The protagonist's name, Rifka, is the East European Jewish version of Rebecca (Rivká in Modern Israeli Hebrew).

[5][6][7] During the Russian Civil War of 1919, Rifka Nebrot and her family flee Russia because the country’s army is after one of her brothers, Nathan, for deserting his service duties.

Rifka tells her story in a series of letters she writes to a cousin named Tovah, who remains behind in Russia.

In Belgium, Jewish people are treated with kindness, and a caring doctor named Dr. Marinus helps Rifka recover from her illness.

Finally, the ship arrives at Ellis Island, but instead of getting to see her family, Rifka is prohibited from entering America because her ringworm has returned.

[13] Key lessons in the book stem from Rifka’s experiences dealing with oppression, including, for example, keeping written records.

[14] Hesse received the Sydney Taylor Book Award from the Association of Jewish Libraries in 1992 in the Middle Grade Category for Letters from Rifka.

"[15] Publishers Weekly wrote "Hesse's vivacious tale colorfully and convincingly refreshes the immigrant experience.