Immigration Annotated Bibliography
by
Bartoletti, S. C. (2001). Black potatoes. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Middle/High School. Through the voices of the Irish people, this book tells the history of the Great Irish Famine of the late 1840s. Eyewitness accounts and memories combine with devastating facts: one million died from starvation and disease; two million emigrated; the famine could have been avoided; and the bitter resentment against the English, who owned most of Ireland, that followed. The author tells of evictions, of the Irish starving while food is exported to England, and of deaths in the coffin ships that took the desperate to North America. The text is broken up with many black-and-white drawings from newspapers of the time, and a long final essay includes information about books, primary sources, library collections, and Web sites for more information.
Bartone, E. (1996). American too. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.
Elementary. Rosina, an Italian immigrant, wants to be a modern American girl. Questioning the characteristics and traditions of her family, she changes her name to Rosie, refuses to eat the eggplant sandwich herm mother packs in her lunch, and reacts with anger instead of pride when told she will be the queen of the San Gennaro feast. The Statue of Liberty provides inspiration and when the festival procession begins, Rosina appears, not in the white taffeta dress made by her mother, but dressed as Lady Liberty. Her costume is a success and she is glad the feast is a part of her new life in America. The story may help young people explore how to blend their unique ethnic background with their American identity.
Bunting, E. (2000). Dreaming of America: An Ellis Island story. BridgeWater Books.
Elementary. This is the fictional story of Annie Moore, the first immigrant to enter the new facilities at Ellis Island on January 1st, 1892, her fifteenth birthday. Annie and her brothers are from Cork, Ireland, and are traveling to join their parents who have been in America for three years, saving money to bring their children over. After a difficult goodbye to their friends and family, Annie and her brothers travel in third class with a cabin to themselves. They make friends with a Russian man who takes care of them during the difficult journey. Upon arriving in America, there is a huge celebration for the immigrants who will be the first to enter the new Ellis Island. The authors add real pictures and notes which add to the authenticity, including the passenger list that includes the names of Annie and her brothers.
Cech, J. (1991). My grandmother’s journey. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Elementary and up. Basing his narrative on the experiences of his wife's mother, who was born in Russia in 1907 and escaped westward in a harrowing journey during WW II, the author tells a story as it might be told to a grandchild at bedtime. When Grandmother was a girl, a grateful gypsy cured her of terrible headaches; when she was newly married, a less friendly gypsy told her a time would come when she would ``pray to endure one more hour...when your every footstep will be pain.'' Indeed, the Revolution brings famine and death, and during the war, carrying a baby whose innocence helps win them many kindnesses, she and her husband make their way to America. The story is well illustrated, with pictures that reflect traditional Russian art.
Englehart, M. & Kurelek, W. (1985). They sought a new world. Plattsburgh, NY: Tundra Books.
Elementary/Middle. Canadian artist William Kurelek was born to Ukrainian Immigrant parents who came to America on the promise of land and a better life. He tells his story and others’ through 28 paintings drawn from him earlier books and from his individual paintings in which he attempted to record the histories of different ethnic groups in North America. He also provides comments on his own experience throughout the text. Additional information about the massive Immigrant movement to North America is added, under headings such as “Why they left Europe,” “Getting to the new land,” “Finding work,” “The dream of owning land,” “Learning to be a child of the new world,” “The comfort of religion,” etc. The text mostly describes Immigrants who came to own and work land, and illustrates their courage, determination, and strong work ethic.
Freedman, R. (1980). Immigrant kids. New York: Puffin Books.
Elementary and up. Made up of vintage photographs and descriptive text, this book chronicles the life of immigrant children in New York City during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Divided into sections, the book covers immigrants coming to America on boats and going through Ellis Island, life at home, school, work, and play. The author discusses the need for children to work to help the family to survive, often doing so illegally. Life for the immigrant child was difficult at the turn of the century, and the pictures and text of this book give great insight into that life.
