Watch the Stars Come Out

This paperback picture book tells the immigrant story of the trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. While there are many stories about this trip, this one is told in simple terms for the beginning learner. Nice story w/ well done illustrations and a happy, inter-generational ending. A Reading Rainbow book.

"Watch the Stars Come Out" by Riki Levinson tells one story of immigration. How did all of we in America get here? Some came long ago, and became what we know as Indians. Others came on the Mayflower, or up through Mexico. Many came in the late 1800s, through the very early 1900s, with a tremendous wave of European immigrants. This is the story of one European family. The story begins as the ship approaches the Statue of Liberty. After a tough journey, the family reaches NYC, and works its way toward their new home, a German-Jewish neighborhood on Hester Street. The story is told from the grandmother who made the trip as a little girl, to a young girl who looks much like her. The memories help the little girl feel connected to her grandmother, and to feel a little closer to an experience her family knew. She sees the stars, just as her grandmother saw the stars, and realizes life is good. The drawings are colored pencil, with a great many people, faces, and details. The story misses names. The brother is called "Brother" making a personal and cultural exchange challenging for the reader. No one has a name. The writing is clean, well-edited for the early grade school set. I fully recommend "Watch the Stars Come Out" by Riki Levinson. Anthony Trendl editor, HungarianBookstore.com

Children enjoy this story about two young immigrants coming to America. A young girl tells how she and brother cross the ocean by ship alone, to meet their parents who already live in New York. She describes the long journey's ups and downs, and also the stop at Ellis Island for a medical check-up. Finally they are reunited with their parents, who now live in a "palace!" It's great for kids just learning about immigrants, or maybe about how your family came to America. The pictures are wistful and dreamy. Your 7-9 year old will like it!