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Rivka's Way
Rivka has never been beyond the walls of Prague's Jewish quarter. One day she ventures outside . . and nothing will ever be the same.
* Sydney Taylor Book Awards, Notable Book 2001.
* Lilith Magazine's 5th Annual Selection of Books for Young Readers
* Included in Great Books for Girls, by Kathleen Odean (Random House)
"Kanefield weaves a suspenseful tale of friendship and love." Hadassah Magazine.
" Rivka's Way captures the curiosity, compassion, and determination of a young girl struggling to find her place in the world." From the Babaganews Study Guide
"The details of daily life are completely convincing, the foreign setting is made familiar, and Rivka's character rings true. A rewarding read for the romantically inclined." School Library Journal
"A simple but daring adventure." Voice of Youth Advocates
"This well-told tale will appeal to fans of both historical fiction and spunky female protagonists." Kliatt, Reviews of Selected Books
"When Rivka befriends a man who is unjustly thrown into debtor's jail with no recourse, she is faced with a hard decision, to risk leaving the ghetto again or to abandon this man to a grim fate. Her choice creates an uproar and deeply changes Rivka's view of her world." Lilith Magazine
"Readers will be pleased to find another character who shares Rivka's deep sense of justice." Booklist
TERI WON THE JANE ADDAMS PEACE ASSOCIATION 2015 CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD for a children's book that effectively promotes the cause of world peace and harmony between the races in the older reader's category for The Girl From The Tar Paper School.
* Sydney Taylor Book Awards, Notable Book 2001.
* Lilith Magazine's 5th Annual Selection of Books for Young Readers
* Included in Great Books for Girls, by Kathleen Odean (Random House)
"Kanefield weaves a suspenseful tale of friendship and love." Hadassah Magazine.
" Rivka's Way captures the curiosity, compassion, and determination of a young girl struggling to find her place in the world." From the Babaganews Study Guide
"The details of daily life are completely convincing, the foreign setting is made familiar, and Rivka's character rings true. A rewarding read for the romantically inclined." School Library Journal
"A simple but daring adventure." Voice of Youth Advocates
"This well-told tale will appeal to fans of both historical fiction and spunky female protagonists." Kliatt, Reviews of Selected Books
"When Rivka befriends a man who is unjustly thrown into debtor's jail with no recourse, she is faced with a hard decision, to risk leaving the ghetto again or to abandon this man to a grim fate. Her choice creates an uproar and deeply changes Rivka's view of her world." Lilith Magazine
"Readers will be pleased to find another character who shares Rivka's deep sense of justice." Booklist
TERI WON THE JANE ADDAMS PEACE ASSOCIATION 2015 CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD for a children's book that effectively promotes the cause of world peace and harmony between the races in the older reader's category for The Girl From The Tar Paper School.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2001
About the author
Teri Kanefield
38 books103 followersI started out teaching English at the college and university level while writing novels, short stories, and children’s books. Then I went to law school, dedicated my law practice to defending people who could not afford to pay, kept writing books, took a detour into writing legal analysis for The Washington Post and other mainstream media outlets, wrote more books, and here I am.
Along the way, my writing has earned numerous awards and honors, including the Jane Addams Book Award, the Orbis Pictus Honor, and the Carter G. Woodson Middle-Grade Level Book Award.
For more about me and my writing, please visit www.terikanefield.com
Along the way, my writing has earned numerous awards and honors, including the Jane Addams Book Award, the Orbis Pictus Honor, and the Carter G. Woodson Middle-Grade Level Book Award.
For more about me and my writing, please visit www.terikanefield.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 22, 2017
This was a nice middle-grade novel about a headstrong Jewish girl who lives in the walled-in Jewish quarter of Prague in 1778. Her upcoming arranged engagement is causing her to have nervous stomach aches. She has an older brother, Jacob, who has recently left to study in Poland to become a rabbi. Before he left, he told Rivka stories about the world outside the Jewish quarter that leave her wanting to go outside to see for herself. Rivka's father is a respected doctor who works to improve the conditions for Jews and sometimes travels outside the Jewish quarter briefly, but he does not stay out any longer than he has to because Jews are treated poorly outside their crowded, walled, enclave. Jews are required to wear a large yellow patch when they are outside the quarter.
