What Rosa Brought

What Rosa Brought by Jacob Sager Weinstein is a poignant picture book published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2023. This 32-page work, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler, tells the story of a young Jewish girl named Rosa who must flee Nazi-occupied Vienna with her parents. Drawing on the author’s mother’s childhood experiences, the narrative explores themes of family, immigration, and identity against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period.

In this book, readers will find Rosa’s life in Vienna, where she enjoys simple pleasures like playing with her grandmother and reading. However, the arrival of the Nazis in 1938 transforms her world, as new laws threaten the safety of her family and community. As Rosa grapples with the decision to leave her home, the story delves into the emotional complexities of emigration and the significance of what one can carry away from their past. This edition offers a sensitive portrayal of historical events, making it a valuable resource for discussions on social themes such as prejudice and racism.