A place called Galveston

Gr 1--3--In gentle prose, Shapiro follows the poignant journey of a Jewish Russian family fleeing persecution and seeking a new life in America. While Ellis Island is often seen as the symbol of immigration, Shapiro highlights Galveston as another port of entry--one that offered reduced congestion and access to employment opportunities in the American Midwest. Milovanova's soft watercolor illustrations echo the gentle tone of the narrative, with carefully placed accents of color evoking the hope and promise of the American dream. The story is bookended with maps that chart the family's transatlantic voyage and their inland route via train. An informative end note includes photographs and personal details from the author's own family history, enriching the text with authenticity and emotional depth. VERDICT A tender, accessible introduction to an underrepresented part of American immigration history. Recommended for collections where immigrant narratives are lacking.--Heidi Dechief