Friday, October 26, 2018

Gittel's Journey by Lesléa Newman - ESSENTIAL

Gittel's Journey : An Ellis Island Story by Lesléa Newman illustrated by Amy June Bates PICTURE BOOK Abrams Books for Young Readers. 2019. $18. 9781419727474 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Gittel and her mother are immigrating to America. When they get to the boat, her mother is not allowed to board because she has an eye infection, so nine-year-old Gittel must travel to America alone. Her mother has given her the name and address of her cousin who is expecting them, and Gitell must keep the paper safe and sound, but arriving in America doesn't go as smoothly as she had hoped. 

Interspersed with Yiddish words and Jewish traditions, Gittel's courage is inspirational. The illustrations are beautiful, painted inside wood cut frames. I loved Newman's account of this immigration experience, based on the real life experiences of her grandmother and aunt. Includes an authors note, glossary, bibliography and websites.

Lisa Librarian 

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