Out of Many Waters

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Kidnapped from her parents during the Portuguese Inquisition, 12-year old Isobel BenLazar was sent to work as a slave at a remote Brazilian monastery. In 1654, Isobel escapes and stows away on a ship bound for Amsterdam, searching for her family. But harrowing adventures lead her to the first group of Jews to settle in America. "Weaves history, drama and narrative into an arresting story." -New York Times Book Review "An uplifting story built upon twin themes long common to Jewish thought-hope and deliverance." -Kirkus Reviews Sydney Taylor Honor Book New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age

Community Reviews

Rating(4.3 / 5.0, 43 votes)
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43 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Really 4.5 stars.

The book is far better than my initial expectations. In the first chapter, it progresses at a somewhat sluggish pace. However, shortly after that, the tempo accelerates rapidly. This particular book was among the very first historical fiction titles that my daughter delved into, and she took great delight in it. In fact, it was so captivating that it was difficult for her to set it aside.

She became completely engrossed in the story, losing track of time as she turned the pages. The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters made the historical setting come alive in her mind.

Overall, this book has proven to be a wonderful choice for both my daughter and myself. It not only provides an entertaining read but also offers valuable insights into a bygone era. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in historical fiction.
July 15,2025
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This book was one of my daughter's school books for the year.

We read it together, and I'm truly glad that we did.

It presents a great story about the difficult situation of the Jews during the Spanish Inquisition.

The focus is on those who ultimately managed to make their way to New Amsterdam (now known as New York) in America.

The entire story is told from the perspective of an 11-year-old Jewish girl who has been forcibly taken from her home and separated from her parents.

It's a relatively quick read, yet it's a real page turner.

The vivid description of the girl's experiences makes it easy for readers to empathize with her and understand the hardships faced by the Jews during that time.

It not only provides historical knowledge but also touches the hearts of the readers.

Overall, it's a remarkable book that I would highly recommend to others.
July 15,2025
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Read to my 13-year-old son.

It is a really good read. In this story, Isobel is a fictional character. She endured the persecution of the Catholic Church. She was taken away from her parents. However, she bravely chose to side with her people. She did this even though it meant risking her own life.

The story provides a well-written and detailed insight into the life in the 17th century under religious control. It shows us the difficulties and challenges that people faced during that time. Through Isobel's experiences, we can understand how religion influenced people's lives and decisions.

Overall, it is a great book that not only entertains but also educates. It is suitable for both children and adults who are interested in history and fiction.
July 15,2025
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I truly adored this sweet book. It was yet another outstanding choice made by Sonlight.

Sonlight has a reputation for curating excellent literary works, and this one is no exception. The story within these pages is filled with charm and warmth, captivating the reader from the very beginning.

Each character is well-developed, with their own unique personalities and traits that draw you in and make you care about what happens to them. The plot is engaging and full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to find out what comes next.

The writing style is beautiful, with vivid descriptions that bring the story to life and make you feel as if you are right there in the midst of it all. I found myself completely immersed in this book, and it was a joy to read from start to finish.

I would highly recommend this sweet book to anyone looking for a great read. It is suitable for readers of all ages and is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.
July 15,2025
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This book was truly exceptionally well-written.

It delved into two historic events that I had virtually no prior knowledge about and skillfully wove together information regarding them into a single captivating story.

The story centered around the kidnapped children of the Portuguese Inquisition and the arduous journey of the first group of Jewish people to establish a settlement in America.

If I had come across this story prior to my daughter's friends celebrating their bat mitzvah, this book would most definitely have been incorporated into their presents.

It serves as a powerful testament to the fact that faith can be a source of strength and guidance for individuals in the most challenging of situations.

It offers valuable insights into the past and showcases the resilience and determination of those who faced great hardships.

Overall, it is a remarkable piece of literature that not only entertains but also educates and inspires.

July 15,2025
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We read this as part of our homeschooling studies.

It was completely new material to me, which is always a plus.

I really liked it overall. However, it could have benefited from some editing.

I noticed that there were some repetitive paragraphs that made me skip over them.

Despite that, I did appreciate that the ending wasn't neatly wrapped up with a bow.

This provided a great messaging for my 3rd/5th graders about being true to themselves in the face of adversity.

It's important for them to learn that life doesn't always have a perfect ending and that they should stay true to their values and beliefs even when things get tough.

Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend it with the caveat that some editing could make it even better.
July 15,2025
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It was truly an exciting and enjoyable experience to root for Isabel, the protagonist. Watching her journey unfold was like embarking on an adventure oneself. Every step she took, every challenge she faced, made me eager to see what would happen next. Her determination and courage were truly inspiring. I found myself completely invested in her story, cheering her on with all my heart. Whether she was overcoming obstacles or achieving her goals, I was there, right by her side, in spirit. Rooting for Isabel was not just about hoping for her success; it was about being a part of her story and sharing in her joys and sorrows. It was a wonderful feeling, and I will always remember the excitement and fun of rooting for this amazing protagonist.

July 15,2025
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This is a great book indeed.

It serves as an excellent means to introduce complex and important historical topics such as the Inquisition, antisemitism, and slavery to children.

The story is engaging and presented in a way that children can easily understand and enjoy.

They are able to relate to the characters in the story, which helps them to begin to empathize with the experiences and emotions of those who lived through these difficult times.

What's more, the book manages to do this without overwhelming the children with the sheer weight of the topic.

It strikes a delicate balance between presenting the facts and allowing the children to explore and understand them in a way that is appropriate for their age and level of comprehension.

Overall, this book is a wonderful resource for parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to introduce children to important historical events and social issues in a meaningful and accessible way.
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