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Ethel's Song: Ethel Rosenberg’s Life in Poems
Convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage for the Soviet Union against the United States, Ethel Rosenberg shares the story of her beliefs, loves, secrets, betrayals, and injustices in this compelling YA novel in verse.
In 1953, Ethel Rosenberg, a devoted wife and loving mother, faces the electric chair. People say she’s a spy, a Communist, a red. How did she get here? In a series of heart-wrenching poems, Ethel tells her story. The child of Jewish immigrants, Ethel Greenglass grows up on New York City’s Lower East Side. She dreams of being an actress and a singer but finds romance and excitement in the arms of the charming Julius Rosenberg. Both are ardent supporters of rights for workers, but are they spies? Who is passing atomic secrets to the Soviets? Why does everyone seem out to get them?
This first book for young readers about Ethel Rosenberg is a fascinating portrait of a commonly misunderstood figure from American history, and vividly relates a story that continues to have relevance today.
In 1953, Ethel Rosenberg, a devoted wife and loving mother, faces the electric chair. People say she’s a spy, a Communist, a red. How did she get here? In a series of heart-wrenching poems, Ethel tells her story. The child of Jewish immigrants, Ethel Greenglass grows up on New York City’s Lower East Side. She dreams of being an actress and a singer but finds romance and excitement in the arms of the charming Julius Rosenberg. Both are ardent supporters of rights for workers, but are they spies? Who is passing atomic secrets to the Soviets? Why does everyone seem out to get them?
This first book for young readers about Ethel Rosenberg is a fascinating portrait of a commonly misunderstood figure from American history, and vividly relates a story that continues to have relevance today.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published September 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 14, 2024
3.5 stars 🌟
I only knew of Ethel's story with her and her husband being executed for their crimes but never thought to look it up....not sure why.
I came across this through a goodreads giveaway listing I think (didn't win). Fast forward to audible,'s site wide 85% off sale and I snatched it up :)
It was hard to connect in the beginning but it didn't take long for me to get invested.
Learning more about her life before and what happened at the trial and after... wow.
How despicable her family is... and what her brother did and said afterwards... is it bad to say I hope he's in eternal torment?
I'm glad her sons turned out okay.
Please listen to the author's note afterwards. It's worth it.
Some things were more telling than showing and some of the poems are clunky and there was...something missing for me to tip this into a more stars 🌟 read.
Would recommend though 👌 people should know the full story.
I only knew of Ethel's story with her and her husband being executed for their crimes but never thought to look it up....not sure why.
I came across this through a goodreads giveaway listing I think (didn't win). Fast forward to audible,'s site wide 85% off sale and I snatched it up :)
It was hard to connect in the beginning but it didn't take long for me to get invested.
Learning more about her life before and what happened at the trial and after... wow.
How despicable her family is... and what her brother did and said afterwards... is it bad to say I hope he's in eternal torment?
I'm glad her sons turned out okay.
Please listen to the author's note afterwards. It's worth it.
Some things were more telling than showing and some of the poems are clunky and there was...something missing for me to tip this into a more stars 🌟 read.
Would recommend though 👌 people should know the full story.
January 18, 2023
I found this to be an easy read that taught me a lot about Ethel (Greenglass) Rosenberg. The best historical fiction books push me to find more information about the topic elsewhere, and that's exactly what happened with this book. Krasner wrote an account of Ethel's story in a way that made me really feel sympathy for her, guilty or not, especially with the way her own family turned her away as the trial unfolded. To learn in the afterward notes how traitorous her brother, David Greenglass, was and admitted to decades later was heartbreaking. Ethel was completely innocent, as I further discovered through minimal online research. I highly recommend reading this for anyone remotely curious about the Rosenberg trial of the 1950s.
April 7, 2022
In continuing my unplanned reading series about the life and times of mid-century erroneously vilified women (see yesterday’s review of the new graphic novel about Tokyo Rose), this poetry book about the life of Ethel Rosenberg was very enlightening. While she was not completely “innocent“ of the crime she was accused of, as she was an active member of the Communist party, that should never have been a crime to begin with. Also, She was not guilty of the crime she was executed for, as she never sold secrets to the Russians.
The red scare has never made sense to me historically, because I feel like there were bigger fish to fry in the 40s and 50s. Thousands of young men died fighting an ideology that, for the most part, is completely harmless. If anything it’s less harmful or equally harmful to the damages of capitalism. All of the time spent in fear of communism and we never thought to stop people doing actual harm.
I feel like this book captures her history and her life as well as the harm that can be done with loose words and a lack of consideration. That being said, the poems were not very good. This almost could’ve been a slim nonfiction book for kids.
