In the New World: A Family in Two Centuries

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

An informational picture book about a Germany family and their immigration to the United States. The story begins back in Germany, where harsh economic conditions prompt the family to leave all that is familiar and move to the United States. The straight-forward, narrative text, complemented with folksy, colored illustration, details their travels and subsequent life in the United States.

The family encounters many hardships along the way, but the opportunity provided by the Homestead Act in the United States, keeps them on track. The importance of family and traditions, balanced with moving forward and embracing change is an integral part of the story.

The later part of the book, features a current day family living in the same house as their early family members. Interested in learning more about their ancestors, they travel to Germany. An old family photo that originally was on the walls in the original German cottage makes it way back to America, ending up over their fireplace in Nebraska.

This book will be of particular interest to those with a German heritage but would also be informative for any projects on immigration.

Overall Book Score: very good