The Memory Coat by Elvira Woodruff illustrated by Michael Dooling*

Grisha's parents died of the epidemic so he lives with Rachel and her family.  The only item he has from his parents is the coat his mother made him the last winter of her life.  The cossacks soon come to Rachel's village, threatening to kill anyone who is Jewish.  The family makes plans to escape to America but worry they will be turned away at Ellis Island.  To make a good impression, they urge Grisha to discard his ragged coat but he refuses.
Will they all pass the inspections or be separated forever?
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.