The red scare has never made sense to me historically, because I feel like there were bigger fish to fry in the 40s and 50s. Thousands of young men died fighting an ideology that, for the most part, is completely harmless. If anything it’s less harmful or equally harmful to the damages of capitalism. All of the time spent in fear of communism and we never thought to stop people doing actual harm.
I feel like this book captures her history and her life as well as the harm that can be done with loose words and a lack of consideration. That being said, the poems were not very good. This almost could’ve been a slim nonfiction book for kids.
April 25, 2023
ETHEL'S SONG: ETHEL ROSENBERG'S LIFE IN POEMS
Barbara Krasner
The story of Ethel Rosenberg's life was written for children or middle schoolers. Short and simple.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Barbara Krasner
The story of Ethel Rosenberg's life was written for children or middle schoolers. Short and simple.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
October 10, 2022
I really didn't know much about the Rosenbergs, so this was a great introduction to me. Loved especially that this was in verse and told from Ethel's close voice.
December 1, 2022
I have always lumped Ethel and Julius Rosenberg together in my mind, as the husband and wife spies who were executed during the height of the McCarthy-fueled anti-Communist furor of the 1950s. But, as this engrossing look at Ethel Rosenberg, nee Greenglass, shows, she was her own person.
The story of her life is told in verse, with each titled verse, whether short or longer, taking one page. Most lovely are the pantoum-like poems, with lines repeated in each stanza in a different place. Occasional dates help to understand her life in the context of world events. Mostly unrhyming, the poems are like journal entries. Lots of repeated lines make them almost sing-song, as one imagines Ethel might have done. She had ambitions to be a singer or actress, and used her talents to serenade many a picket line.
Ethel’s life as a child of Jewish immigrants living in a tenement on the Lower East Side, her determination to make something more of herself, and her efforts to free herself from her bully of a mother all make for compelling drama. Added to that was her belief that communism was the only answer she saw to combat the problems of poverty, hatred and war. She was deeply in love with her husband, and one of the reasons that she died was her belief that she couldn’t leave him to bear death alone. It was only Julius who actually funneled information to the Soviets. Having lackluster or disinterested legal representation didn’t help their plight.
Substantial back matter fills in gaps in her life. An epilogue, in prose, describes what happened to the Rosenberg’s children. There is a timeline showing her life from birth to death, along with major historical events, and source notes give the detail oriented reader more information. The author used case files in her research, so although the book is fiction, there is much to be learned about this interesting woman.
The story of her life is told in verse, with each titled verse, whether short or longer, taking one page. Most lovely are the pantoum-like poems, with lines repeated in each stanza in a different place. Occasional dates help to understand her life in the context of world events. Mostly unrhyming, the poems are like journal entries. Lots of repeated lines make them almost sing-song, as one imagines Ethel might have done. She had ambitions to be a singer or actress, and used her talents to serenade many a picket line.
Ethel’s life as a child of Jewish immigrants living in a tenement on the Lower East Side, her determination to make something more of herself, and her efforts to free herself from her bully of a mother all make for compelling drama. Added to that was her belief that communism was the only answer she saw to combat the problems of poverty, hatred and war. She was deeply in love with her husband, and one of the reasons that she died was her belief that she couldn’t leave him to bear death alone. It was only Julius who actually funneled information to the Soviets. Having lackluster or disinterested legal representation didn’t help their plight.
Substantial back matter fills in gaps in her life. An epilogue, in prose, describes what happened to the Rosenberg’s children. There is a timeline showing her life from birth to death, along with major historical events, and source notes give the detail oriented reader more information. The author used case files in her research, so although the book is fiction, there is much to be learned about this interesting woman.
July 30, 2022
Fascinating, troubling, and important exploration of an infamous case of miscarriage of justice.
Ethel’s Song, written in verse, begins by showing us Ethel Rosenberg’s upbringing in the Lower East Side of New York City; lines like “her tongue whacks like a leather belt” and “he bends over his machine as poverty bends over us” paint pictures of a stern mother and a hard-working father. Seeking work and education in the face of poor conditions and unequal pay, Ethel becomes an advocate for workers’ rights. She believes that “Only the Communist Party/Is willing to take a stand--/Against fascism/Against social injustice/Against unemployment.” She and (especially) husband Julius organize for the Party and support the Soviet Union’s victory over the Nazis—until, after the war, the political climate changes and they face suspicion. It’s not surprising when the FBI knock on their door in 1950 and take Julius away, but it’s astounding that Ethel is also arrested, and the outcome is heartbreaking: both of them are falsely convicted of selling nuclear secrets to the Soviets and executed.
There’s a fair amount of history and politics here, and a little contextualization by a teacher would help students know what’s going on. But the story keeps readers engaged by giving us Ethel as a person. Her longing for her children after she’s arrested is especially moving.
