How Many Days to America?: A Thanksgiving Story [Hardcover]

Eve Bunting (Author), Beth Peck (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

After the police come, a family is forced to flee their Caribbean island and set sail for America in a small fishing boat.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The latest in the series of Bunting's holiday books, this places the story of the Pilgrims in contemporary times. In an unnamed Caribbean country, a boy and his little sister watch from under the bed as the soldiers come to their house. When the soldiers leave, their father says that it is time to leave for America, where they will be free. In a small, crowded fishing boat many families set sail for the new land; the trip is a long and terrible one. There are moments of beautythe children see a whaleand moments of fearthey are boarded and robbed by pirates. And when they at last arrive in America, they are welcomed and fed, because it is Thanksgiving Day. Eloquently told, with lush, affecting illustrations, here is a Thanksgiving story that knows no one season or race, but is for everyone all year 'round. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4 A brown-skinned mother hides her son and daughter under the bed when soldiers come to their home in the night. Afterwards, the father declares that they must flee immediately, taking with them only the things they can carry. Their journey is difficult, and they encounter many obstacles before they finally sight land and are towed ashore by a boat. They have landed in America, it is Thanksgiving Day, and this band of refugees is safe and free at last. Bunting's simple tale focuses on the hardships of the journey and on the American ideals of freedom and safety. She wisely leaves aside the issues of politics in the homeland or in this country. Her prose is poetically spare, as her runaways move ``silently along the secret streets.'' Peck's richly colored crayon drawings yield added enjoyment each time they are perused. The mood changes from dark shades of desperation during the journey to the lighter tones of joy as the travelers at last find their refuge. Other titles on this subject that are equally valuable are Barbara Cohen's Molly's Pilgrim (1983) and Gooseberries to Oranges (1982, both Lothrop). A poignant story and a thought-provoking discussion starter. Ruth Semrau, Lovejoy School, McKinney, Tex.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (September 19, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0899195210
• ISBN-13: 978-0899195216
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,231,222 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Eve Bunting has written more than 200 books for children, many of which can be found in libraries around the world. Her other Clarion titles for very young readers include My Big Boy Bed, which was also illustrated by Maggie Smith, and Little Bear's Little Boat, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. She lives in Pasadena, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous school reading material for Thanksgiving, May 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: How Many Days to America?: A Thanksgiving Story (Hardcover)

Eve Bunting has managed to describe at a child's level the fear, anticipation and exhaustion that often accompanied many of our ancestors as they came to America. This book is a reminder of the people who both came before us and those that still come with hope to America.

It is a beautiful, meaningful and heartwarming book to share with elementary students and families either during the Thanksgiving season or while studying history and immigration.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refugees' voyage to freedom, October 19, 2002

By 

Kona (Emerald City) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: How Many Days to America? Book & Cassette: A Thanksgiving Story (Paperback)

My third graders like this book very much and it sparks a lot of discussion about America and freedom. It's about a family that must flee a Caribbean island because of political persecution. They escape in a crowded boat, where they face hunger and fear. On their trip they are even robbed and shot at. Finally, they reach a friendly shore where they are welcomed and invited to share a feast, for it is Thanksgiving Day in America. They agree there is much to be thankful for. The text is very simple and the illustrations convey the mood of fear and uncertainty. This little book may bring tears to your eyes, and will definitely make you proud to be an American.