Rivka gets her father to take her outside when he delivers some papers to the university in Prague, but she is disappointed that she cannot stop to see any sights so this trip does not satisfy her curiosity. She devises a plan to go out herself, dressed as a gentile boy so she can see some sights. A series of unexpected events lead her to take further risks and more excursions. She even meets and becomes friends with a German boy on the outside.
What happens next leads to some good exploration of themes of girl empowerment, independence, friendship, trust, obedience to parents, and more.
One comment about the Kindle version...it could use a good proof-reading! The very first sentence includes an improperly hyphenated bro-thers in the middle of a line (should be brothers and it is correct in hardbound and paperback versions). (The very first sentence...REALLY? You should be ashamed.) There were enough similar errors throughout the Kindle book that it was distracting. Publishers can and should do a better job when producing e-book versions.
Rivka gets her father to take her outside when he delivers some papers to the university in Prague, but she is disappointed that she cannot stop to see any sights so this trip does not satisfy her curiosity. She devises a plan to go out herself, dressed as a gentile boy so she can see some sights. A series of unexpected events lead her to take further risks and more excursions. She even meets and becomes friends with a German boy on the outside.
What happens next leads to some good exploration of themes of girl empowerment, independence, friendship, trust, obedience to parents, and more.
One comment about the Kindle version...it could use a good proof-reading! The very first sentence includes an improperly hyphenated bro-thers in the middle of a line (should be brothers and it is correct in hardbound and paperback versions). (The very first sentence...REALLY? You should be ashamed.) There were enough similar errors throughout the Kindle book that it was distracting. Publishers can and should do a better job when producing e-book versions.
April 29, 2013
What a cute, simple read. This did not take me long at all to finish. I read it in one sitting.
I went to the library (no surprise there; I practically live at the library), looking for something different to read. Something brand new and out of my normal go-to genre. Well, when I was browsing the shelves, I stumbled upon this book right here. What drew me in at first was the cover. It was beautifully illustrated and bright with an assortment of colors. So I picked it up, read the synopsis, and thought that this was the perfect book that I was looking for. It's about a girl who is tired of her everyday mundane life in eighteenth century Prague and goes out of the Jewish quarter she is living in, dressed as a Gentile boy, to seek adventure. That right there sounded interesting to me. I don't normally read books that have religious elements to them so I thought, "Why not give it a go?"
Teri Kanefield did a good job writing this book. She managed to write a simple story about a Jewish girl who wanted to see more in life than just her kitchen. Given how she wanted to educate people on the history of Jews, Kanefield kept her writing simple. No overly descriptive writing or long-winded explanations of what's happening. She kept it short and to the point and I think that it served the purpose of the book well. She had a story she wanted the reader to know and she was able to successfully tell that story without having to drag on and on about useless information. I think its length was a good thing. She could have probably extended the story in some places but it wasn't necessary. I love learning more about how life was for the Jews in ancient Prague. It was interesting learning about something I didn't know previously. It was truly fascinating.
Another aspect I enjoyed were the characters. Rivka was brave and rebellious. Given the time and place she was born in, it was very uncommon and downright disgraceful for a young girl to go out on her own, dressed as a boy. But she had the strength to do so! I really liked following her throughout her story. Mikul was another character I enjoyed. Rivka befriended him in one outing and it was because of him that she was able to see more of the world outside. I think it was a good thing that she met this boy and they became friends. There were a few characters that got under my skin. For example, Rivka's parents. Now, I can blame them. This is a different time. Children, especially girls, were expected to always listen to their parents without batting an eye... even if they were HORRIBLY wrong. Rivka had to prepare her life for it to suit her future husband and that was ALL her parents cared about. It drove someone like me, who is very free-spirited and doesn't think one should live their life in order to please a significant other, insane! Needless to say, I wasn't a fan of Rivka's parents. Neither was I a fan of Rivka's best friend, Friedl. She couldn't keep her mouth shut... that's all I'm saying because I am walking in spoiler territory here. Just know she got under my skin at times.
