A Personal Tour of Ellis Island (How It Was)

Young, Robert

ISBN 10: 0822535793 ISBN 13: 9780822535799

Publisher: Lerner Pub Group, 2000

Describes Ellis Island through the eyes of several people, including a young immigrant and an employee of the Immigration Services, and its various activities and procedures.

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From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-8-These series titles purport to bring historic sites to life, but tread a fine line between fact and fiction. Each book begins with the background of the particular site, and then introduces people who were or might have been associated with it. A concluding chapter brings the site up to its present restoration. Jane Addams is the first occupant of Hull-House readers meet, followed by two children who belong to clubs there; a worker who comes to hear about women's rights; and Florence Kelley, Alice Hamilton, and Julia Lathrop, who worked alongside Addams. The characters on Ellis Island include a young Russian immigrant, an immigration service worker, an inspector, a young translator, and a family leaving there to live in the United States. The time on Old Ironsides occurs during the War of 1812, and readers encounter a sailor, a former passenger, the ship's doctor, and a boy who carries gunpowder around the ship. Unfortunately, none of these characters comes to life as an engaging person, whether actual or fictional. The authors write in a dry, slightly condescending tone. The main value of these volumes will be in sparking interest that leads to further reading of either historical fiction with these settings or solid nonfiction and biographies. The books are lavishly illustrated with photographs and drawings.
Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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