Hest, A. (1997). When Jessie came across the sea. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
Elementary. This narrative tells the story of 13-year-old Jessie and her journey from a poor village in Eastern Europe to New York City at the turn of the century. Jessie and her grandmother are very close, but when the village Rabbi chooses Jessie to use his ticket to America, they know it will be for the best. On the journey to America, Jessie meets Lou, a young shoemaker whose friendship helps Jessie survive the hardships and uncertainties of the ocean crossing. Her skill as a lacemaker, painstakingly learned from her grandmother, insures her success in the dressmaker's shop where she goes to work. Her romance with Lou is rekindled when they meet years later on a wintry day in Central Park. Before her wedding, Jessie is finally able to reunite with her grandmother whose ticket she has bought with the money it has taken her years to save. The illustrations show the European village, storms at sea, and the teeming streets of the Lower East Side with beautiful detail.
Hoffman, M. (2002). The color of home. New York: Phyllis Fogelman Books.
Elementary. Hassan's Muslim family was driven from their home in Somalia by the violent civil war. On his first day of school in America, everything looks gray and strange and he can't speak English. The children and teacher and nice and friendly, but he has a hard time making connections. Then in art class he paints a picture of the happy home he remembers before the soldiers came to his village. When he adds the nightmares that haunt him--the flames and bullets that killed his uncle and drove his family out--his teacher brings a Somali interpreter to translate for him, and he tells her his refugee story. The pictures in the story do a great job of expressing Hassan's sense of dislocation in a gray, unfamiliar place, until he is able to see the bright colors of his school and his new home.
Knight, M. B. (1993). Who belongs here? An American story. Gardiner, ME: Tilbury House, Publishers.
Elementary. Based on a true story, the book describes a young boy named Nary’s escape from Cambodia and immigration to America, with his grandmother and uncle. A brief background of the brutal communist regime led by Pol Pot that killed Nary’s mother and father is given. Nary’s grandmother carried him on her back as they escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand. After several years, the family was allowed to immigrate to America, where Nary enjoys many new freedoms and a grocery store full of food. The book uses Nary’s story to explore the intolerance and prejudice that has occurred in America for many groups of people. The author adds text on each page that provides background information on U.S. immigration or history; and questions to stimulate discussion. Notes in the back give additional material on individuals (Pol Pot, Dith Pran, Dolores Huerta) and concepts introduced throughout the text.
Kroll, S. (1995). Ellis Island: Doorway to freedom. New York: Holiday House
Elementary. This book chronicles the history of Ellis Island from landfill to monument. By 1890, as more and more people were coming to America in search of a better life, the U.S. government found it necessary to take control of Immigration, so they chose Ellis Island and spent two years building an immigration station. The book details the make-up of the station, the fire that destroyed it, and the new building built on Ellis Island. It describes the process that people went through as they were processed in America, depending on their class, including various medical exams and immigration inspector questioning. The book briefly discusses the impact of mass immigration in America, and the uses of Ellis Island after the First World War, when it was no longer used as an immigration station. Vivid illustrations include pen-and-ink drawings of the early period, images from familiar photographs, and color pictures in pencil and watercolor.
Lawlor, V. (1995). I was dreaming to come to America: Memories from the Ellis Island oral history project. New York: Puffin.
Picture book, elementary level. The text includes quotations from immigrants from different countries and their memories of coming to America and going through Ellis Island. Each interview is accompanied by an artistic illustration. The quotations are based on interviews conducted with people who had immigrated to the U.S. through Ellis Island as part of the Ellis Island Oral History Project. The quotations describe the trip in steerage, immigrants’ first impressions when seeing Ellis Island, what they brought with them, the role of interpreters, and either the experience of missing or being reunited with family. Short biographies provide background for each immigrant who is quoted in the text.
Leder, J. M. (1996). Journey between two worlds: A Russian Jewish family. Minneapolis: Lerner Publication Company.
Upper elementary/Middle. This story is centered around the Shurov family, and their
immigration to American from Russia despite many obstacles. The book gives a brief history of Russia, including the takeover of the Communists in 1917, the effect that the Communist reign had on the people, and the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. The Shurov family had wanted to leave the Soviet Union for many years to gain back their freedom, but were not allowed. In Russia, they could not practice their Jewish faith for fear of persecution, and lacked other personal freedoms. The Soviet government allowed the family to leave in 1990, but made it difficult for them to do so even then. The story follows their life in Chicago, where the children are in school and the parents are learning English. The book is illustrated by photographs.
