“A gripping and touching story... I didn't want it to end” – Donna Vann

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“Sarah's adventures are simply told, with authentic detail and nothing too scary for readers aged nine to 12. There is real emotional depth to the account... Patricia Drew's line drawings are the perfect accompaniment.” - The Jewish Chronicle

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CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US TO OBTAIN A REVIEW COPY OF MY AUNT MANYA

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My Aunt Manya is a period novel set in Russia at the end of the 19th century.

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The heroine, ten-year-old Sarah, lives unhappily with her much-hated stepmother. Sarah's father has gone to live in New York with his sister Manya while he looks for a job.

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Sarah's life changes overnight when Aunt Manya writes with news that her father has been killed in an accident. She sends her a boat ticket, some money and an offer of a home. Sarah's family and friends are poor, Yiddish-speaking Russian Jews. Their lives are in constant danger from Cossacks - cruel Russian soldiers who, without warning, kill innocent Jews in attacks called Pogroms. When Sarah's friends get word that a group of Cossacks is camped nearby, they lose no time in helping her to set out alone on the longest journey of her young life.

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My Aunt Manya is a heart-warming story of Sarah's journey to America on the 'other side of the world.'  She becomes an immigrant with just one goal - to live with her Aunt Manya in a free country.

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Sarah faces difficulties and dangers of the unknown with great courage and determination which, together with the hand of fate, combine to make this an unforgettable story.

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CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US TO OBTAIN A REVIEW COPY OF MY AUNT MANYA

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About the Author

José Patterson is a retired Advisory teacher and a full time author of children's books, both non-fiction and fiction.  Her first work of fiction, No Buts, Becky!, a novel which appeals to both children and adults, was voted runner-up in The People's Book Prize Award Competition and was also a Finalist in the Wishing Shelf Awards.

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My Aunt Manya has just received a bronze award from the Wishing Shelf Awards too.  This is a unique organisation in that it works closely with schools and asks the young readers to send in their selection of ‘good reads’ and vote accordingly.

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"José's story is beautifully written, based on real events. Sarah is a fascinating and intriguing character and the way she comes to terms with her new life in a young New York is handled superbly." - Books Monthly

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"Though it is written at a level perfect for the older elementary school aged child, it is also a wonderful story for readers of all ages! The story has strong characters, good people who help others. Sarah, the main character, is a positive, clever and kind girl, but shown also are her very real moments of sadness, frustration, and loneliness. "My Aunt Manya" is realistic yet optimistic. It's the kind of book you'll be happy to share with your kids and grandkids." – Laurie R