In short, this is a pretty good book. I felt that there was a little something extra missing. For example, towards the end of the book.it felt like the story just... stops. I was expecting a bit of a well-rounded ending but... I didn't get that. And a few of the characters got under my skin but for the majority of the story, I was really enjoying the read. If books about religion don't easily offend you, then you should try reading this book. It doesn't shove the religious aspects down your throat, which is something I appreciate because I am not an overly religious person myself. If you are curious, give it a try. You might learn a thing or two.
I went to the library (no surprise there; I practically live at the library), looking for something different to read. Something brand new and out of my normal go-to genre. Well, when I was browsing the shelves, I stumbled upon this book right here. What drew me in at first was the cover. It was beautifully illustrated and bright with an assortment of colors. So I picked it up, read the synopsis, and thought that this was the perfect book that I was looking for. It's about a girl who is tired of her everyday mundane life in eighteenth century Prague and goes out of the Jewish quarter she is living in, dressed as a Gentile boy, to seek adventure. That right there sounded interesting to me. I don't normally read books that have religious elements to them so I thought, "Why not give it a go?"
Teri Kanefield did a good job writing this book. She managed to write a simple story about a Jewish girl who wanted to see more in life than just her kitchen. Given how she wanted to educate people on the history of Jews, Kanefield kept her writing simple. No overly descriptive writing or long-winded explanations of what's happening. She kept it short and to the point and I think that it served the purpose of the book well. She had a story she wanted the reader to know and she was able to successfully tell that story without having to drag on and on about useless information. I think its length was a good thing. She could have probably extended the story in some places but it wasn't necessary. I love learning more about how life was for the Jews in ancient Prague. It was interesting learning about something I didn't know previously. It was truly fascinating.
Another aspect I enjoyed were the characters. Rivka was brave and rebellious. Given the time and place she was born in, it was very uncommon and downright disgraceful for a young girl to go out on her own, dressed as a boy. But she had the strength to do so! I really liked following her throughout her story. Mikul was another character I enjoyed. Rivka befriended him in one outing and it was because of him that she was able to see more of the world outside. I think it was a good thing that she met this boy and they became friends. There were a few characters that got under my skin. For example, Rivka's parents. Now, I can blame them. This is a different time. Children, especially girls, were expected to always listen to their parents without batting an eye... even if they were HORRIBLY wrong. Rivka had to prepare her life for it to suit her future husband and that was ALL her parents cared about. It drove someone like me, who is very free-spirited and doesn't think one should live their life in order to please a significant other, insane! Needless to say, I wasn't a fan of Rivka's parents. Neither was I a fan of Rivka's best friend, Friedl. She couldn't keep her mouth shut... that's all I'm saying because I am walking in spoiler territory here. Just know she got under my skin at times.
In short, this is a pretty good book. I felt that there was a little something extra missing. For example, towards the end of the book.it felt like the story just... stops. I was expecting a bit of a well-rounded ending but... I didn't get that. And a few of the characters got under my skin but for the majority of the story, I was really enjoying the read. If books about religion don't easily offend you, then you should try reading this book. It doesn't shove the religious aspects down your throat, which is something I appreciate because I am not an overly religious person myself. If you are curious, give it a try. You might learn a thing or two.
Read
July 25, 20112003- Before this book, I never knew about the Jewish ghetto in Prague, where Jews lived for hundreds of years, barely making much contact with the outside world, and when they did, facing great discrimination along the way. Rivka, the main character, is considered to be part of the upper class in the ghetto. Her father is a doctor, and she is set to marry a man who everyone loves- except her, for she doesn't even know him. After seeing a bit of the outer world of the ghetto on an errand with her father, she decides she must go again...but this time she'll go as a Gentile boy. However, the outside is so tempting, and Rivka finds herself drawn out again and again. She just can't get caught.
January 7, 2015
I was really excited to read this. I even went out and bought it because the library didn't have a copy and it was....ok.
I liked the ending a lot. I was relieved the direction I thought it was going in wasn't the reality.
However, I just never felt pulled into the book. There are some beautiful desriptions and some stand out moments. But nothing ever felt that dire. If it was that kind of book fine, but I think it wanted it to be more intense than it was. It was very informative and I liked hearing a story from a perspective I haven't seen that much.
Overall, I think it is a solid read, but I don't know why I wasn't drawn in. Maybe my expectations were too high....
I liked the ending a lot. I was relieved the direction I thought it was going in wasn't the reality.
