The author tells this moving story of a young German girl, Emma, who helps to organize her family to leave Solotoye, Russia for Ellis, Kansas. Nine people left Russia for this foreign land but Emma and her family were not destined to go. The story unravels with emotion surrounding Emma's feelings of separation and a constant hope of going to America. The author uses a poetic style to create his story. He also uses letters and poetry to help the reader visualize what life was like living in America and the Russian village of Solotoye. It is an unforgettable, well-written story that I thoroughly enjoyed.