This is a story of a Russian Jew’s immigration to America.  However, Yossel traveled much farther than just New York. His family traveled to the south and lived near an indigenous reservation where they took over an uncle’s trading post.  There Yossel made friends with a native child.  Their traditions may be different, but they can both belong and be friends.  While this story is fiction, it is based on similar real-life events.  The story is wonderful, and the illustrations are a perfect match.