German Immigrants, 1820-1920

Children's Literature

Five million German speaking people came to the United States between 1820 and 1920. They make up the largest immigrant group to settle America. Like the Pilgrims, many came for religious freedom. Sometimes all of the members of one church would emigrate together and establish a new church in America. Other Germans came to own land and farm. At one time, the three cities of Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and St. Louis had so many Germans that the area was called the German Triangle. The hamburger, a dish considered quintessentially American, actually originated in Hamburg, Germany. This title, from a series called "Coming to America" about different immigrant groups, will complement any elementary or middle school class unit about immigration. It covers the basic facts about the general immigration experience with specific information about the struggles and contributions of German speaking peoples. Six slim chapters are enhanced by attractive illustrations, photographs, recipes, activities, web sites, a timeline, a glossary and a bibliography. Students looking for information for reports and teachers looking for trade books to use in the classroom will be pleased with this offering.
—Jackie Hechtkopf