Coming To America: The Story Of Immigration (Hardcover)

by Betsy Maestro (Author), Susannah Ryan (Illustrator) "America is a nation of immigrants..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, Ellis Island, New York City

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Clearly tuned into her audience, Maestro (The Discovery of the Americas) offers a neatly distilled overview of U.S. immigration, covering extensive ground without oversimplifying. She astutely makes each reader a part of her story, stating, "All Americans are related to immigrants or are immigrants themselves." Referring to the arrival of the first Americans many thousands of years ago, the author emphasizes that there were millions of inhabitants by the time Columbus "discovered" America. She describes the many waves of settlers from European countries, the grim horror of the slave trade ("Instead of finding freedom, these Africans lost theirs"), the ordeal of inspection at Ellis Island and the ongoing stream of refugees who take shelter in the U.S. for a variety of reasons. Ryan's (Darcy and Gran Don't Like Babies) busy, expressive watercolor art makes it easy for readers to share both the anxiety and exhilaration of the individuals it so vividly depicts. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3?An introductory history of immigration from thousands of years ago through the present, focusing on why different groups of people came to America and how they became a part of our national heritage. Maestro points out that when Christopher Columbus "discovered" the Americas, millions of people were already living on these continents. Different perspectives are incorporated into the text, including the harsh treatment Indians received and the forced immigration of Africans. The various laws that the U. S. has adopted to control immigration are explained. A brief history of Ellis Island is included. The colorful, exuberant watercolors show men, women, and children of all nationalities. Most of the scenes are hopeful or festive, although one illustration of a crying child being held back from a relative who was rejected at Ellis Island is upsetting. A table of dates provides a quick summary of immigration highlights. A useful overview of a complex issue, attractively designed and clearly written.?Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press (February 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590441515
• ISBN-13: 978-0590441513
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #229,191 in Books (See Bestsellers 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 Enlightens children about a difficult to understand topic, January 5, 2009

By	Michael Strassberg (Lawrenceville, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is very good because it helps elucidate the unique challenges that immigrants from foreign countries face when they come to the United States. Children who are born and raised here have difficulty grasping the very real issues of language barriers, culture shock, social isolation and the great effort that is required to overcome these difficulties. The book helps to increase the child's sensitivity to, and appreciation for, the great achievements that immigrants make in their adaptation and integration into American society. The book discusses the great contributions that immigration has made to the strength and cultural diversity of our nation. It is an eye-opener for kids, and I highly recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The dream begins, July 19, 2005

By	Bernice M. Lutz "Nana" (Collins, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My 5 year old Grandson has set a goal to visit the "Pledge of Allegiance Lady" when his little brother is "old enough to walk all the stairs." This book further advanced that goal. Wonderful reading and very informative. It fed his young mind.