A Sky Full of Song, Susan Lynn Meyer (Book Review)

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Summary: A Sky Full of Song

It’s the year 1905, and Shoshana, her mother, and sisters have fled their home in Ukraine and moved to reunite with her father and older brother in North Dakota. There, the family lives in a prairie dugout and Shoshana and her big sister Libke start attending school. Soon, the girls–especially Shoshana–begin to experience prejudice because of their Jewish religion and culture. Shoshana is tempted to blend into the mostly Christian community around her, but is that the right path to acceptance? Her sister Libke certainly disagrees.

The Good

This was a well-done historical fiction book and, honestly, one of the earliest set ones I’ve ever read. I’ve only gotten more into the genre this year (before, I couldn’t even read books set further back than the 80s). I found all the details about prairie life fascinating and even spent some time researching dugouts.

Shoshana’s voice leaps off the pages, and it’s easy to understand her dilemma as to whether she should blend in or stand up for her values. I loved the relationship with Shoshana and Libke and the warmth their family cultivated despite the ups and downs of immigration.

The author also examines the prejudice that Shoshana and her family face for being different, practicing a different religion, and even just been poorer than some of their neighbors and classmates. Also importantly, Shoshana observes the prejudice against Native Americans at that time.

Overall: A Sky Full of Song

A Sky Full of Song is a moving, enlightening, and important middle grade book about immigration, prejudice, and life on the prairie. Featuring a smart 11-year-old protagonist, this one will appeal to younger middle grade readers who enjoy historical fiction. Kids will have so many questions about the day-to-day lives of Shoshana and her family. This will make a great book for classroom readalouds.