Journey to Ellis Island: How My Father Came to America

by Carol Bierman

Book Overview

Jehuda and his family have struggled through hunger, poverty and war in their Russian homeland. Now, at last, the family is heading to begin a new life of freedom in America. But the family's relief is short-lived. In Russia, Jehuda's arm had been injured by a stray bullet, and the health inspectors at Ellis Island are very strict about allowing invalids into the country. Jehuda must convince them that he is well enough to stay, or the whole family...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786803770
• ISBN13: 9780786803774
• Release Date: November 1998
• Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.3" x 10.4"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9

Customer Reviews

This is a must-use for any middle school classroom!

This true story written from the perspective of an 11-year-old immigrant, truly sums up the immigrant perspective. My 4th grade students, journaled each day as if he or she were the central character, and begged for each of the five chapters. This book alone, replaced a 4-week unit that I had used previously to emphasize the impact of immigration on our state. Written by the author's daughter, with photos showing then and now, it is wonderful. FYI: We used, as the final journal entry, an account written by Yehuda when he finds his journal 70 years later and recounts the years since arriving in America.

Character traits nicely parallel our school's program.

The story reads well for any student needing to understand the trials and tribulations of people immigrating to the U.S.Important character traits are developed and their importance in reaching a goal are emphasized. The artwork makes a dramatic statement to anyone who opens the book. Elementary students should be attracted by this outstanding feature. As a school director and recently retired teacher, I purchased a copy for each of our elementary libraries because of the qualiy of this book.

Great book for all ages!

This review is from Debbie,Paul,Ryan and Melissa. We all modelled for the illustrator,Laurie McGaw, of this book. It was a wonderful experience since some of our grandparents left Russia and Poland because of the war and we felt we could relate to the people in the book.The book has been presented to the our childrens' school in conjunction with the Holocaust unit. Teachers and kids alike found the book to be very interesting and beautifully illustrated. We recommend it to all nationalities and ages.It is not only a book about Jewish people, but also a book about what any immigrants coming to North America might have experienced.

An absolute treat!

A wonderful story with fabulous illustrations. A must read for all ages

An amazing true story.

I am the authors son, as such I have heard my Grandfather tell this story many times to many people. No matter how many times I have heard it, it never ceases to amaze me. I am glad my mom finally decided to share the story with others. I am a biased opinion, but I trully believe this to be a well written book, and a story that must be read.