In March of 1940, as Hitler plans to eradicate Jews,10-year-old Lizzi left Vienna on a small transport of children seeking refuge in America. Two weeks later she began her new way of life in San Francisco, getting a new name, Phyllis, and having to learn a new language. Although her family was scattered on three continents, they are linked by letters.This poignant coming-of-age story is told through the letters. Phyllis wrote her parents details of her new life as she grew into adolescence and became an American, while they tried to parent her long distance. During the next six years she moved in and out of foster homes and an orphanage due to her rebellious behavior, but as she defended herselfstoutly in her letters, she gained self-confidence and skills to become an independent, responsible adult. Though her parents tried desperately to join her, they were stopped by red tape. Her mother labored in German slave camps, while her father was erroneously incarcerated in Australia. The moods, hopes, fears, and accomplishments of all are recounted in the details of the letters. Interwoven between the letters is a narrative that depicts the times and places of that era.