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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

36 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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Love it

Review by Jane59

This book is so interesting at first I thought it was it was gonna be boring, but then I started to read it and I couldn’t let go of it👍

Jun 15, 2026 07:59 PM
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Moving is hard

Review by SprReader

Over the four generations a family moves throughout time, and it is hard to move, you change and so do future generations. But, though you generally don't know if or when your family was certain places, it helps to think about it.

Jun 11, 2026 07:21 AM
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Review By katethegreat

Review by katethegreat

Amazing! As this book takes you through the lives of Benvenida, Reina, Alegra, and Paloma who are brave and beautiful girls, you will get sucked in this book. So make sure you have a lot of time ahead of you!

Jun 10, 2026 08:57 PM
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So goodddd

Review by VvCookieHehe

It looks boring like history at first but when you start it’s like 🤯🤯🤯🤯 like I mean AMAZING it is like the best page turner ever I would rate it 100 out of 100

Jun 10, 2026 07:43 PM
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A-perfecto!

Review by Fledwi

Stupendous! Magnificent!

Jun 09, 2026 07:57 PM