Customer Reviews

How Many Days to America?: A Thanksgiving Story

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The first time I read this book was to a third grader. When it finished she sat in silence. Then, with an amazing amount of concern and compasion, she asked if it was a true story. The way the book touched her (and me) was amazing. It is a great book to help children (and adults) see the hardships many immigrants face. It is a wonderful book that can be used in the classroom as the center of a integrated lesson, or just read and discussed. This book is one everyone should read, around Thanksgiving or any time of the year.

How Many Days to America
By Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Beth Peck

Do you wonder how many days it took this family to get to America? Mom and Dad and the boy and girl are coming to America in a big boat. There were many families in the boat. It was a hard trip. Some times they did not have food and they also got scared. Then the thieves took their money and jewels. They finally reached to a new place. They celebrated Thanksgiving with the people in the new country. I think they don't have to be afraid of new things. I think this book is good for people who were coming to America. This book is like my story I felt very sad even though I was with my sister just like the little girl. In the story I started to be happy when I saw my mom and dad. The illustrations gives an idea of what it was like coming to America. If you are one of those people who are new to America read this book you will enjoy it. By Cindy L

Eve Bunting outdid herself again! This story left both my second grade students and I teary eyed! A fabulous read when discussing Thanksgiving! We have alot to be thankful for in America!

This book was interesting because it showed how people travelled when they immigrated to America. Somebody from our school had the same travel experiences as the family in the book. It was a sad story because some people got sick, but the conclusion was very hopeful.

During our 2nd grade study of immigration, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, we read this book. The students were amazed to learn that some children had to travel by themselves, with no adult, to a new country. Most of these children did not speak English, either. I believe that all teachers will find this book to be the perfect read-aloud to help students understand immigration on a personal level.

Great Book for teachers or parents to read to children to reinforce the true meaning of Thanksgiving! Worth every penny!

Eve Bunting seems to hold the opinion that breaking the laws of this country can be justified. I would not read this book to my third graders. In the case of illegal immigration, the end does not justify the means. In her book, Ms. Bunting portrays a family fleeing a Cuba-like country for a Florida-like destination. After enduring a harrowing journey in a rickity, leaky boat, the family arrives in America and is greeted by their fellow countrymen in time to celebrate Thanksgiving. Sorry, but this book does not warm my heart. The problems and responsibilities thrust upon the United States by uncontrolled immigration is too serious an issue to gloss over.