May 1, 2004
Gr 2-4-This easy chapter book presents a touching look at life in 1910 New York City through the eyes of a 10-year-old who has just emigrated from Russia. Joseph and his 17-year-old sister, Anna, are staying with their Aunt Sophie in her Lower East Side apartment. Joseph, who is placed in first grade because he doesn't speak English, yearns to make friends with boys his own age, and he gets involved with bullies who cut class and steal. Anna experiences the trials and tribulations of factory work. By the end of the story, the siblings are beginning to feel at home and are waiting anxiously for the day when Mama and Papa will join them. Joe is the primary focus of much of the story, and boys will easily relate to him and the situations he encounters. Simple but poignant full-page pencil drawings accompany the text. A valuable resource for children studying immigration or the history of New York City.-Christine E. Carr, Lester C. Noecker Elementary School, Roseland, NJ
Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.