This story is told from the perspective from a very young child which makes the historical detail limited. Without already knowing some history, the ability to pick up on the limited context from the book might be challenging for a child. In this way, I feel the setting is wasted on the young audience it seems intended for. ( )

This beautifully written story moved me and pulled at my heart. A Polish family immigrates to the United States, leaving their two young sons behind with their aunt and uncle. The family waits for the others to be able to join them in the United States. They receive a letter that they will be arriving soon and the family is overjoyed as they begin to count down the days until they arrive. As the young brothers are reunited with their family, the love and excitement they all share makes the wait worth it. Immigration is not something that I have dealt with personally, nor have I ever been separated from loved one so it is hard for me to imagine the pain and heartbreak that may come with immigration. This story made me feel the families pain and anxiousness are they waited to be reunited. ( )

Although this story is set in the past, students with families overseas will be able to connect with what it feels like to be separated from their siblings. It is a well written book, and it is easy to feel the joy Annala has when her family finally makes it to New York to join her.

Anna and her parents immigrate to NYC from Poland and she patiently waits for her brothers to join them.
Immigration, History

2-5 ( )

Historical Fiction
A Jewish family is separated. Annala and her parents travel to the United States to seek a better life. Her brothers and Aunt and Uncle will come soon. Annala is reunited with her Jewish family at Ellis Island.
Annala is happy to learn English and teach her brothers.