Skip to content

Sparks Fly Upward
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Sparks Fly Upward Hardcover - 2002

by Carol Matas

Family means everything to 12-year-old Rebecca Bernstein. Even after a fire destroys their farm and the family must relocate to the bustling city of Winnipeg, Rebecca feels safe and happy as long as everyone is together. But life is hard in the city, and Papa cannot find work. Rebecca’s greatest fears are realized when she is sent into foster care until Papa can earn more money. She is terrified to discover that she’ll be living with a Ukrainian family—Jews and Ukrainians were archenemies in the old country. What if the Kostianuks hate her?
Rebecca discovers an unexpected soulmate in Sophie, the Kostianuks’ daughter. Normally shy, Rebecca soon finds herself battling prejudice both in the schoolyard and at home in order to protect the forbidden friendship. Fighting anti-Semitism, Rebecca comes to appreciate what faith means to her and learns some important truths about her parents’ personal and spiritual sacrifices.


Summary

Family means everything to 12-year-old Rebecca Bernstein. Even after a fire destroys their farm and the family must relocate to the bustling city of Winnipeg, Rebecca feels safe and happy as long as everyone is together. But life is hard in the city, and Papa cannot find work. Rebecca’s greatest fears are realized when she is sent into foster care until Papa can earn more money. She is terrified to discover that she’ll be living with a Ukrainian family—Jews and Ukrainians were archenemies in the old country. What if the Kostianuks hate her?
Rebecca discovers an unexpected soulmate in Sophie, the Kostianuks’ daughter. Normally shy, Rebecca soon finds herself battling prejudice both in the schoolyard and at home in order to protect the forbidden friendship. Fighting anti-Semitism, Rebecca comes to appreciate what faith means to her and learns some important truths about her parents’ personal and spiritual sacrifices.

Details

  • Title Sparks Fly Upward
  • Author Carol Matas
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition Uncorrected Proo
  • Pages 192
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Clarion Books, New York
  • Date 2002-03-15
  • ISBN 9780618159642 / 0618159649
  • Weight 0.83 lbs (0.38 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.58 x 5.84 x 0.77 in (21.79 x 14.83 x 1.96 cm)
  • Ages 10 to 12 years
  • Grade levels 5 - 7
  • Library of Congress subjects Canada, Friendship
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2001047188
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

Media reviews

There's no sentimentality in the characterization—even Rebecca's dad surprises her—and the history is well researched. Most compelling, though, is Rebecca's personal struggle with faith, friendship, and loyalty.
Booklist, ALA

The complexity of different approaches to Judaism is dramatized in this large and loving family whose difficulties are typical of immigrants to the US and Canada in the early 20th century.
School Library Journal

Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Sparks Fly Upward

Sparks Fly Upward

by Matas, Carol

  • Used
  • Good
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780618159642 / 0618159649
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Woodlawn, Illinois, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$5.99
$6.49 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
New York, New York, U.S.A.: Clarion Books, 2002. Hardcover. Good/Very Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. First Edition/First Printing (Number Line With The One Present). Usual Library Markings With The Ffep Clipped. The Jacket Has Been Protected By Clear Plastic.
Item Price
$5.99
$6.49 shipping to USA
Sparks Fly Upward
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Sparks Fly Upward

by Matas, Carol

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780618159642 / 0618159649
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.74
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Used - Very Good. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.
Item Price
$6.74
FREE shipping to USA
Sparks Fly Upward
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Sparks Fly Upward

by Matas, Carol

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780618159642 / 0618159649
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.74
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
$6.74
FREE shipping to USA
Sparks Fly Upward
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Sparks Fly Upward

by Matas, Carol

  • Used
Condition
UsedVeryGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780618159642 / 0618159649
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HUTCHINSON, Kansas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$9.30
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedVeryGood. Former library copy, may have usual markings. Includes clear protective plastic cover on dust jacket.
Item Price
$9.30
FREE shipping to USA
Sparks Fly Upward
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Sparks Fly Upward

by Matas, Carol

  • Used
  • Good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780618159642 / 0618159649
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Newport Coast, California, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$42.36
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
hardcover. Good. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. May be an ex-library book.
Item Price
$42.36
FREE shipping to USA