Ice Cream Town

In 1920, following their mother’s death, 10-year-old Sammy Levin and his older sister Malka sail to New York City from Poland. They reunite with the father Sammy barely remembers and move into a tenement on the Lower East Side. While the Jewish immigrant community is busy and lively, Sammy’s excitement about living in America is dampened by peer pressure from a local gang, antisemitism, and frequent prejudice against immigrants. In addition, he and Malka must balance their new lives with Papa’s insistence on holding tight to their Jewish traditions. Relatable characters, vivid details and suspense, and Sammy’s discovery of his inner strength and bravery make this an engaging historical novel.