Ellis Island: New Hope in a New Land

by William Jay Jacobs

Overview

Ellis Island: New Hope in a New Land is William Jay Jacobs' beauriful story that captures the act of immigration.

What would it be like to leave your home in Europe, travel thousands of miles in the miserable place below decks called steerage, and arrive in New York harbor at Ellis Island, which you and your parents see as the gateway to a new life? Find out in Ellis Island: New Hope in a New Land.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780684191713
Publisher:	Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	03/30/1990
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	810L (what's this?)
Age Range:	7 - 10 Years

About the Author

William Jay Jacobs is the author of Ellis Island, a Simon & Schuster book.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 4-7-- A brief history describing the building of the immigration facility, the millions of people who passed through it, and its eventual deterioration and renovation as an historical site. The book also covers the immigration experience, including reasons for coming to the U. S., conditions on ships, the rigors of being accepted for residency, and an historical overview of immigration laws. Throughout the text, Jacobs captures the hope and determination that drove those millions to leave their countries and come here. The excellent black-and-white photos help convey Jacobs' message by providing a look at the conditions on ships and at Ellis Island. Overall, however, this book suffers from a lack of focus. It is impossible to discuss adequately both the history of Ellis Island and the experiences of millions of people in 19 pages of text. The resulting overgeneralization will limit its usefulness. Heaps' The Story of Ellis Island (Seabury, 1967; o.p.) is not as attractive, but gives a more in-depth look at Ellis Island. Caroli's Immigrants Who Returned Home (Chelsea, 1990) provides a better look at the immigrant experience. An additional purchase for libraries with a strong need for material on this subject. --Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

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