Back matter of this meticulously researched book includes a fascinating look at the life of Ethel Rosenberg’s two children, the author’s connection to them, a timeline, and an extensive bibliography.
Ethel’s Song, written in verse, begins by showing us Ethel Rosenberg’s upbringing in the Lower East Side of New York City; lines like “her tongue whacks like a leather belt” and “he bends over his machine as poverty bends over us” paint pictures of a stern mother and a hard-working father. Seeking work and education in the face of poor conditions and unequal pay, Ethel becomes an advocate for workers’ rights. She believes that “Only the Communist Party/Is willing to take a stand--/Against fascism/Against social injustice/Against unemployment.” She and (especially) husband Julius organize for the Party and support the Soviet Union’s victory over the Nazis—until, after the war, the political climate changes and they face suspicion. It’s not surprising when the FBI knock on their door in 1950 and take Julius away, but it’s astounding that Ethel is also arrested, and the outcome is heartbreaking: both of them are falsely convicted of selling nuclear secrets to the Soviets and executed.
There’s a fair amount of history and politics here, and a little contextualization by a teacher would help students know what’s going on. But the story keeps readers engaged by giving us Ethel as a person. Her longing for her children after she’s arrested is especially moving.
Back matter of this meticulously researched book includes a fascinating look at the life of Ethel Rosenberg’s two children, the author’s connection to them, a timeline, and an extensive bibliography.
August 8, 2023
The story Krasner tells of the Rosenberg’s good intentions to bring greater opportunity to the workers and their integrity in facing injustice is moving and enlightening. The writing enabled me to step inside the time period as well as Ethel’s aspirations, motivations, and way of seeing the world. Historical events flow seamlessly into the storyline, bringing the era alive through entering Ethel’s personal experience. I especially loved Krasner’s use of metaphor in “J. Edgar Hoover Seeks and Promises to Find,” and her reference to the axis powers in WW2 as three little piggies. Poems like “How to Spot a Communist” illustrate the toxic social atmosphere of the era Ethel lives in and its submersion in fear. The questions Ethel asks in poems such as “The Un-Americans” and “In My Cell” bring forward the larger questions of injustice and the social structure that has imprisoned Ethel. Krasner uses the white space in the poem “Red and White” to powerfully illustrate division, and uses repetition in the poem “Ethel’s Blues” to effectively emphasize sadness and to echo the music of the blues. This is an important book for helping people examine who we want to be in the world, both personally and collectively, and for how we want to create that reality. Ethel’s Song unfolds Ethel Rosenberg’s life in a concise and thoroughly engaging way. I hope for many people to read Ethel’s Song.
October 11, 2022
2022, biography in verse of Ethel Rosenberg, communism, WW2, Korean war
I did not know Ethel and her husband's story until reading this book. Furthermore, I hadn't read much on communism and Marxism. I can see why people believe in communism when there is so much poverty, terrible working conditions, and labor issues in our world (we still have these today). Yet, I believe in democracy.
The poetry was incredible and for Krasner to write these poems shows how steeped she was in this time period and in Ethel's story. One poem that I thought was amazing was in reference to the three little piggies--Germany, Japan and Italy. I should have marked others because Krasner is a gifted poet.
It was heartbreaking to read about Ethel missing her two young boys as she sits in jail. Plus, for your family and favorite brother to destroy your life and future is unimaginable. Execution should be eliminated!
I did not know Ethel and her husband's story until reading this book. Furthermore, I hadn't read much on communism and Marxism. I can see why people believe in communism when there is so much poverty, terrible working conditions, and labor issues in our world (we still have these today). Yet, I believe in democracy.
The poetry was incredible and for Krasner to write these poems shows how steeped she was in this time period and in Ethel's story. One poem that I thought was amazing was in reference to the three little piggies--Germany, Japan and Italy. I should have marked others because Krasner is a gifted poet.
It was heartbreaking to read about Ethel missing her two young boys as she sits in jail. Plus, for your family and favorite brother to destroy your life and future is unimaginable. Execution should be eliminated!
August 25, 2022
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg grew up to witness the poverty and injustices of the Great Depression and World War II. For that reason, they found themselves identifying politically with the communist party. Unfortunately for them, this was probably the worst time in American history to identify as a communist… right after the end of World War II and the start of the Cold War resulted in a groupthink of paranoia that led the U.S. into the McCarthy era Red Scare that ruined many people’s lives with a simple accusation of being a communist. Unfortunately for the Rosenberg’s that accusation also came with charges of espionage… of selling nuclear secrets to the USSR and a death sentence.
This novel in verse covers a very intense story in American history and will make readers want to learn more about the Rosenbergs.
This novel in verse covers a very intense story in American history and will make readers want to learn more about the Rosenbergs.
