Across So Many Seas
on Goodreads (1,256)
What’s inside...
Spanning five centuries and four countries, Across So Many Seas follows the interconnected stories of four Sephardic Jewish girls—Esther in 1492 Spain, Reyna in 1923 Istanbul, Alegra in 1961 Havana, and Paloma in 2003 Miami. Each girl confronts the challenges of her era—religious expulsion, rising nationalism, revolutionary upheaval, and questions of modern identity—while holding on to family, faith, and a treasured Ladino lullaby passed from mother to daughter. Their linked journeys illuminate themes of migration, resilience, and belonging, ultimately converging in a hopeful celebration of heritage and self-discovery.
Age
10-13
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Benvenida Alevi
Paloma Alevi
Alejandra “Ale” Alevi
Rebecca “Beki” Alevi
Discussion points
How does each girl stay connected to her roots?
What role does the lullaby play in their survival?
Why do families sometimes leave homes they love?
Which era felt most challenging to you, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a family tree together after reading.
Listen to Ladino music to enrich cultural context.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of displacement
Explanation: Each girl rebuilds life after forced migration.
Real-World Application: Students can draw strength when facing change, like moving schools.
Example Lesson: Value of preserving cultural traditions
Explanation: The lullaby and Ladino phrases connect generations.
Real-World Application: Children may interview relatives about family customs.
Example Lesson: Empathy toward refugees and newcomers
Explanation: Readers witness hardships of exile across eras.
Real-World Application: Encourages welcoming new classmates from different backgrounds.