Molly's Pilgrim

Plot

From Publishers Weekly
A Russian immigrant girl adjusts to the American celebrations of Thanksgiving and birthdays, respectively. Ages 5-8; 6-10.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Gr 1-3-Molly, a young Russian Jewish immigrant, feels that she doesn't belong and will never belong in America. Her third grade classmates make fun of her accent, her dress, her customs and mock her with a sing-song rhyme, "Jol-ly Mol-ly, Your eyes are awf'ly small. Jol-ly Mol-ly, Your nose is awf'ly tall." With the help of a loving mother and the understanding of a sensitive teacher, Molly earns class recognition and, finally, happiness. Her clothespin Pilgrim doll resembles her Russian mother more than a traditional Pilgrim, for her mother is indeed a pilgrim who came to America for religious freedom. Christina Moore's dramatic reading intensifies the emotion and evokes the pathos of this moving narrative. Young listeners will sympathize and empathize with Molly and will gain a greater appreciation for all Pilgrims in America. This story will encourage dialogue and lively discussions on numerous topics: American values, tolerance, religious freedom, Thanksgiving traditions, Jewish customs and holidays. It will captivate an attentive audience every month of the year.