October 3, 2022
Thank you Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC. This review is my personal opinion. I have not read much about Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, and I was excited to find a novel in verse about them. I found their story very interesting. While I am sure there are many different versions and accounts of their history, this book seems appropriate for young adults. I assume that the author's spelling of "G-d" throughout the book was a representation of Ethel's loss of faith. I would like to have read more about her faith journey through this very difficult time in her life. There is a political lean to the left, which is not surprising and expected in today's YA literature. I usually don't put much stock in this aspect of the book and will look to other literary sources for a more accurate picture of the politics of that time. Overall, a nice read and age-appropriate for YA readers who enjoy learning about a historical figure through novel in verse.
November 5, 2022
I knew very little about Ethel Rosenberg before reading this book. I can hardly recommend it enough. It captures the essence of a young mother trying to stand up for her ideals and create a better world for her children. She was up against the power of the entire United States government amidst the Red Scare and the rise of McCarthyism. To make it worse, her own family was actively framing her and telling her to admit to crimes she didn't commit. The book is written as a series of poems that tell the narrative of Ethel's life. There are a few photos sprinkled in, which makes it all feel very personal. The variety of poetic structures used in such a masterful way cemented the story in this English teacher's heart. My heart truly aches for the injustice done to Ethel and the way American politics have persisted in harming the innocent.
May 9, 2024
I don't remember ever hearing about Ethel Rosenberg, nor was I sure what this book was about. It peaked my interest because of the taste I have for books in verse, especially those based on real events. The book is easy to read and understand, despite the complicated situation she was involved. The author recapped Ethel’s short life in an intriguing way. I was surprised to learn how she was accused and convicted of. It is also incredible how her family responded and the connection of the events to the nuclear bomb. Recommended!
October 17, 2024
Beautifully written poems written in various styles from Ethel's POV. Told chronologically from childhood and up, until her death in the electric chair. She is an idealist, believing that Communism is a good system for America and not realizing that Stalin was a monster until the Korean War. It's heartbreaking to read how her younger brother framed her to save himself and that President Eisenhower refused to pardon her and Julius. The afterward tells what happened to their 2 sons and that people later realized she was innocent. A 2023 Sydney Taylor Notable book.
September 9, 2022
Verse novel that tells the story of Ethel Rosenberg, who along with her husband Julius was convicted of espionage against the United States for selling nuclear secrets to Russia and executed in 1953. Focusing on Ethel, readers will question her role in the crime and whether she was a willing partner to her husband or merely caught up in the frenzy. With today’s renewed tensions with Russia, this is a timely book set during the Cold War. Includes a timeline, bibliography, and photographs.
November 17, 2022
What a great history lesson in so few words. I had obviously heard of the Rosenbergs, but did not really know their story. It is heartbreaking that so many worked against the truth and allowed these people to be executed in order to allow their agenda to succeed.
March 20, 2023
This is definitely a more nuanced portrait of Ethel Rosenberg than I had before. Maybe I'm still struggling to overcome hindsight, but she seems so naive, and I kind of hate Julius and her brother for taking her down with them.
Currently reading
October 4, 2023What a fun read by Barbara Krasner. I'm enjoying this. Iambic Pentameter at its best.
Example: I got holes in my shoes,
the communist party has been disbanded.
We have food on the table.
Dovey just bought Oil of Olay soap from the store...
um hmm yeah yeah....
Example: I got holes in my shoes,
the communist party has been disbanded.
We have food on the table.
Dovey just bought Oil of Olay soap from the store...
um hmm yeah yeah....
November 5, 2025
Inspiring, but the ending was also sad. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but you’ll have to read to find out, but in the end, nobody should be persecuted for their beliefs and were seeing more of that now than ever in modern American history.
December 29, 2025
Interesting biography of Ethel Rosenberg. I had not known much about her before this book, which was well-researched. I believe that it would have been more interesting in narrative style rather than in-verse, as the poetry was not very moving and instead made the story-telling choppy.
December 3, 2022
What a shame that Ethel was executed for crimes she didn't commit. I am glad that her children are trying to set the record straight and get her name exonerated.
December 31, 2022
4.5/5 - so heartbreaking but so good.
August 15, 2023
Just one big WOW! If you believe in the Rosenberg's innocence or not, the point of the prose poetry is to let you see how the daughter of Jewish immigrants became the most hated person in the country in the 1950s. Thoughtful and clever, the afterwards and extras at the end are excellent bonuses. The photographs are powerful and perfectly added. Must read for ages 12 to adult. Though younger can do, some concepts and situations are not for the sensitize reader.
Read as reader copy.
Read as reader copy.
September 9, 2024
I left reading this knowing more about Ethel Rosenberg than I did before, but as the book was written in verse, I felt like I didn't understand all of the complexities or details of the case.
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