The Journey of Emilie

by Marcia Hoehne

Book Overview

Based on true stories of immigrant families. Will Emilie ever see her brother again? "Nordamerika?" Twelve-year-old Emilie Borner jumped at her brother's shout. Karl leaped from his chair and towered... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 078143081X
• ISBN13: 9780781430814
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Chariot Victor Publishing
• Length: 132 Pages
• Weight: 0.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.2" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

A good historical immigrant story for young readers.

When twelve-year-old Emilie Borner's parents decide to emigrate from Germany to America in 1855, she has mixed feelings. She is excited about the better opportunities her family will have in America, but she will miss her best friend, and is worried about her older brother Karl, who wants to stay in Germany. Her worst fears come true when Karl runs away just before the family is to board the ship. Even worse, Emilie's mother decides to stay behind and search for Karl, while Emilie, her father, and her younger brother continue on to America. The long voyage across the ocean is difficult, and is made worse by Emilie's longing for her mother, and the fact that Rosamund, a mean girl from her village, is traveling on the same ship. Rosamund seems determined to make things worse for Emilie. What awaits the Borners in America? And will Emilie ever see her mother and Karl again? Although not among my top favorites, this was an enjoyable story about a young immigrant girl's life. However, I felt that the ending was very abrupt, and I would have liked to read more about Emilie's life in America, as most of the book took place on the ship. However, young readers who enjoy historical fiction immigrant stories will most likely still enjoy this book.

This book is astounding

Emilie has lived in Germany all her life, and suddenly her father announces that her family is immigrating to America. That means that she will have to go and leave her best friend Louise behind, and travel with snooty Rosemund, and girl who thinks she's above everyone else. From the very biginning there's trouble in the air, which only turns worse when Emilie's older brother Karl and his friend leave right before the ship is to sail. Emilie's mother decides to stay and look for them, while the rest of the family continues on their way to America. This forces Emilie to shoulder the responsibility of being the woman of the house until her mother arrives. The task seems impossible, but she puts her faith in God and trusts Him to help her along the way. This is such a marvelous book! My mom gave me the entire series for my birthday once, and this was the first one I read. It was so wonderful to finally read a book about a Christain who made the journey from Europe to America. It was a real encouragement to me, and I reccomend this book to everyone, at all ages. This book will never get old to me!

Couldn't put it down!

We're a homeschooling family, and I picked up this book while looking for ideas for a Unit study on pioneers and immigration. I loved it! Not only was the story engrossing, but I learned so much about how my ancestors got from Germany to America. I also liked reading a story where Christians were portrayed in a positive light.