However, I just never felt pulled into the book. There are some beautiful desriptions and some stand out moments. But nothing ever felt that dire. If it was that kind of book fine, but I think it wanted it to be more intense than it was. It was very informative and I liked hearing a story from a perspective I haven't seen that much.
Overall, I think it is a solid read, but I don't know why I wasn't drawn in. Maybe my expectations were too high....
January 9, 2016
I thought it had a rather abrupt end. I wished there was more detail about the time between the adventure and the ending.
June 12, 2017
Learning about the world through literature is why many of us read. As a child, I learned about far away places and times through book after book. Rivka’s Way is a book I would have read so many times it fell apart. I would have read to learn about a way of life so differently, and yet so restrictive. Teri Kanefield writes of an orthodox Jewish girl, age 15, in Prague’s Jewish quarter, a girl who only wants to see the outside world. A world of sights she can only image stands just beyond the walls that enclose her home. A bit further on are mountains, hills, trees, and . . . . Come journey with Rivka as she learns about a world so close and yet so distant from her own. You won’t regret buying or reading Rivka’s Way.
August 29, 2017
Ricks is a 15 year old girl living in the Jewish ghetto in Prague. She longs to see the world beyond the ghetto walls. She finally gets to leave and becomes entangled in drama that may jeopardize her future, safety, and her family's reputation.
October 12, 2016
Rivka’s Way by Teri Kanefield
Available from Armon Books, reissued in 2011.
What a beautiful, magnificent story.
By beautiful, I mean well written with a flowing storyline that captures readers—especially those interested in the coming of age tales of young women in historic time periods.
And magnificent doesn’t mean what reviewers usually mean, that it’s full of action stuffed in there just for action’s sake. No, Rivka’s Way is magnificent for all the right reasons to call a book magnificent…because it moves you as a reader, because it takes you into a new world and a new time, because it conveys the world of the protagonists in a manner that creates emotional connections.
The story takes place in Prague in 1778. This is the Jewish quarter, a walled enclave. The wall both protects the community from those who would destroy it and separates members who wish to know about the wider world, the one where change is sweeping through at an ever faster rate.
When Rivka finds the daring to dress as a gentile boy and explore that world, her heart is drawn to many things. The city, its vibrant life, a gentile she meets…and the particular beauty of her own small home world.
This is a story that you won’t easily forget. I would love to see more from this author, and I’ll bet that you’ll agree after reading only a few chapters.
I received a free copy through Goodreads for review.
5 stars!
If you love beautiful and engaging prose, check out The Family Made of Dust: A Novel of Loss and Rebirth in the Australian Outback.
To learn more about the shocking lack of diversity in literature and what you can do about it, check out Writing While Female or Black or Gay: Diverse Voices in Publishing.
Available from Armon Books, reissued in 2011.
What a beautiful, magnificent story.
By beautiful, I mean well written with a flowing storyline that captures readers—especially those interested in the coming of age tales of young women in historic time periods.
And magnificent doesn’t mean what reviewers usually mean, that it’s full of action stuffed in there just for action’s sake. No, Rivka’s Way is magnificent for all the right reasons to call a book magnificent…because it moves you as a reader, because it takes you into a new world and a new time, because it conveys the world of the protagonists in a manner that creates emotional connections.
The story takes place in Prague in 1778. This is the Jewish quarter, a walled enclave. The wall both protects the community from those who would destroy it and separates members who wish to know about the wider world, the one where change is sweeping through at an ever faster rate.
When Rivka finds the daring to dress as a gentile boy and explore that world, her heart is drawn to many things. The city, its vibrant life, a gentile she meets…and the particular beauty of her own small home world.
This is a story that you won’t easily forget. I would love to see more from this author, and I’ll bet that you’ll agree after reading only a few chapters.
I received a free copy through Goodreads for review.
5 stars!
If you love beautiful and engaging prose, check out The Family Made of Dust: A Novel of Loss and Rebirth in the Australian Outback.
To learn more about the shocking lack of diversity in literature and what you can do about it, check out Writing While Female or Black or Gay: Diverse Voices in Publishing.
