Serafina's Promise

Serafina's Promise

By Ann E. Burg

3 ratings 5 reviews 5 followers
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 4 - 8Grades 2 - 4n/a3.625710
A luminous novel in verse from the author of the Jefferson Cup award winner ALL THE BROKEN PIECES.


Serafina has
a secret dream.

She wants to go to school
and become a doctor
with her best friend, Julie Marie.

But in their rural village
outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti,
many obstacles
stand in Serafina’s way--
little money,
never-ending chores,
and Manman’s worries.

More powerful even
than all of these
are the heavy rains
and the shaking earth
that test Serafina’s resolve
in ways she never dreamed.

At once heartbreaking and hopeful,
this exquisitely crafted story
will leave a lasting impression
on your heart.
Publisher: Scholastic Press
ISBN-13: 9780545535670
ISBN-10: 0545535670
Published on 7/28/2015
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 304

Book Reviews (5)

Add a Rating

I am not usually a big fan of poetry books, but I made a huge exception with Serafina's Promise. 11 year old Serafina has a secret dream that she has only shared with her best friend. She wants to go to school and become a doctor, so she can save little babies like her dead brother. But how could her family ever afford for her to go to school? Or who would help out with the chores? And how could she ever convince Manman to let her go? In Serafina's Promise, Serafina learns more about family, love, and not giving up. Serafina's promise is a really special book. You really feel Serafina's emotions, and want all her wishes to be granted. I loved this book, and hope you read it too. I recommend this book to boys and girls ages 10+.

I really enjoyed the book Serafina's Promise, because it could be based on a real life story about a girl and her family living in Haiti. I really liked reading about Serafina's bravery and confidence. Serafina never gives up and is always determined to achieve her goals. She is always caring for her family, friends, or anyone. After a hurricane hits Serafina's hometown, she gets separated from her friends. Read this book to find out what happens to Serafina and her friends.

This is a heart filled book with amazing poems and story

Ay9 Ay9

I read this book and it was amazing

I'm going to have to