A new book by Karen Hesse is like a gourmet meal waiting to be devoured, and her Sydney Taylor Book Award winner, Brooklyn Bridge, is a banquet. It is everything I adore in a middle grade novel: family, history and hope.
Set in Brooklyn during 1903, the story features fourteen year old Joseph, the son of Russian immigrants, who finds his life turned upside down when his parents develop a little stuffed bear toy in honor of the president, Teddy Roosevelt.
Their home quickly becomes a factory as the teddy bear gains popularity. But Joseph resents his parents' success and his life working in the family business making the bears. He longs for the a chance to visit Coney Island, like all his friends have done, but also takes shots of jealousy from those friends, who think his life is golden.
We also hear the story of Brooklyn's Russian Jews, who helped many others reach America. And Ms. Hesse masterfully weaves into her tale a side story of the life of orphaned children who live at night under the Brooklyn Bridge.
This story works on so many levels for me. The close family community is supportive in a way that moves and touches me. The historic references are lush and fascinating. Joseph's journey from selfish kid to young man makes you want to cheer. When his parents make a surprising gift at a family wedding, Joseph has a day he'll never forget. A wonderful story. Read this book.
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