We are going to America because the leader of Russia the tsar is sending his soldiers to hurt Jewish people Mama and Papa have been talking about leaving for a long time Now they are certain we must go No one asks me what I think
We leave our town Povpek at seven thirty in the morning I know this because I wear my grandfather's watch I bring my journal and colored pencils Mama brings pots pans and dried fruit Papa brings books tobacco and our samovar for making tea
But here is what we cannot bring our little house that smells like cinnamon and rubs shoulders with our neighbors houses the man with the crooked back who gives me a piece of candy for helping him into the synagogue the lady who sells herring and sings in her smelly little shop and Moishe
