Middle Grade Book Activity: Across So Many Seas

Four girls, four generations, one connection: family. Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar traces the lives of four twelve-year-old Sephardic Jewish girls, each separated by centuries and continents yet bound by heritage, music, memory, and the quest for belonging. This book features one of the loveliest full-circle moments, tying the beginning to the end. 

Across So Many Seas is not just a story about a family—it’s a celebration of how our ancestors’ voices, songs, and journeys shape who we are today. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every name and date in a family tree, there are hearts, hopes, and histories worth exploring.

If you have a child who loves reading historical fiction, then they will love this book. 

While reading this book, I started to think about family heirlooms and their role in helping us connect to our ancestors. While most heirlooms are things, in the book, they are also songs, recipes, and stories. These heirlooms survived across time and seas, carrying the spirit of our ancestors into the present. They remind us that family history isn’t only about documents and dates — it’s about the traditions, values, and memories that endure.

Activity: Find the oldest heirloom in your house (or in a relative's house). Find out the story behind it and record it on your paper. Paste or draw a picture of the heirloom. 

Here are some questions you can ask:

What is this object, and how was it used?

Do you know who first owned it?

When and where did it come into our family?

Was it handmade, purchased, or gifted?

Has it ever been repaired or altered?

Do you remember any special occasions when it was used or displayed?

Does this heirloom remind you of a specific person or event?

Were there family traditions connected to it?

Is there a funny, touching, or surprising story tied to it?

What does this heirloom mean to you personally?

Why do you think it was important enough to be saved?

What values or lessons does it represent about our family?

If you could pass on one message with this heirloom, what would it be?