Land of Dreams (Ellis Island Stories) (Library Binding)

by Joan Lowery Nixon (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-9-This third book in the series takes place in 1902, when Kristin Swenson and her parents reach the colony of Great Rock Lake, Minnesota. Strong-willed, unconventional, and ready to embrace the freedoms of her new land, the 17-year-old girl tests the limits set upon her by her parents and by the community. They expect her to conform to the proper behavior of a Swedish young lady and to accept an arranged marriage. After a fire destroys her family's home, Kristin learns that her parents and neighbors are not at odds with her after all. She grows to realize that her own stubbornness stands in the way of her happiness; that accepting the choices of others doesn't necessarily preclude making her own; and that change takes time. Nixon's careful research provides a convincing portrait of Swedish-American church and home life. The historical facts the author shares are occasionally awkward when converted into dialogue, but otherwise make a seamless backdrop to the story. Kristin's rebelliousness and her romance with the young man she is to marry will appeal to preteens and teens alike. A must for fans of the earlier books, but one that stands alone as well.
Sally Bates Goodroe, Houston Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist
Gr. 6-9. Kristin is eager to begin her life in America. She's heard that it is the land of freedom, and she's ready to make her own decisions. But the rural community that her family joins in Minnesota is very like the Sweden they've left behind: people talk in Swedish; girls are still expected to learn to stitch and bake light cakes; and parents continue to arrange marriages. Like her friends Rebekah (Land of Hope, 1992) and Rosie (Land of Promise ), whom Kristin met aboard the ship to America, Kristin dreams of an exciting future. She'd like to leave the farm and move to Minneapolis, where women gather to earn the right to vote. When fire strikes her home, however, Kristin learns the importance of community support and accepts that change will come slowly. In the third book in her Ellis Island series, Nixon once again offers a compelling, believable story that gives readers a peek at the past. Young teens will sympathize with feisty Kristin's impatience and her struggle to assert herself. Candace Smith --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Library Binding: 153 pages
• Publisher: Gareth Stevens Publishing (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836828100
• ISBN-13: 978-0836828108
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,538,801 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good book!!!!!!!, November 23, 2005

By	book lover "Jen" (Ca.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Land of Dreams (Ellis Island) (Mass Market Paperback)

I enjoyed Land of Dreams very much, and only wish I knew what happenrd next. I thought that Kristin was very brave to stand up forhe beleived in.

5.0 out of 5 stars This book was AWESOME!! I LOVE it!! , September 25, 2004

By	Cate (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This book is the coninuation of Lond of Hope. This book is about Kristin and how her family move into a society where they don't speak Englsih (much to Kristin's dissatisfaction) and they speak their native tongue, Swedish. Kristin meets a lot of people, and one of them is a lady, who wasn't married (much to the Swedish wives disapporval) and who fought for women's rights to vote. Kristin meets her and thinks exactly the same thing. Why can't women vote, why can't they take a swim in the lake when they want to cool off, and why can't they wear woman's trousers? All of these questions Kristin wants an answer to, but unfortunatally, her mother and father want to hear nothing about it.
This book is sooooo good. I couldn't put it down. I love how Kristin is so different and how she doesn't let other people out her down and how she does what she wants. I also loved to read about the relationship between her and Jonhus (I forget how you spell it, sorry) grow. Nixon did great on this book. I love it!

5.0 out of 5 stars I think it's a great book!!!!, April 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Land of Dreams (Ellis Island) (Mass Market Paperback)

In this great book Kristin Swensen has to immigrate to the United States O f America. Kristen is a nonproper girl. At first she hates it, but then she meets a young man named Johan. I really recomend this book and all other books writen by Joan Lowery Nixon!!!!