"The short chapters keep the pace fast and hold young readers’ attention... A great story on its own or to add to the series, the book will be an asset to both school and synagogue libraries."
AJL Reviews
"In this timely tale, Rona Arato fuses the stories of real-life passengers with fictitious characters to create the fear, strength, and determination of refugees already devastated by war yet continuing to fight for freedom... This book is an excellent starting point for discussions regarding the Holocaust, racism, and refugees; topics which are, sadly, still in the headlines today."
Historical Novels Review
"Arato's prose is never heavy-handed, nor does it gloss over the lack of food, sanitation, or space available to those on the ship. She deftly allows well-documented events to tell the story. The photos and author's notes enhance the historical perspective.... A solid purchase for school libraries. Hand this book to intelligent young tweens in need of informational texts that dig deep and provide valuable connections to the current refugee crisis."
School Library Journal
"...a powerful and engaging tale, a story we should never forget."
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
... an excellent book with a compelling story for children ages 9-14. It is highly recommended both for its reliable information and for the engaging way that the information is presented.
Jewish Book Council
