Dear Emma

A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing a significant life transition, such as moving to a new neighborhood or navigating the distance of a best friend who has moved away. Set in the early 1900s, this story follows Dini, a young Jewish girl on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, as she maintains a correspondence with her friend Emma. Through their letters, the book explores how we hold onto our identity while adapting to new surroundings and family responsibilities. This historical novel is a gentle but realistic depiction of the immigrant experience, focusing on themes of resilience, friendship, and the quiet courage of growing up. It is perfectly suited for children aged 8 to 12 who are beginning to understand that life is often a mix of joy and hardship. Parents will appreciate how it models healthy communication and emotional processing through the art of letter writing, making it a wonderful tool for discussing heritage and the value of staying connected to one's roots.