Lee, M. (2006). Landed. New York: Frances Foster Books.
Elementary. This story chronicles a young boy’s journey from China to America with his father. Sun’s father has traveled to America and started a business, and over time has taken Sun’s two older brothers over to San Francisco, where the business is located. At 12 years old, it is Sun’s turn to travel to America, but first he must face the difficult immigration process. Sun has a tutor that helps him memorize minute details about his family and home, such as how man windows are in his house. Sun arrives at Angel Island, and must go through an embarrassing physical example. Following that, he is detained by himself for a month as he awaits his questioning. Once Sun is called, he goes to answer questions three days in a row. After finally being admitted into the country, Sun is reunited with his father and brothers. This is based on the true story of the author’s father-in-law. The story is illustrated well with detailed pictures.
Levine, E. (1993). If your name was changed at Ellis Island. New York: Scholastic Inc.
Elementary. This book offers a comprehensive, well organized discussion of the immigration procedures followed at Ellis Island between 1892 and 1914. One- or two-page chapters offer concise answers to questions ("What did people bring with them?'; "What happened if you were detained?"; "How did people learn English?"), and cover a significant amount of information in an easy to understand format and language. Facts about the many rigorous routines and tests (medical, legal, literacy) that new arrivals endured are interwoven with true stories of the people that lived through them (the author’s own family received a name change at Ellis Island). The text also addresses stereotypes and prejudices that Americans had about immigrants, and the laws and government officials that supported or spoke out against them.
Levinson, R. (1985). Watch the stars come out. New York: E.P. Dutton
Early Elementary. The young narrator tells the story that her great grandmother used to tell of her and her brother traveling to America to meet their parents and older sister. There is no dialogue in the story, and only the details important to a child are included, so that it resembles an oral history. The experiences on the boat, at Ellis Island, and in New York City, as well as the emotions of the characters are more described by the accompanying illustrations. A great story for young readers first learning about the immigrant experience.
Lofthouse, L. (2007). Ziba came on a boat. La Jolla, CA: Kane/Miller.
Elementary. The text is realistic fiction and based on stories the author heard from refugees from Afghanistan. The main character, Ziba, travels on an old fishing boat with her mother from her home to a new land where they could have freedom. Ziba recalls pleasant memories of her homeland, including gathering cold water from the mountain stream, watching her mother weave rugs, and listening to her father’s stories. The simple text alludes to the disruption caused by war, which causes Ziba and her mother to escape for a better life.
Maestro, B. (1996). Coming to America: The story of immigration. New York: Scholastic Inc.
Elementary. This book provides an introductory history of immigration from thousands of years ago through the present, focusing on why different groups of people came to America and how they became a part of our national heritage. The author points out that when Christopher Columbus "discovered" the Americas, millions of people were already living on these continents. Different perspectives are incorporated into the text, including the harsh treatment Indians received and the forced immigration of Africans. The various laws that the U. S. has adopted to control immigration are explained. A brief history of Ellis Island is also included. The colorful, exuberant watercolors show men, women, and children of all nationalities. A table of dates provides a quick summary of immigration highlights.
Malone, M. (1996). Journey between two worlds: A Guatemalan family. Minneapolis: Lerner Publication Company.
Upper Elementary/Middle. This book follows the story of Karen Mendez and her family, and their journey from Guatemala to the United States. Karen was born in America, but her parents were brought up in Guatemala. Karen’s grandfather Don Jose started a store in the town that he lived in, and was successful. Soon after Karen’s parents were married and went to live with her grandparents, a rebel army questioned whether Don Jose was a government sympathizer and threatened to kill him. He managed to escape the country and his family followed him soon after. The Mendez family settled in Florida, and the story follows their life there. They are able to bring their Guatemalan culture alive in Florida with community gatherings, traditions, and foods. The book is illustrated with photographs.
Mayerson, E. W. (1990). The cat who escaped from steerage. New York: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.
