Where we are in place and time

Lines of Inquiry

Homes and journeys throughout history (Form)

The reasons why people move (Causation)

Movement of people (Change)

Castle on Hester Street, The

"A flying goat, buttons the size of sleds, and a castle on Hester Street are some of the widely imaginative stories Julie's grandpa tells her about his journey from Russia to New York many years ago. But Grandma's no-nonsense memories are far different from Grandpa's tall tales. This classic story, which reveals the immigrant experience with wit and warmth, won the Sydney Taylor Book Award when it was originally published with Linda Heller's own illustrations. Now, on its twenty-fifth anniversary, The Castle on Hester Street is given new life with Boris Kulikov's vibrant paintings.

Ellie's New Home (Read-Along)

In 1835, Ellie, Max and her father set sail from England to a new life in Upper Canada. Once there, Father leaves the children with another family while he travels alone to find land and build a cabin. Homesick and usused to pioneer life, Ellie makes an enemy of Mary, who dislikes Ellie's fine clothes and London manners. But as the days go by, Ellie's troubles are replaced by a growing fear. Where is Father? Why hasn't he come back for them?

Hannah Is My Name

Hannah is my name in this new country. It doesn't sound at all like my Chinese name, Na-Li, which means beautiful. It's a long way from Taiwan to San Francisco, but Hannah's family has made the journey because they want to make America their home. Here in America, Baba tells his daughter, people are free to say what they think, and children can grow up to be whatever they choose. And so Hannah takes a new name, begins a new school, learns a new language, and starts to adjust to a new way of life. Meanwhile, they all wait -- and hope -- for the arrival of the green cards that will assure they are finally home to stay. With Chinese-influenced paintings in jewel-like colors, Belle Yang tells an immigration tale that reflects one of the many facets of the American dream.

Just Call Me Joe

From School Library Journal Grade 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.