The Italian American Family Album

by Dorothy Hoobler and Thomas Hoobler

Book Overview

An Italian immigrant says, I came to America because I heard the streets were paved with gold. When I got here, I found out three things: first, the streets weren't paved with gold; second, they weren't paved at all; and third, I was expected to pave them. Against all odds - a new language, new customs, and the ethnic slurs and catcalls of prejudice - Italian Americans paved the streets, rolled the cigars, sewed the clothes, cooked the meals, and...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195091248
• ISBN13: 9780195091243
• Release Date: June 1994
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.8" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9

Customer Reviews

The Italian American Family Album

This book, although written for older children, is a good read for adults as well. It shows the story of Italian immigration starting in Italy, which few accounts do. The pictures from Italy give the reader a setting to contrast with American cities and towns of the times. The interviews with the immigrants give a flavor of the struggles they went through and clarify their reasons for leaving their homes and families. The sections on Italian American ommunities and their traditions and contributions are a source of pride for all Italian Americans. A highly recommended book for those wishing to understand the immigrant experience.