Soon, Annala

by Riki Levinson, Riki Levinson

While eagerly awaiting the arrival of her two younger brothers from the old country, Anna tries to speak more English and less Yiddish

Library Binding

First published September 1, 1993

Reviews

[Lydia Johns]

From the front cover to the last page, this book's illustrations are so charming. Overall, it's a great story of an immigrant family overcoming struggles associated with the issue. This Polish family is split up, and is reunited in this book. Annala's father and mother kept telling her "Soon, Annala", hence the title. One thing I liked is that the author included some Yiddish words within the text. I think this book could be very encouraging to immigrants coming to America or those who learning English as a second language.

[Kelsie Hutton]

I enjoyed this book. I am not sure if children would enjoy the story about Annala and what she experiences because of coming to America. I think that this concept might be too much for a child to understand, but good to know for historical reasons. This story is sad because her whole family can not come with her at first. This book did well for it's purpose but I do not think it would be a child's favorite.

[Jill Leininger]

Annala can’t wait to see her brothers and sisters who were coming to NYC. She is so excited and can hardly wait. She can’t wait to tell them about everything she knows about America she even is speaking English. The pictures in this book really help tell the story. There is so much detail in each photo.

[Janine Darragh]

Annala is navigating her new life in New York and waiting for the rest of her family to arrive from Poland. A sweet book with some beautiful illustrations.

[Rachel Moulton]

Soon, Annala is about a young girl who comes from Poland to America with her family. However, not her whole family is able to come with her. Annala struggles with the English words at school because her family speaks Yiddish at home. Also, she is very sad and has a hard time dealing with the fact that her whole family is not with her in America. She longs for them to come join her in the new country. Annala has a difficult time adjusting to her new life and becoming a Polish American. Will her family ever make it to America? Will Annala ever feel comfortable with English in school? Read to find out!

[Bat713]

Another beautiful picture book on immigration

Second reading - the story has lost some of its charm. Still wonderful illustrations. **

[Michelle Speca]

Summary: Annala is an immigrant from Poland. She comes to America with her mom, dad, and one sibling. She is waiting for the arrival of her two brothers. After learning English, once her brothers come to America, Annala teaches them how to speak English too.

Reflection: I enjoyed reading this book because it shows how difficult it was for people to sacrifice their lives and family to come to a better country to have a better life. I think that it is a great book to show students how others can learn new languages also.

Connection: This book can be compared to the children's novel, Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan.

Quote: "In English...one, two, three."