Overview

""A tender, accessible introduction to an underrepresented part of American immigration history. Recommended for collections where immigrant narratives are lacking.""-School Library Journal Highlighting an underrepresented part of Jewish-American history, this poetic non-fiction picture book tells the collective stories of the immigrants who came through the port of Galveston, Texas in prose to captivate 6-8 year-olds. In the early 20th century, thousands of Jews escaped antisemitic Russia to immigrate to the U.S. They faced long journeys across oceans, sometimes leaving family behind. But they didn't arrive at Ellis Island, as many others had. They were welcomed instead through the port of Galveston, Texas, on the Gulf Coast. Galveston had sweet air and wide-open space. The newcomers built temporary communities, havens of people offering help, food, and shelter, to ease the loneliness and fear of a new country with a new language. And when they could, they ventured into the vast Midwest searching for jobs and safer futures. In an end note, the author shares her family's story of coming to America from Russia and further details the history of Jewish immigration, the organizations that helped facilitate the journeys, and how Galveston became a popular port.

Full Product Details

9781681156545

Table of Contents

Reviews

""In gentle prose, Shapiro follows the poignant journey of a Jewish Russian family fleeing persecution and seeking a new life in America. While Ellis Island is often seen as the symbol of immigration, ­Shapiro highlights Galveston as another port of ­entry—one that offered reduced congestion and access to employment opportunities in the American Midwest. ­Milovanova’s soft ­watercolor illustrations echo the gentle tone of the narrative, with carefully placed accents of color evoking the hope and promise of the American dream. The story is bookended with maps that chart the family’s transatlantic voyage and their inland route via train. An informative end note includes photographs and personal ­details from the author’s own family history, ­enriching the text with authenticity and emotional depth. VERDICT A tender, accessible introduction to an underrepresented part of American immigration history. Recommended for collections where immigrant narratives are lacking.""—School Library Journal

Author Information

Andrea Shapiro writes children’s literature with a focus on narrative nonfiction and historical fiction, including Two Thousand Miles to Happy, the story of the first thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Andrea also co-writes musical theater with her husband, including Commedia Las Vegas and Party at the Parthenon. She lives outside Washington D.C. Valerya Milovanova, originally from Russia, moved to the UK for University; graduating from the University of Hertfordshire in illustration and graphic design. She loves working with different textures, combining traditional materials (especially ink and pencil) with digital media to create heartwarming, fun, and inviting illustrations. Valerya is inspired by nature, museums, history, animals, human connection, and a genuine passion for life. She is a proud participant of the MORS Illustration Festival 2023 and her children’s picture book, I Am Upsetwas shortlisted for the Batsford Prize and the Unpublished Picturebook showcase. She lives in Hatfield, UK.

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