When Flory's ancestors are forced to leave Spain during the time of the Spanish Inquisition, they take with them their two most precious possessions―the key to their old house and the Ladino language. When Flory flees Europe during World War II to begin a new life in the United States, she carries Ladino with her, along with her other precious possessions―her harmoniku and her music. But what of the key?

I didn't know anything about Flory Jagoda or her music until I read this book. I didn't know about Ladino, the language of the Jewish people from Spain, until I read this book. That's what a good book is to do: open people's eyes to other cultures and peoples. ( )

This was a powerful book about the migration of after Flory had to leave Europe due to being Jewish during World War 2. Flory had to leave everything and everyone she loved, but she was still able to take her “key” with her like her ancestors did no matter where she went or who she had to be. The “key” she took with her was her Ladino, harmoniku, and music. She was able to keep her true identity with her everywhere she went. ( )

Summary: Interesting immigrant story. A family of Spanish Jews is exiled from Spain and across several generations moves elsewhere around the world to find a home in America. The "key" is the musical traditions the main character takes with her, giving a sense of continuity and culture.

Personal reaction: Decent art. A little "cute." Some nice development of page space. Nice depiction of temporal transitions and dates. Nicely told, true story. Though it makes less effort than it could to convey the actual content of the music. ( )

A story of one family's history and their struggles to keep their heritage alive. The Altaras, a Jewish family, originated from Spain but are forced to leave due to their faith. The family traveled to Turkey then finally settled into Bosnia. As generations passed, the only thing connecting the family back to their ancestors was their original language and music. At the end of the story it was very interesting to come to find that this book is depicts a real person, Flory Jagoda. I would use this book in a Social Studies class when discussing the Holocaust. ( )