United States - 19th Century - History, Immigration & Emigration - History, New York City - History, United States History - General & Miscellaneous, New York (State) - State & Local History, Immigration & Emigration - United States - History, New Jersey
Ellis Island
William Jay Jacobs
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Overview
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?William Jay Jacob's moving text in combination with photographs of the period recreates the American immigrant experience - its hardships, uncertainties, and anxieties, as well as its overwhelming sense of home.
Traces the history of Ellis Island and immigration to America and describes the experiences of immigrants arriving in 1907.
Editorials
School Library Journal
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, MOBook Details
Published
March 30, 1990
Publisher
New York : C. Scribner's, c1990.
Pages
40
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780684191713