January 6, 2015
If you love historical fiction as much as I do then this is the book for you. Rivka is a fifteen year old girl who lives in the Jewish ghetto of Prague. The time period is the late 1800's. Unlike many of the other Jews in the ghetto, her family has it much better. You may be wondering why. Her father is a doctor and there for is considere upper class in the ghetto.
Rivka is best friends with her brother Jakob. She has grown up listening to his stories about the outside world. He has left Prague to go to school to become a Rabbi. Her mother just wants her to put foolish notions and stories away and prepare for her arranged engagement. I loved the fact that Rivka wanted to plant trees and other plants so much that she created a garden on the rooftop of her building. Having a garden isn't enough for her. She wants so much to see what is outside the ghetto that she dresses in boys clothing and travels around as a gentile boy. I loved her spunk. I am not sure, given the time period that I would have had as much courage as she had to do this. I would want the freedom, but I'm not sure I could pull it off.
This is a must read for all historical fiction buffs out there. You won't regret this one. Since this is considered a middle grade book I'll let you in on a secret. I'm not a middle grade kid and I loved it. This is a book to be loved by all ages.
I received a copy to facilitate my review, the opinions expressed heere are my own.
Rivka is best friends with her brother Jakob. She has grown up listening to his stories about the outside world. He has left Prague to go to school to become a Rabbi. Her mother just wants her to put foolish notions and stories away and prepare for her arranged engagement. I loved the fact that Rivka wanted to plant trees and other plants so much that she created a garden on the rooftop of her building. Having a garden isn't enough for her. She wants so much to see what is outside the ghetto that she dresses in boys clothing and travels around as a gentile boy. I loved her spunk. I am not sure, given the time period that I would have had as much courage as she had to do this. I would want the freedom, but I'm not sure I could pull it off.
This is a must read for all historical fiction buffs out there. You won't regret this one. Since this is considered a middle grade book I'll let you in on a secret. I'm not a middle grade kid and I loved it. This is a book to be loved by all ages.
I received a copy to facilitate my review, the opinions expressed heere are my own.
April 1, 2015
This book was an amazing story I was on the edge of my seat every time Rivka went aroaming. My thanks to the author Teri Kanefield for the pleasure of reading this wonderful story it truly was a pleasure to read the full book this time so thank you Teri for allowing me this privilege. This wonderful book I would be delighted to recommend this book to my friends. With that said happy reading to all from wee me. xxxxxxxxxThis was only the first part but what I read was very good and I would like to read the rest of the book. Well this part of the story was well thought out I hope to read more of Rivka's adventures so yes I would be delighted to recommend this book to my friends keep smiling.
May 15, 2015
This was a very easy read, but at times I found it to be a bit boring. I was very impressed with the subtle way Ms Kanefield dealt with the inferiority of women. A woman could not look a man in the eye, she could not talk with a man before marriage and all marriages were arranged. It's no wonder that when Rivka snuck out of the Jewish quarter dressed in a boys clothing she felt powerful. And that feeling of power and freedom caused her to sneak out again and again.
All in all this is a great read for young children. I received this book free from the author in exchange for an impartial review.
All in all this is a great read for young children. I received this book free from the author in exchange for an impartial review.
January 11, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. And I honestly enjoyed it very much. I was pulled right in to the story and the details were so rich that I had no trouble imagining the events. I also enjoyed learning a bit more about a part of history I knew little about. The story wrapped up a little abruptly... but them again, maybe that's only because I wanted it to go on so I keep keep reading about the characters' lives. I will definitely be sharing this one with my children.
March 23, 2016
What a tantalizing and great story of Rivka's life!
I sure did enjoy this sweet and courageous Jew girl's life story.
So, I would really wish to recommend this for five stars and especially for girls ages 7-12. I received this ebook for free and in return, here now is my honest review. Super job Teri!
By Angela
I sure did enjoy this sweet and courageous Jew girl's life story.
So, I would really wish to recommend this for five stars and especially for girls ages 7-12. I received this ebook for free and in return, here now is my honest review. Super job Teri!
By Angela
January 10, 2021
This was a First Read Good Reads giveaway book, am so glad I was chosen to read this.
4 star
4 star
July 16, 2017
This is a gentle story of life for the Jews in the Prague ghetto in 18th century. It is a touching story, nicely written but not very exciting.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews