TASHA AND THE NEW YEAR TREE
When Tasha, a young Russian Jewish girl, comes to live in America, she learns that one of her favorite traditions, decorating the yolka tree to celebrate Novy God, the Russian New Year, is no longer celebrated in her new community. Wanting to remind her family and neighbors that while things may be different they are also the same, Tasha bravely leads the way by reminding them that it is okay to be Jewish, Russian and American, and that we are all free to follow our own hearts. Back matter explains the history of the yolka tree, and a recipe for a favorite Russian treat, pyraniki, is provided in case you have a sudden urge for cookies!
Tasha, a young Russian Jewish girl, migrates to America, and is worried that everything will be different. When she sees Christmas trees in people's windows, she assumes they are yolka trees, to celebrate Novy God, the Russian New Year. When Tasha discovers that Russian Jews in America are fearful to celebrate their own special holidays, she sets out to show the neighborhood they can embrace the old and the new. A sweet story about tradition, acceptance, and the value of diversity.
Tasha is a young girl emigrating from Russia to America. She worries everything will change in her new home. Mama assures her that ‘things will be different, and things will be the same.’ When Tasha finds that her favorite traditions missing from Babushka’s yard, she tries to convince her grandparents that fitting in doesn’t mean giving up the things you love. Similar in theme to Patricia Polacco’s stories, TASHA AND THE NEW YEAR TREE highlights both a loving inter-generational relationship and the acceptance of immigrants for who they are and what they bring to our society.
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