Moss, Marissa. Ellis Island Passover. Marissa Moss, Illus. Creston, 01/2025. 32pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-9543-5432-6. GRADES Kindergarten–3. ADDITIONAL.
In this pen-and-ink picture book, Marissa Moss gives us a Passover tale in which the central story is not the usual one of the Jewish exodus from bondage in Egypt but instead is the solo migration of a nine-year-old boy from Russia to America. When Ezra arrives at Ellis Island, his older brother cannot be found to retrieve him. During a week on Ellis Island, Ezra serves meals to the other immigrants to pass the time. On his final night, he helps to create a seder for the first night of Passover for the twenty-nine Jews still on the island. This is a solid addition to any children’s library with its themes of migration, community, and family while also illuminating aspects of the Passover holiday. Characters appear to be white with light skin and straight hair. A two-page author’s note about the basis of the story in her own great uncle’s life is included.
Rachael Reiley—Independent