Today’s Perfect Picture Book is a new picture book that tells a story rooted in the past that sheds light on issues relevant today.
Title: Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story
Written By: Lesléa Newman
Illustrated By: Amy June Bates
Publisher/Date: Abrams Books for Young Readers/2019
Suitable for Ages: 5-9
Themes/Topics: immigration, Judaism, Ellis Island, mother-child relationship, bravery
Opening:
“Gittel, will you write to me from America?” Raisa asked.
Brief Synopsis: A young Jewish girl and her mother leave their Eastern European village, but when her mother’s health precludes her from boarding the ship to America, Gittel must journey alone to this strange and faraway land.
Links to Resources:
- Have you moved to a new house, city, or country? How did you feel? List three things you miss from your old home and three things you like about your new home;
- Raisa gives Gittel a rag doll to accompany her on the journey. What favorite item or items would you bring on a journey?
- Interview an older relative or friend to learn about his or her life when s/he was young;
- Are there items from the past that your family treasures? Ask why those items are important;
- Gittel arrives to the US at Ellis Island. Learn more about Ellis Island and US immigration.
Why I Like this Book:
With longer text than most current fiction picture books, Gittel’s Journey reads like a story from the era in which it is based. Opening with a scene including a beloved farm animal and best friend, Gittel’s Journey follows Gittel and her mother as they leave their eastern European village and travel to a seaside port. There, Gittel’s mother is refused passage because she appears to have an eye infection. This denial reminded me of the current concern about measles in the US.
I think kids will empathize with Gittel’s fear as she leaves her mother and embarks on the journey to an unknown land. I think they’ll be curious about the candlesticks that Gittel brings with her. They also may be surprised to learn how the story ends and how she reunites with new relatives without the aid of computer databases or smartphone messaging.
As the debate about immigration continues today and as the history of prior waves of immigrants fades from memory, this is an important book for home and classroom discussion and libraries.
Bates’ muted color palette evokes an earlier era. The block-print boarders that surround each page and illustration reminded me of picture frames and contributed to the historical feel.
A Note about Craft:
In an Author’s Note, Newman shares that Gittel’s Journey is based on two true stories from her childhood: the journey of her grandmother and great-grandmother from the “old country” of Poland/Russia to America and a similar journey of a family friend, whose adult companion was denied passage due to health reasons. In an essay in the Jewish Book Council, Newman explains that she remembered these stories from her childhood and decided to write this historical fiction story when she saw images of Syrian refugees in boats. What stories from your past shed light on issues relevant today?
Visit Newman’s website to see more of her adult and children’s books.
Visit Bates’ website to see more of her illustrations. Bates illustrated My Old Pal, Oscar, that I reviewed a few years ago.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 
This book strikes a strong chord for me. I well remember the stories my mother told of her journey to America from Germany. I’ll be adding this book to my library list. Many thanks for a wonderful review of what looks like a well-told journey.
Such an important book for kids to understand immigration through a child’s eyes.. I love the story and can’t wait to read it! Can’t imagine the fear so many children faced. I have a friend who was in a concentration camp and came to America on her own.
To make this life transition alone must have been terrifying at moments. I am glad the publisher allowed Leslea adequate word count to fully tell this story.
Wow! I can’t imagine having to make such a journey without a family member, let alone leaving my mother behind. I’ll have to seek this one out. Thank you for featuring this book, Patricia.
My own grandmother was 14 when she traveled alone to meet an older sister. I have new respect & admiration after reading this #PB.
The stories our ancestors can tell. Makes me feel pretty coddled in comparison.
I love immigration stories! This has a very classic look.
Very poignant and unfortunately timely story. I have it on hold and look forward to really examining it. Thank you for featuring it.
I will ensure a library down here gets it in so I can read it. So want to read this.
Definitely searching for this at my library – sounds like such a wonderful story.
It’s a wonderful story- I love that it’s based on true events.