Rose by the Sea: An Armenian Journey of Courage and Hope
Dzovinar, which means “rose by the sea,” lives cozily with her sister and parents in a cottage beside a lake, surrounded by flowers. But when Turkish soldiers take their parents, Dzovinar and her sister must emigrate alone, crossing a desert on foot and relying on the kindness of strangers, including a Turkish family that hides them. Later a nun helps them, along with others, board a ship to France. Ultimately, they emigrate to Detroit, in the United States.
With a story centered on colors and beautiful dreamlike art, this book brings the reader through the Armenian genocide with an unexpected gentleness. It’s based on the author’s great-grandmother’s experiences.
This book has done a wonderful job of balancing the girls’ heartache with lyrical color-centered memories. Its message of strength and hope will resonate with any immigrant today, and provide their classmates a gateway to empathy. Ages 4-8.