Upper Elementary. Nine year old Chanah and her family are emigrating from Poland to America in the year 1910. As they travel through Marseilles, Chanah finds a stray cat that needs a home. She sneaks it onto the boat, keeping it a secret from everyone except her deaf cousin Yaacov. The family is poor and can only afford steerage passage, but Chanah and Yaacov do a lot of exploring of the ship in their desperate search for the cat after it escapes. Chanah learns that a person’s class is determined by their place on the ship, and along with this comes discrimination and stereotyping. Upon entering Ellis Island, the family’s fear of Yaacov being denied entry into America because of his deafness is realized, and it is up to Chanah to prove to the officials that he should be allowed entry. The story is entertaining and provides a detailed glimpse into the lives of immigrant families traveling to America.
Meltzer, M. (2002). Bound for America: The story of the European immigrants. New York: Benchmark Books.
Middle/High School. This text first explores the history of immigration to America, beginning with the first people who walked the bridge between Siberia and Alaska. Migration in Europe is also discussed, as the author explains that more people moved within Europe than came over to America. He then explores the specific forces (economic and otherwise) in Ireland, Germany, Eastern Europe, Italy, and other places that motivated people to immigrate. The remaining chapters focus on the trials of endurance in crossing the ocean in steerage, going through the immigration process, beginning a new life in sweatshops and slums, and, ultimately, becoming American. At the same time he emphasizes how the experience of immigrants depended on each individual's skills and social background. A short chapter on immigrants since the end of the 1960s concludes the book. Well-chosen black-and-white photos and reproductions complement the text, which is followed by a lengthy bibliography and further reading suggestions.
Murphy, N. (1997). Journey between two worlds: A Hmong family. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Company.
Upper elementary and up. Xiong Pao Vang and his family have risked much to escape from Laos to come to America. The book gives a brief history of the Hmong people, and their struggle to maintain land and freedom. Hiong Pao’s mother and father fled from Laos during wartime, and lived in a refugee camp outside the country. After having a few children, they decide it is time to attempt to leave for America. The family endures a dangerous long journey to arrive first in Los Angeles, and from there they travel to Minneapolis, where there is a large Hmong population. The book discusses their adjustment to life in America, where they work to maintain sacred Hmong traditions and cling to their history and community, while also appreciating the freedoms the America affords them.
O’Connor, K. (1996). Journey between two worlds: A Kurdish family. Minneapolis: Lerner Publication Company.
Upper elementary/middle. The story follows the Ahmet family as they are forced to flee their home of Kurdistan, in Northern Iraq when Iraq’s army attacks the city. They escape to a refugee camp that is guarded by Turkish guards who have no value for the lives of “Kurds.” The family is forced to stay in this jail-like camp for over a year, being poisoned by the food and water that they receive. One of the Ahmet children dies in the camp. They are rescued when their family in the United States was able to contact the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Turkey, who worked with the family to get the Ahmet’s released from the camp and moved to the United States. Their life in the United States is also described. The book also details some of the background of the conflict between the Kurdish people and Iraq, including the effects of the Persian Gulf War. Real photos provide great details to the story. Students should keep in mind that this book was written over ten years ago, and more has happened in this region since that time.
Park, F. & Park, G. (2002). Good-bye, 382 Shin Dang Dong. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society.
Early Elementary. "My heart beats in two places" begins this tale of an eight-year-old Korean girl who moves to America with her parents. The authors, who are inspired by events in the life of their older sister, trace young Jangmi's last day at home-on the eve of monsoon season, filled with reluctant goodbyes-and her first day in her new country. Jangmi is sad about leaving her home and best friend, and is anxious about what her life in America will be like. Jangmi's first reaction to her new home in Massachusetts is to see only the differences. However, she begins to feel more at home when her familiar possessions arrive and she meets her new neighbors, including a girl her own age. Illustrations provide many extra details.
Perez, A. I. (2002). My diary from here to there. San Francisco: Children’s Book Press.
Elementary. Amado overhears her parents one night talking about leaving their home in Juarez, Mexico, for America. She is nervous at the thought of leaving her house, friends, and country, and doesn’t understand why her brothers are so excited. Amada records their travels, their stay with relatives in Mexicali, eventual journey to Los Angeles, and the joyful reunion with their father, who had gone ahead to find work and secure green cards for the rest of the family. The story is told in both English and Spanish, and is beautifully illustrated with detailed, vibrant paintings.
