How I Became an American [Hardcover]

Karin Gundisch (Author), James Skofield (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 9, 2001 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

In 1902 in a small German town a traveler turns up spouting catchy songs about adventures in America. To the townspeople, the land sounds like paradise, and ten-year-old Johann Bonfert is excited when his own family begins planning a life overseas. His father and brother leave early to find jobs in the steel mills of Ohio, and the rest of the family follows later in a long, miserable sea journey. Johann soon discovers, however, that it’s not easy to start life from scratch. America’s not paradise, and assimilation can be difficult, especially for grown-ups. Author Karin Gundisch’s American debut is a heartwarming and finely observed book that speaks to the enduring struggles all immigrants face, whether in 1902 or 2002.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this rather rambling and awkward chronicle, based on letters written by immigrants between 1902 and 1986 (according to an afterword), a fictional boy describes his family's experiences emigrating from Austria-Hungary to the United States. In 1902, 10-year-old John, his mother and three siblings leave their town of Siebenburgen to join his father and older brother, who have already emigrated to Youngstown, Ohio. Unfortunately, the narrative is often stilted and the dialogue forced, as when John's father announces his decision to leave his homeland ("I want to immigrate and try my luck in Youngstown, where they need workers. The weaving business is going downhill here, and I don't think it's going to get better. I don't want to wait until we have nothing to gnaw on. I see only one possible way out: immigration"). The boy recounts the family's arduous voyage to America, the sometimes trying adjustment to a new life and language, and the resolute efforts of both parents and children to support themselves financially. Throughout, John underscores the many differences between the two lifestyles and cultures, noting at one point that his mother, who insists on making rather than buying soap, "is just accustomed to the old home ways, and won't give them up." Though it introduces a likable young narrator and offers a clear view of the daily lives of German-speaking immigrants in early 20th-century Ohio, this account will likely prove slow-going for most middle graders. Ages 9-12.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-An immigration story of the early 20th century, this lively and interesting account is told through the eyes of "Johnny" (Johann on his birth certificate). His father is the first of this German-speaking family to emigrate from Siebenburgen (Austria-Hungary) to a job in the steel foundries of Youngstown, OH. Eldest son Peter follows him, and, in 1902, 10-year-old Johnny and the rest of the family arrive. They experience difficulties, such as the death of little sister Eliss, but manage to prosper, with Johnny selling newspapers, little Emil working in a bakery, and older sister Regina a housemaid. Peter heads for the farmlands of California, and Mama has her chicken farm and egg business but is persuaded she could earn more by turning the barn into a boarding house. This upbeat, often humorous, realistic narrative incorporates songs used to encourage or discourage potential emigrants and even neatly ties in the story of the Pied Piper of Hamlin. It could be the tale of many an immigrant family coming from central Europe and adjusting to life and customs in a new country.

Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Cricket Books (November 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812648757
• ISBN-13: 978-0812648751
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,125,244 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book, a great read!, January 4, 2007

By 

Beverly Moser (Boone, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How I Became an American (Hardcover)

"How I became an American" is a terrific read for anyone (adults included!) who is interested in a fascinating time in our nation's history-- early 20th Century immigration to America from Europe-- and who wants a readable and compelling account of what things were like for the millions of immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island around 1900. The "Bonferts" family, a German-speaking family from Romania, risks everything for the hope of a new and productive life in America. For the most part, they find it, but in doing so they learn that everything good also comes at a cost.

I had never known a lot about this time period but learned, even though this is "historical fiction," a LOT about immigrant populations, working conditions for immigrants (and others) at that time, and about how people lived back then. The protagonist ("Johnny", 11 years old) tells of his experiences firsthand in a way that is fun to read and compelling for young readers. I think that this book is a VERY relevant one for young people today, especially as the issue of immigration is still a huge one in our country, and one we are sometimes having difficulty grappling with these days. The translation from the German is beautifully done (it won a national award for this).

This novel would also be a great choice for language arts/American History classes for elem/middle school (4th-6th grade).

And the book is a FUN too.