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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

17 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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Across So Many Seas

Review by HadassahR

this book was amazing in almost every single way possible. it had different people, different time zones, and even different customs. yet they are in the same family. I totally recommend this book to all

Jun 01, 2026 04:51 PM
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good

Review by sjt111

This book was surprisingly good

Jun 01, 2026 02:24 PM
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Las Llaves de España" ("The Keys of Spain")

Review by SEFARDITA2025

This book is excellent. The way the author brings the 1492 expulsion and Sephardic customs to life is amazing. I felt as if I were walking through the streets of Toledo myself. The details about the "Las Llaves de España" ("The Keys of Spain"—the keys to our homes in Toledo, Alhambra, and many other places) are deeply rooted in the traditions of our families. I actually think this is the best book I have received from PJ Library. I only wish that, from time to time, they would also provide more books about Sephardic heritage in Spanish and perhaps include some Ladino as well. Most of my Sephardic friends and synagogue members do not speak English. May ElDio bless you (Baruch Hashem).!!

Jun 01, 2026 01:32 PM
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So good!

Review by 33ord

It is so cool how in this book you can see multiple generations' stories!

Jun 01, 2026 01:32 PM
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AMAZING!!!

Review by Lilbill

I loved this book so much that I even changed it for the book that I was supposed to do a presentation about! I think this book is for everyone that wants to know more about the past of jews and likes stories from different times in one big book! 100% would recommend!

May 25, 2026 09:02 AM