The Jews (We Came to North America) [Paperback]

Casey Horton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2000 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: We Came to North America

Most Jews who immigrated to North America over the past few centuries have all had a common motivation-to flee a life of great hardship and cruelty. This intriguing account uses full-color artwork and eyewitness accounts to tell how Jews from around the world fled persecution in their homelands and came to North America. Detailed maps show where they settled and how their traditions are still celebrated today.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-After discussing why, when, and how Jewish immigrants came to North America, Horton provides a cursory look at their previous lives in Europe, including their persecution. The larger part of the book describes some typical experiences, such as a difficult Atlantic crossing, the worry of passing the tests at Ellis Island, and the new immigrants' struggle to support their families. The author points out that despite these difficulties, the Jews brought with them a strong culture of language, the press, literature, education, music, and theatre. A double-page spread is devoted to the Holocaust and the dangerous years preceding it, when the world, including the United States, refused entry to the refugees. Rounding out the book are examples of prominent Jewish personalities such as Madeleine Albright, Irving Berlin, and Stephen Spielberg. The text is simple and divided into brief paragraphs punctuated by excellent visuals, including color and black-and-white photos and reproductions. A serviceable introduction to the Jews in America-their history, beliefs, and acculturation.
Marcia W. Posner, Holocaust Memorial and Educational Center of Nassau County, Glen Cove, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Born in British Columbia, Canada. After graduating from university spent a year in Australia, then travelled through Europe to England. Lived in London and taught there for some seven years before entering publishing as an editor. Author of many children's non-fiction books, history and natural history in particular. Now living in the English countryside, continuing work in publishing (and painting and gardening!).

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Crabtree Publishing Company (February 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0778702014
• ISBN-13: 978-0778702016
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,975,551 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Teens > History & Historical Fiction > Holocaust
  • #82 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Holocaust
  • #87 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Other

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A colorful history of Jewish life in North America, August 28, 2002

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Jews (We Came to North America) (Library Binding)

"The Jews," by Casey Horton, is part of the excellent "We Came to North America" series of books for young readers. This entry in the series tells the epic story of Jewish life in North America. The book is richly illustrated with photographs (both color and black-and-white). The text is further supplemented with maps, sidebar articles, a glossary, and an index. Significant vocabulary words are boldfaced in the text: "immigrant," "culture," "czar," etc.

Horton notes that Spanish Jews came to North America in 1654. Topics covered in the book include the flight from 19th century pogroms in Russia, the immigration station at Ellis Island, urban tenements, sweatshops, the 1911 Triangle factory fire, the Yiddish theater in America, Klezmer music, and more. There is a brief sections on the achievements of some famous North American Jews. Overall, a solid entry in this informative series.