Bridge to America

by Linda Glaser

The year is 1920 and the setting is a shtetl, a small village in northern Poland, where Fivel and his family live in fear of the ruthless Cossacks and unpredictable pogroms. As he and his mother, brother, and sisters struggle to stay alive, nine-year-old Fivel is hungry, is cold, is a rascal, is goodhearted, longs for his father, and is afraid for their lives. Will the money from America ever come? Has their father forgotten about them, perhaps even found another family? When will the next horrific Cossack raid come?

Here is an absorbing, ultimately hopeful novel that creates an unforgettable portrait of a family, a time, and the bridging of two worlds.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Claire Binkley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A moving beach read, a Poland-to-America journey. In this one, the Polish-Jewish characters are clearly fearful of the Cossacks. The MC is one of these.

The boy Fivel narrates this tale. At the back, there's a brief Yiddish/English dictionary, nothing in comparison with the one my International Relations professor keeps in his office.

It does say on the cover and include pictures on the back to prove it is based on a true story.

My favourite part is when they emerge on the deck of the ship to look out at the ocean in Chapter 23. I like imagining that even better than when the family reaches Ellis Island a few chapters later, to be honest.
There is drama when they almost get sent back due to a medical difficulty, but it is minor and not enough to abort the tale.

Fivel says there is a clear shtetl and American look, which is comparatively "modern." He describes the New York home with awe.

I myself have gotten the comment "You look like you've just come off the boat!" while I was born down the road in a Pennsylvanian hospital - appearances are deceiving.
So many of the other sentiments in this book I have heard as well - e.g.: "We'll get there when we get there."
Actually reading this out closely for my review makes me like it better, for lines such as this:
"How could the same food be two such different things?"

The close friendship between Fival and Beryl is heart-warming. The ending with Pekka is almost to that level of "Awww!"

So this was an enjoyable look at a young boy's harrowing journey between a Polish shtetl and a Minnesotan elementary school.

Tsu reiss gezunterate! May you continue to have good health, the dictionary in the back says.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a great story!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical fiction about the immigrant experience.

[Kathleen Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Fival, a young Polish Jew who eventually made his way, with his family to America. They settled in Duluth, Minnesota. This is based on a true story.

[Lauren M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for young readers! Moving, powerful and quick paced.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid addition to my immigration unit collection! Bonus that it's based on an actual person's life.

[ReadingJungle.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Linda Glaser presents a beautiful and heartfelt portrait of the life of a member in her community that inspired her to share his story. By giving readers an in-depth look at the conditions of life for immigrants that made it to freedom in America, she presents key themes of cultural awareness and appreciation throughout this novel.
Read more on www.ReadingJungle.com or find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/ReadingJungle

[Makayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it was a beautiful but horrifying tale of the hardships many Jews faced during this time period. It was fascinating to hear a story from someone you lived through this. Fivel demonstrates the lives of so many who was physically and emotionally hurt. But the reuniting of Fivel's family really was the reward to a immigrant. It taught me a lesson; I need to embrace the new cultures brought to America each day! Read it!

[Dotty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am Fivel. My mother and siblings, we live in a hut. We have been waiting for Pa to send money from America so we can get away from the brutal Cossacks. Today the mail wagon brought a package. It is a framed photograph of Pa. Mama is angry. We can't eat a picture! But then I see something hidden in the frame. It is green. Maybe this is the money from Pa.

[Megan Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book my grandpa read it in one sitting,my grandma read it in one sitting, I final got it after I left it at their house then I read it, passed it to my mom her and I finished it in one sitting, then my brother who's not a big reader read it in one sitting and really enjoyed it. Love how it's based on a true story???

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true story of a Polish boy and his family who lived through pogroms and the Cossacks to be rewarded by immigrating to America. Fivel...later to become "Phil"...was a real boy whose father saved for seven years working as a rag seller in the Duluth, MN area to finally bring his family to America.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very poor Polish family waits to hear from the father who has emigrated to America. Stories from this Jewish shetl are warm, but also frightening when soldiers come to their town. Both sad and joyous, the description of life in a 1920's Polish town are unforgettable.

[BookOfLife]

Hear an interview about Bridge to America with author Linda Glaser and subject Phil Myzel on The Book of Life podcast's July 2006 episode at www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great historical fiction for boys. Lots of adventure.

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fair historical fiction. The story line was a little weak, but the concept and true circumstances were interesting.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT IS A CLASSIC NOVEL THAT IS REALLY A SAD STORY THAT HAS TO DO WITH WAR, IMMIGRATION, POVERTY AND MUCH MORE. SO IF YOU LIKE ALL THAT YOU SHOULD TRY THIS BOOK.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS BOOK LOOKS GOOD ALSO. THEY ALL DO!!!!!!!!
Has anyone else read it?

[Micchon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was NOT that bad for some old historical book! It really, to my surprise, was NOT that dull! It made a pretty good story I guess...

[Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!

[Dtroygb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridge to America was a wonderful story about the struggles and the life of this oy who had suffered for weeks and months. This is a good book for people who like suspense.

[Tolin]

Here is a hopeful novel that creates an unforgettable portrait of a family bridging of two different worlds. Great to use in a 5th grade or higher classroom when talking about immigration.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story but the book could have been written better

[Page Judge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, except i really didnt like how fifal became selfish

[Bryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Some parts were really enjoyable while some just dragged on.