Ellis Island (Cornerstones of Freedom) [Paperback]

R. Conrad Stein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1992 | Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Cornerstones of Freedom

Describes the experiences of the many immigrants who sought entry to the United States at the immigration station on Ellis Island, New York, before it closed in 1954.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-- Four succinct and interestingly written overviews. Well-chosen archival photos and reproductions are interspersed with full-color modern-day shots to create a pleasing layout; the print is large and easy to read. While there is nothing new here, and the subjects are adequately covered elsewhere, these attractive and serviceable volumes will be good additions to most collections. --Zenata W. Pierre, Portland Public Schools, OR
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Children's Press (CT); 2 edition (March 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0516466534
• ISBN-13: 978-0516466538
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.6 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,600,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #81 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Emigrants & Immigrants

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent description of what happened at one of the greatest beacons of hope and opportunity, June 8, 2008

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The story of Ellis Island (Cornerstones of freedom) (Unbound)

I do not know what percentage of the American citizenry is descended from someone who walked on Ellis Island as an immigrant, but there is no question it is very high. This is a fact that is repeated whenever there is a debate in the United States over immigration policy. In that capacity, Ellis Island is a companion symbol to the Statue of Liberty, in that it was the second place that most immigrants related to.
This book, written at the level of the elementary school child, gives a simple, effective demonstration of what happened on that island. The immigrants, largely illiterate regarding the United States, came to the country speaking little or no English, and often with little in the way of monetary resources. Most also came from countries where the governments had great power over the people, who were largely powerless.
The one significant and powerful message from this book is how bright the American beacon of hope and opportunity was for the immigrants. Despite all their fears and uncertainties, in all cases their hope dominated and while they struggled, nearly all succeeded in making a better life. That is why Ellis Island will forever be a landmark and a symbol of hope and opportunity.

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent look at immigration through Ellis Island..., April 19, 2003

By 

Bonnie McKinzie (Garden Grove, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ellis Island (Cornerstones of Freedom) (Paperback)

Using this kids'book as a reader for adult literacy classes is
great! It reveals many things that most have not heard nor realized. I found it shocking the way that illnesses were tracked. A huge H written on ones' coat meant they were a heart patient, Sc meant scalp problems, etc. The most dreaded was a large X which indicated a mental patient. They were asked personal questions such as how much money they had and if they could read or had ever been in prison. Sometimes all but one member would be accepted and the family had to decide what to do.

Obviously, most came looking for a better life but the trip over the ocean was dangerous, long and uncomfortable, since there were three classes on the voyage and most immigrants could only afford the cheap, bottom of the boat cramped quarters. Many got ill and died. Varied languages caused further loneliness.

Families were often split up forever, it was not an easy thing to decide to come to America. Most would never be able to visit their motherland again..ever. Around 2% of the total were sent back home and this fear was with each immigrant that made it alive to Ellis Island.

They were told NOT to tell anyone they had a job waiting, for this was against the international laws and they would be punished. If all went well, their stay on Ellis Island was about 5 hours.

Since most immigrants were poor and had no money to get further than New York City, it quickly became a melting pot for Italians, Germans, Irish, Jewish and Polish. It was said one could tell where you were in the city just by opening your window at mealtime and smelling the spices and dishes from each country.

Learning English and integrating into American life came easier for children than adults. Most adults clumped together in small areas according to language and heritage, shopping at familiar stores and cooking and eating familiar foods.

Ellis Island was eventually shut down, then reopened and restored and is now a museum. For many, the most important letters they saw were those on the door that said "PUSH TO NEW YORK CITY" and they did.