Say, A. (1993). Grandfather’s journey. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Early Elementary. The author tells the story of his own Grandfather, who traveled to America from Japan and was fascinated by all of the different landscapes he saw in America. He traveled around the country and saw mountains, open fields, deserts, and large cities. He settled in California, and returned home to Japan to marry and bring his bride back with him. When he had his own child, he became homesick for his native country, and brought his family back to Japan. His own daughter married and had a child (Say) who, once he was old enough, traveled to see California, the land that his grandfather most loved and longed to return to before he died. He settles in America, but travels back and forth, as “the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other." Large illustrations act as a well-preserved family album.
Wells, R. (1999). Streets of gold. New York: Penguin Putnam Inc.
Elementary and up. This picture-book biography is based upon the life of Masha (Mary) Antin, who emigrated from Russia in 1894. This account has been adapted from her memoir, The Promised Land. Her own words appear in the margins. Life is harsh and cruel for Jews under Czar Alexanders rule. Masha feels doubly cursed; since she is Jewish and a girl, going to school is out of the question. Even her brother is not allowed to attend school, once officials come to measure his nose and find it too long. Nevertheless, she has a desire to learn, so her father teaches her to read and write. Then, he leaves for America with a plan to send for his family when possible. Once they too arrive in Boston, they all live in a squalid tenement, but both Masha (now Mary) and her brother are finally allowed to attend school. Mary, at age 13, is placed in the first grade, but advanced to the fifth grade within six months. She even has an epic verse that she writes published in the city newspaper. The pictures and story provide great insight into the risk some Immigrants were forced to take, and the hard work that immigrating and adjusting to America required.
Williams, K. L. (2007). Four feet, two sandals. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.
Elementary. The text is realistic fiction and based on stories heard from refugees from a refugee camp in Peshawar, a city on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Afghani people have fled their homes to nearby countries to escape war and instability. The main characters, Lina and Feroza, each find one sandal among the used clothing brought to their refugee camp by relief workers. Neither has shoes to wear, but they decide to share the sandals. The text describes life in the camp for the young girls, such as washing clothes in a stream, waiting in line for water, caring for siblings, and listening to the school activities they could not participate in because there was room only for boys. They also shared their dreams of finding a new home, although only Lina and her family were allowed to go to America.
Wolf, B. (2003). Coming to America: A Muslim family’s story. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc.
Elementary and up. The story follows the Mahmoud family’s adjustment to life in America. Hassan Mahmoud works four long years to be able to bring the rest of his family from Egypt to America for a better future. Hassan works nights and regrets not seeing enough of his family. His wife, Soad, hampered by her lack of English, seems practically a shut-in, except when she goes to language class. On the other hand, the three Mahmoud children have adapted to their new country well, and are seen doing familiar tasks at home and at school, being with non-Muslim friends, enjoying both traditional foods at dinner and an American-style cake brought in to celebrate a birthday. The story is illustrated with detailed photos, including many of the family at prayer in a Manhattan mosque. The story is followed by a brief explanation of the Islamic faith.
Yang, B. (2004). Hannah is my name. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
Early Elementary. A girl describes her family's journey from Taiwan to the United States in 1967, explaining that she must give up her Chinese name, Na-Li, and adjust to her unfamiliar American name, Hannah. Hannah relates how she and her parents try to adapt to a new way of life, observing the strange customs that they encounter and detailing the obstacles that they all must face. They immediately apply for green cards, a process that demands a long troublesome wait. Hannah’s father must work secretly, always worrying about being caught without a green card. Illustrations set the backdrop for Hannah’s life in San Francisco, and add much detail.
Chorlian, M. (Ed). (1995, May). Polish Americans. Cobblestone, 16.
Elementary. Articles discuss the history of Polish Americans, and the reasons why they came to America. Students will learn how Polish Americans helped fight for America’s independence, and other things they have done since they’ve been in America. Students will learn of the struggles Polish Americans faced and of the traditions that they still keep, as well as information on how to learn more.
Chorlian, M. (Ed). (2001, May). German Americans. Cobblestone, 22.
