Bridge to America is based on the early life of a real person, Fivel, a Jewish immigrant who grew up in a shtetl, a small village, in Poland in the early 1900s. Although the book is fictionalized, most of the people and events are real. Fivel and his family were extremely poor, often hungry, and in fear of the Cossacks raiding their village. Fivel hoped and dreamed that his pa would send money from America for his family’s passage. His family might well have starved were it not for a kind baker, Beryl. They might have been killed were it not for a brave neighbor, Ana. The author felt compelled to share the story of real-life heroes who will never be found in history books.
THEN, SHARE YOUR THINKING, WONDERINGS, AND NOTICINGS. WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE?
I think that Fivel and his family should come to America, not just him, because then, his family would lose his companion and he will be lonely. However, the importance of him to leave is that in 1939, Germany will invade Poland, and they will be send to concentration camps.
I think that Ma hid the paper and did not throw it out because this book is about immigration and I think that Fivel will immigrate to America with the man. I’m wondering why Beryl lets everybody in the town keep their soup in his oven is it because he sometimes gets things in return like food or because he’s just a really kind person.
I think that the man wants to take Fivel to America. I also think ma kept the note and did not throw it out.
I wonder why Beryl gives everyone his food. I can tell that he is an optimist. I also wonder why The man has to take Fivel in general. Like if he were to take someone why Fivel?
I think that Fivel is going to have to go away with that man. And the he will run away and he will go on a journey to return home to his family. I think Ma hid the paper. Also I think Beryl is going to play a big role in the story
I don’t think that ma burned the paper or threw it out because ma may think that the man will help them get to America. I think that the man lets them keep the soup in his oven because he is a kind person and he also sometimes gets something in return. I am wondering if ma is thankful for the man that came or frightened.
I think that maybe Ma had another child before because she said that she already has one less child to feed. I’m thinking that Beryl wants to help people in town, since he seemed so happy doing it and it didn’t look like he was forced to help. I am thinking that Fivel will either go to America with his father or if he will live with the man, since this is a book about immigration. It might depend on whether or not Ma through away the paper the man gave her because he said it will help her.
i think that when ma said she already lost a child she was talking about pa and how he went to america. and that she didn’t throw out the address that the man gave her. i also think that when they were talking about what they would do without beryl i think that is suggesting that something might happen to him and i think that is when the mom will reconsider what that man said to her.
I think that Ma did not throw away the paper. I think so because I have a feeling that the man wants to take Fivel to America. Beryl is a very kind person and without him a lot of familes would not have enough food.
Like mostly everyone here, I think Ma had another child and they died because of something anti semitic. And about the paper, I think Ma hid it, away from everyone and is trying to decipher it. Also I think Fivel will get asked if he wants to leave and go with the rich man, I think he’ll say yes and hope his family is better without an extra mouth to feed.
I think that the man knows pa and is trying to bring fivel to America so fivel can live with pa.
I think that the man will take Fivel, but I am still trying to figure out where. It could be America.
I’m thinking that Ma had another child before the story took place because she said “I have already lost a child.” I’m wondering how this kid died and what happened. Also, I’m thinking the man who wanted to take Fivel was actually trying to protect him, not steal him. Okay, yes, steal him, but for a good cause.
I think that Ma had a kid that died or was taken and the rich man somehow played a part in it. I also think that Ma hid the paper so the kids would think she got rid of it and she is thinking about Fivel with the rich man for his own good.
I think they should move to America when they have enough money because they will have a better life there
I have a strong feeling that the man will take Fivel to America. I also think that ma didn’t throw out the paper, I think that she hid it. On top if that I think Beryl is going to play a big role through out the story.