gracefully connects these threads, emphasizing how courage and tradition transcend generations, even as each girl confronts unique challenges tied to her era. This novel is exceptionally accessible for language learners and reluctant readers. Behar employs straightforward sentences and a clear narrative style, avoiding overly complex syntax while embedding rich historical context. Key terms related to Sephardic culture—like ladino (Judeo-Spanish) phrases or rituals such as lighting Shabbat candles—are introduced organically through dialogue and plot, allowing students to absorb new vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed. The inclusion of occasional illustrations provides visual anchors, helping readers envision settings like 15th-century Spain or mid-20th-century Havana. For classrooms, Benvenida’s sketches of her journey or Paloma’s diary entries could spark discussions about ancestry and migration, inviting students to share their own family stories. The Pura Belpré Award-winning book balances heavier themes with moments of hope, making it ideal for guided reading groups focused on empathy and cultural identity. While idiomatic expressions appear sparingly, they’re often contextualized through character interactions—for example, Reina’s use of Turkish proverbs to navigate societal expectations. Educators will appreciate how the novel’s structure—short, focused chapters across timelines—allows for manageable reading sessions without overwhelming students. By centering relatable emotions like longing and belonging, Across So Many Seas becomes both a mirror and a window, fostering connection and curiosity in diverse classroom settings.