Elementary. This issue includes information on the history of German Americans, where they settled in the U.S., and the roles that they played once in America, including during wars with Germany. Students will learn about German American traditions, famous German Americans, and ways to learn more.
Chorlian, M. (Ed). (2006, February). Ellis Island: Gateway to America. Cobblestone, 27.
Elementary. Articles contain the history of Ellis Island, mass immigration to America, and the ways that New York handled the increasing number of immigrants coming to settle. Issue includes fictional stories as well as profiles of famous immigrants and activities for students to learn more.
Corsey, M. (Ed). (1982, December). American immigrants: Part 1. Cobblestone, 3.
Elementary. Articles in this issue cover the history of immigration to America, including fictional and true stories of the dangers of crossing the Atlanta and coming into America. Stories cover Chinese immigrants, and their role in gold mining and the building of railroads, the Statue of Liberty and what it symbolizes, Hungarian Freedom Fighters who were defeated by the Russians and came to America, and a famous immigrant photographer who captured many moments from the period. Students will find information on how to learn more.
Corsey, M. (Ed). (1983, January). American immigrants: Part 2. Cobblestone, 4.
Elementary. This issue covers the history behind the immigration stations of Ellis and Angel Island. It also covers the reasons why Germans and Jewish people came to America, as well as a story of Japanese women, who emigrated as brides to men they had never met living in San Francisco. Fictional stories of immigration as well as more recent problems with immigration are covered. Students will find information on how to continue learning about these topics.
Yoder, C. (Ed). (1989, April). Hispanic Americans. Cobblestone, 10.
Elementary. This issues contain articles that discuss the history of Hispanic Americans, where they came from and why they came to America. Articles also touch on difficulties that Hispanic Americans have encountered, such as discrimination and exploitations of workers. Students will learn about Hispanic American leaders and traditions, and will find information for further study.
Yoder, C. (Ed). (1994, March). Irish Americans. Cobblestone, 15.
Elementary. Articles explore the reasons that immigrants came from Ireland to America, including a brief history of the Potato Famine, and the roles that the Irish played once in America. Students can also read about Irish traditions and famous Irish Americans, and find resources for more information.
Williams, B. & Gordonson, K. (2005). U.S. history in pictures: Immigration pictures. Culver City, CA: Social Studies School Service.
Eight pictures that depict different immigrant lives in America. Teacher’s Guide provides background information on the images, an image analysis worksheet as well as a contextual analysis worksheet, and related web sites.
The Library of Congress. (June 24, 2005). Selected images of Ellis Island and immigration, ca. 1880-1920, & Selected views of the Statue of Liberty. Retrieved February 12, 2008, from
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/070_immi.html
Teacher Resource. Includes 12 interesting pictures from the time period that teachers may find useful for immigration lessons. There is an option to either download or order the pictures.
PBS. (2002). Freedom: A history of US, Webisode 8, Segment 7. Retrieved February 12, 2008, from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/historyofus/web08/index.html
Middle/High School/Teacher Resource. This segment gives the story of a Russian woman who immigrated to America, and her transition to living in America. There are options to listen to the story, take a quiz afterwards, and check the resources. Additional resources are given as well as a thorough Teacher’s Guide to the section.
Scholastic. (2008). Immigration: Stories of yesterday and today. Retrieved February 12, 2008, from http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/index.htm.
Elementary/Middle. This site provides profiles of immigrants who arrived long ago, and of immigrant children who have arrived recently. More detailed information is provided on various countries, Ellis Island (including an interactive tour), crossing the Atlantic, life in New York for immigrants, and more topics related to the people being profiled. A Teacher’s Guide is provided with lesson plan ideas and other helpful information. Graphing tools are available for students to create their own immigrant charts and graphs. Book lists are also provided for various grade levels.
Think Quest. (2005). Immigration: The living mosaic of people, culture & hope. Retrieved February 12, 2008, from http://library.thinkquest.org/20619/index.html.
Middle/High School/Teacher Resource. This site provides stories of immigration from the past and present, as well as more in depth look on English, German, Italian, Irish, African, Japanese, Chinese, and Jewish immigrants. A history of Ellis Island is given, as well as information about the Statue of Liberty.