A poignant multicultural ode to family and what it means to create a home as one girl helps her Ta move away from her beloved Miami apartment.
When Estrella’s Ta Fortuna has to say goodbye to her longtime Miami apartment building, The Seaway, to move to an assisted living community, Estrella spends the day with her. Ta explains the significance of her most important possessions from both her Cuban and Jewish culture, as they learn to say goodbye together and explore a new beginning for Ta.
A lyrical book about tradition, culture, and togetherness, Ta Fortuna’s New Home explores Ta and Estrella’s Sephardic Jewish and Cuban heritage. Through Ta’s journey, Estrella will learn that as long as you have your family, home is truly where the heart is.
**Discover the heartwarming tale of family, tradition, and new beginnings in *Ta Fortuna's New Home: A Jewish Cuban Journey* by award-winning author Ruth Behar.** This poignant picture book, published by Knopf Books for Young Readers in 2022, invites young readers and their families on an emotional journey alongside Estrella as she helps her beloved Ta Fortuna transition from her cherished Miami apartment, The Seaway, to a new assisted living community. More than just a move, this story beautifully explores the rich tapestry of Ta Fortuna's life, woven from her Sephardic Jewish and Cuban heritage. As Estrella assists her Ta in packing and reminiscing, Ta Fortuna lovingly shares the significance of her treasured possessions each one a tangible link to her past, her culture, and her identity. From cherished family heirlooms to objects representing her Cuban roots and Jewish traditions, each item tells a story, connecting Estrella to her family's history and strengthening their bond. *Ta Fortuna's New Home* is a celebration of intergenerational love and the enduring power of family. Ruth Behar masterfully crafts a narrative that delicately handles the sensitive topic of aging and change, offering a gentle and comforting perspective for young children facing similar experiences. The story emphasizes that while physical spaces may change, the essence of "home" resides in the love, memories, and traditions we carry within us. It is a beautiful reminder that as long as family is present, home is truly where the heart is. This beautifully illustrated hardcover book with 32 pages is a perfect read-aloud for families eager to explore themes of cultural identity, adaptation, and the importance of cherishing family connections. Ruth Behar, known for her insightful and culturally sensitive works, brings her expertise to this heartwarming story, creating a book that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds. "Ta Fortuna's New Home" is an invitation to celebrate diversity, embrace change, and appreciate the unwavering love that binds families together. Ideal for children interested in family life, multicultural stories, and understanding the beauty of cultural traditions. Ruth Behar is not only a children's book writer, but also a Cuban-American anthropologist and essayist. Her unique background adds great depths to the story. Many reviewers have praised the book's ability to tenderly explore complex themes in an accessible and comforting way for children.