Book Description
for Anna & Solomon by Elaine Snyder and Harry Bliss
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
A charming true story about how the author’s grandparents came to the United States from Russia. Anna and Solomon married in 1897. When the Czar’s soldier’s march on the Jewish quarter of their town, Anna makes a plan: Solomon will go to America, find work, and earn enough money to send for her. She will work in the market at home while she waits. All goes well, and finally the day comes when Solomon is eagerly watching for Anna among the new arrivals in New York, only to discover she’s sent her younger brother in her place. The second time Solomon is waiting, Anna has sent her older brother. Then her mother arrives instead of Anna. Finally, the day comes when it is really, truly Anna. Elaine Snyder shares more about Anna and Solomon, including several photographs, in an author’s note in which she states their story has become family legend. Harry Bliss’s cartoonlike illustrations reflect the bright optimism, spirit of generosity, and occasional moments of whimsy of the story. (Ages 5–8)
CCBC Choices 2015. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2015. Used with permission.