Sparks Fly Upward

by Carol Matas

Family means everything to 12-year-old Rebecca Bernstein. Even after a fire destroys their farm and the family must relocate to the bustling city of Winnipeg, Rebecca feels safe and happy as long as everyone is together. But life is hard in the city, and Papa cannot find work. Rebecca’s greatest fears are realized when she is sent into foster care until Papa can earn more money. She is terrified to discover that she’ll be living with a Ukrainian family—Jews and Ukrainians were archenemies in the old country. What if the Kostianuks hate her?
Rebecca discovers an unexpected soulmate in Sophie, the Kostianuks’ daughter. Normally shy, Rebecca soon finds herself battling prejudice both in the schoolyard and at home in order to protect the forbidden friendship. Fighting anti-Semitism, Rebecca comes to appreciate what faith means to her and learns some important truths about her parents’ personal and spiritual sacrifices.

Genres: Historical Fiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2002

Reviews

[Kellyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rebecca Bernstein lives with her very large extended family on a farm in Saskatchewan. One evening while the family was in town their house burned to the ground. Having lost everything, the family moves to the city of Winnipeg. Soon after moving there is not enough space or food for all 21 people so Rebecca, her brother and sister are placed in foster care. Sadly Rebecca is separated from her siblings and sent to an Ukrainian family. Rebecca slowly adjusts to being away from her family and living with the Kostianuks.

Rebecca and her family experience many challenges and hardships as Eastern European immigrants. Their story also illustrates the prejudices experienced by Orthodox Jews.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 4-7 175pgs

1910 Saskatchewan and Winnipeg Canada.

12 year old Rebecca Bernstein loves living with her huge extended family. When the farm they live on burns down, the family is forced to move to the city. For the first time since emigrating together from Russia, the family must separate. Even on their own, Rebecca discovers that her parents don't have enough money to feed her and her siblings. Rebecca is sent to live with strangers. What if they don't like her?

Great story!

[Chloe Liichow · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book'' Sparks Fly Upward'', Rebecca Bernstein, figures out the things in life all have a reason and some things are not so bad if you just believe. I thought this book was the best book I've ever read. I started to look at the title before I read the book, I thought this would be a boring book but when I started reading I enjoyed it so much. I love the parts when Rebecca thinks of ways to make life work out. So readers, if you want a good book, I suggest this book.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the story. The theme of the book was basically trying to discern whether God controls everything or if we choose our own fate. It concluded that the latter was true.