Land of Dreams (Ellis Island Stories (Gareth Stevens)) [Library Binding]

Joan Lowery Nixon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2001 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Ellis Island Stories (Gareth Stevens)

In 1902 sixteen-year-old Kristin travels with her family from Sweden to a new life in Minnesota, where she finds herself frustrated by the restrictions placed on what girls of her age are expected or allowed to do.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-9-This third book in the series takes place in 1902, when Kristin Swenson and her parents reach the colony of Great Rock Lake, Minnesota. Strong-willed, unconventional, and ready to embrace the freedoms of her new land, the 17-year-old girl tests the limits set upon her by her parents and by the community. They expect her to conform to the proper behavior of a Swedish young lady and to accept an arranged marriage. After a fire destroys her family's home, Kristin learns that her parents and neighbors are not at odds with her after all. She grows to realize that her own stubbornness stands in the way of her happiness; that accepting the choices of others doesn't necessarily preclude making her own; and that change takes time. Nixon's careful research provides a convincing portrait of Swedish-American church and home life. The historical facts the author shares are occasionally awkward when converted into dialogue, but otherwise make a seamless backdrop to the story. Kristin's rebelliousness and her romance with the young man she is to marry will appeal to preteens and teens alike. A must for fans of the earlier books, but one that stands alone as well.
Sally Bates Goodroe, Houston Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-9. Kristin is eager to begin her life in America. She's heard that it is the land of freedom, and she's ready to make her own decisions. But the rural community that her family joins in Minnesota is very like the Sweden they've left behind: people talk in Swedish; girls are still expected to learn to stitch and bake light cakes; and parents continue to arrange marriages. Like her friends Rebekah (Land of Hope, 1992) and Rosie (Land of Promise ), whom Kristin met aboard the ship to America, Kristin dreams of an exciting future. She'd like to leave the farm and move to Minneapolis, where women gather to earn the right to vote. When fire strikes her home, however, Kristin learns the importance of community support and accepts that change will come slowly. In the third book in her Ellis Island series, Nixon once again offers a compelling, believable story that gives readers a peek at the past. Young teens will sympathize with feisty Kristin's impatience and her struggle to assert herself. Candace Smith --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 153 pages
• Publisher: Gareth Stevens Publishing (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836828100
• ISBN-13: 978-0836828108
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,732,062 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Story!, December 13, 2011

By 

Amber - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Land of Dreams (Ellis Island Stories (Gareth Stevens)) (Library Binding)

I read this series as a young girl and I am now buying them for my sister who is ten years my junior. Books are well written and informative. It's a great way for girls to be introduced to American History!

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good book!!!!!!!, November 23, 2005

By 

book lover "Jen" (Ca.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Land of Dreams (Ellis Island) (Mass Market Paperback)

I enjoyed Land of Dreams very much, and only wish I knew what happenrd next. I thought that Kristin was very brave to stand up forhe beleived in.

5.0 out of 5 stars This book was AWESOME!! I LOVE it!!, September 25, 2004

By 

Cate (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Land of Dreams (Ellis Island Stories (Gareth Stevens)) (Library Binding)

This book is the coninuation of Lond of Hope. This book is about Kristin and how her family move into a society where they don't speak Englsih (much to Kristin's dissatisfaction) and they speak their native tongue, Swedish. Kristin meets a lot of people, and one of them is a lady, who wasn't married (much to the Swedish wives disapporval) and who fought for women's rights to vote. Kristin meets her and thinks exactly the same thing. Why can't women vote, why can't they take a swim in the lake when they want to cool off, and why can't they wear woman's trousers? All of these questions Kristin wants an answer to, but unfortunatally, her mother and father want to hear nothing about it.
This book is sooooo good. I couldn't put it down. I love how Kristin is so different and how she doesn't let other people out her down and how she does what she wants. I also loved to read about the relationship between her and Jonhus (I forget how you spell it, sorry) grow. Nixon did great on this book. I love it!