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Meet talented Benvenida who lives in Spain, fun-loving Reina from Turkey, brave Alegra forced to flee Cuba and musical Paloma, growing up in Miami. Their lives span several centuries, but they have more in common than you can possibly imagine. 
Ages 10+
Pages 272
Publisher Penguin Random House
Last Offered Apr 2026
Awards
Newbery Honor Title
Sydney Taylor Honor Award

Average Rating

10 Reviews

Featured Reviews

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Review by Elana

Benvenida, a Spanish Jew who gets exiled from her own country; Reina, a girl living in Turkey who wants to be free; Alegra, a young girl in Cuba during its “revolution;” and Paloma, a girl from Miami who wants to learn about her roots, are all relatives from different countries, time periods, and lifestyles. They are connected more than you might realize. Their stories are heartfelt and suspenseful! They make the past seem in reach, and I learned a lot about different cultures, history, and Jewish life from across time and around the world. If you want to find out more about these four girls and the unique challenges they face, you might like to read the incredible book Across So Many Seas.

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Review by Sarah

Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar has to be one of the most intriguing novels I’ve ever read. I really love how the story is told from four different perspectives. It’s really unique how the main characters face issues that are relatable today. The ending had to be the best part for me, the way it all came together. Overall I think this was a great book and I really recommend this.

Reader Reviews

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Noice

Review by KHC132

This book was v. good, really ❤️d it, 100% recommend it.

Apr 18, 2026 04:10 PM
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Great Book!

Review by izzybusy

Detailed, Historic, got as a birthday gift. Love it! Also there are lots of cliffhangers, but I like them. Some parts get kinda boring, but not many and I don't think many of you will mind this.

Apr 07, 2026 08:26 PM
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AMAZING!!!!!

Review by TRR

I love how it goes through multiple generations of Jewish girls when they are 12. It’s one of my favorite books!😀

Apr 07, 2026 06:03 PM
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GOOD BBOOK

Review by billieeilish

GOOD BOOK

Apr 07, 2026 08:08 AM
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across so many seas

Review by MiriReads

i loved this book because it showed lots of different places that the girls were from. i even got to meet Ruth Behar (the author)!

Apr 06, 2026 09:46 PM