The Dream Jar

by Bonnie Pryor, Mark Graham (Illustrator)

After emigrating to America, each member of a Russian family works hard to contribute to the family's dream of someday owning and running a store

Genres: Historical Fiction, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Jaden Burdick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book is very good and well written. It is a great story line, but I do not not think a 5 year old would sit through this. Ot is very boring and should be read to older groups, but even them this book is pretty boring.... It is about a family who moved from Russia to America, and they obviously didn't have very much. They talked about how the dad would always sing, but after moving to America it stopped. Then to boost morale for them they catered a dream jar where they would put money in for the big dream.

[Bvlmc Buchanan Verplanck Elementary School · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a Russian immigrant family living in the tenements of New York City and working and saving towards their dream of opening a “supermarket”. As a young girl watches her father work so hard to save money only to find himself out of work in winter as construction projects slow, her mother doing piece work sewing clothing, and her brother dropping out of school to work in a bakery and make deliveries, she resolves to contribute money to the dream jar also. However, her parents say she is too young and must stay in school. Then one day, a neighbor asks Valentina to read a letter addressed to her in English. By helping her neighbor, Valentina discovers a way to earn money by teaching her neighbors how to read and write English at night in apartment and contribute money to her family’s dream jar.

[Julie Slayton]

This is a great book for younger elementary students. It is a book about a young Russian girl that emigrates to the USA. It is about her family working hard to meet their dream of running and owning a store. I would use this in the classroom with the themes of history, working hard pays off, and that whatever you put your mind to it can be achieved.

[Stacy Tippens · Rating 2 out of 5]

My husband calls this the Russian Poverty book. It was about a family working together to save up for their dream of owning a Convenience store in Russia. It had good themes, but wasn't a fun kids book.

[Leigh Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of having and working toward a dream. Read on StarWalk Kids PopUp Library.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mom rates 4 stars, Ellie and Jacob 3 stars.