""Ice Cream Town" is a delightful novel for young readers, filled with the adventures of the new kid on the block struggling to adjust to the New World. It's a fine introduction to immigrant life in the early part of the 20th century, touching upon the inferior living accommodations in the tenements and the poor working conditions. Arato, with humour and wit, depicts the inferiority complex suffered by many newcomers who desperately tried to blend in with the American-born population. . . "Ice Cream Town "is a pleasurable, inspiring read with historical value."
-- "Jewish Tribune"

"Rona Arato's first novel for young children is to be applauded."
Recommended.
-- "CM Magazine"

"This is a feel-good tale about values, and offers a window on a time and place without the typical teen-lit "gritty realism" which is so often more gritty than real."
-- "Victoria Times-Colonist"

"Readers of historical fiction - perhaps especially those who recognize aspects of their own family history in Sammy's experience - will appreciate the details of the book's setting and its portrait of growing up where "everything is upside down."
-- "Booklist"

"This is a richly detailed, solid piece of historical fiction that gives insight into the early-20th-century immigrant experience."
--" The School Library Journal"

"Experienced readers of the Sydney Taylor books will get a grittier and more realistic side of immigrant life from child's point of view."
-- "Jewish Book World (US)"