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Meet talented Benvenida who lives in Spain, fun-loving Reina from Turkey, brave Alegra forced to flee Cuba and musical Paloma, growing up in Miami. Their lives span several centuries, but they have more in common than you can possibly imagine. 
Ages 10+
Pages 272
Publisher Penguin Random House
Last Offered Apr 2026
Awards
Newbery Honor Title
Sydney Taylor Honor Award

Average Rating

63 Reviews

Featured Reviews

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Review by Elana

Benvenida, a Spanish Jew who gets exiled from her own country; Reina, a girl living in Turkey who wants to be free; Alegra, a young girl in Cuba during its “revolution;” and Paloma, a girl from Miami who wants to learn about her roots, are all relatives from different countries, time periods, and lifestyles. They are connected more than you might realize. Their stories are heartfelt and suspenseful! They make the past seem in reach, and I learned a lot about different cultures, history, and Jewish life from across time and around the world. If you want to find out more about these four girls and the unique challenges they face, you might like to read the incredible book Across So Many Seas.

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Review by Sarah

Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar has to be one of the most intriguing novels I’ve ever read. I really love how the story is told from four different perspectives. It’s really unique how the main characters face issues that are relatable today. The ending had to be the best part for me, the way it all came together. Overall I think this was a great book and I really recommend this.

Reader Reviews

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Across so many seas

Review by Tbien

she is a great author. i loved this book!!!

Aug 10, 2026 08:13 PM
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great book!

Review by Addy0805

was not my favorite book but I enjoyed it very much and I loved how the last 3 sections/years were all connected character wise.

Aug 10, 2026 07:05 PM
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Across So Many Seas

Review by FIRSTCHILD9

this book was so good! i def recomend

Aug 09, 2026 08:41 PM
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Across so many seas

Review by NaomiElisheva8

This book is such a great read! It keeps you moving through time-generations of discoveries unfold!

Aug 09, 2026 02:34 PM
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Across So Many Seas

Review by asaasa

i really liked how all of the different time zones were told by different perspectives, and not just by 1 narrorator, but sometimes it was a bit difficult to understand. i also like how they are all in the same family. overall i think it is an amazing book and would definetly reccomend this book especially to people who love history.

Aug 06, 2026 05:29 PM