Gittel's Journey: An Ellis Island Story

When nine-year-old Gittel and her mother arrive at the seaport, ready to board a ship in order to emigrate to America, the health inspector tells Gittel's mother that her eye infection precludes her from going. Putting Gittel on board the ship by herself, with their cousin's name and address in New York City, the mother instructs her to be brave. So begins a weeks-long voyage, as the young girl experiences life on board ship, and eventually finds herself at Ellis Island, in New York Harbor. But when the slip of paper with Cousin Mendel's address is illegible, what will Gittel and the kind interpreter who helps her at Ellis Island do...?

Based upon two different stories handed down in her family, author Lesléa Newman, who has written show more seventy books for children in her long career, spins the tale of Gittel, a young girl who must make an unimaginable journey on her own. Poignant, powerful, and ultimately hopeful, the narrative here explores themes such as persecution - at one point, Gittel's mother tells her that it isn't safe for them, in their home country - immigration, and the strength that religious and familial customs can give, in difficult times. The accompanying artwork by Amy June Bates, whose illustrations can also be found in such titles as the wonderful Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed, are stunningly beautiful. Her use of light is particularly adept here, and the overall composition of many of the scenes, with the decorative borders, had a lovely, folk-art feel to it that reminded me a bit of the work of Ivan Bilibin. High praise indeed! Recommended to anyone looking for stories about the immigrants who came through Ellis Island, particularly child immigrants, as well as to those who appreciate beautiful picture-book art. show less

Gittel is a young girl who sets out for America alone after her mother is turned away at the exit point for an eye infection. We follow her across the ocean and onto Ellis Island. When she finally gets there, the paper with her mother's cousin's address has smudged. Her picture is printed in a Jewish paper and she is finally united with him.
I liked this book, but I thought it was a little flat and had too quick of a resolution. I wished there was more nuance. I understand wanting to have happy ending, but I thought things wrapped up a little tidily and didn't quite believe it.

This is a very touching, rather text heavy picture book (on most 2 page spreads there is a short but not that short page of text on one page and an illustration on the other page) about a young girl who must travel to the U.S. alone when her mother isn’t allowed to travel due to a health condition. The mother sends her anyway since she is Jewish and it is not safe for her to stay where she is in Eastern Europe, sometimes Poland/sometimes Russia. The story and its illustrations is lovely and evocative throughout. I was emotionally affected by the entire journey, particularly regarding those left behind and regarding the help Gittel receives when she arrives on the U.S. side of the Atlantic.

Both the gorgeous illustrations and the show more melancholy but hopeful story are special.

I appreciated the three pages of extras at the end that include an author’s note explaining the details of the two true stories this historical fiction story is based on, women close with the author, with photos included. Also featured is a short glossary and a bibliography with a short list of books and a short list of websites.

Highly recommended for Jewish children, children who are immigrants or those who know immigrants, children who must face a difficult challenge, and just about everyone who can enjoy children’s picture books, also school libraries and for gift giving. Best for independent readers, I think. show less

Gittel and her mother were supposed to immigrate to America together, but when her mother is stopped by the health inspector, Gittel must make the journey alone. Her mother writes her cousin’s address in New York on a piece of paper. However, when Gittel arrives at Ellis Island, she discovers the ink has run and the address is illegible! How will she find her family? Both a heart-wrenching and heartwarming story, Gittel’s Journey offers a fresh perspective on the immigration journey to Ellis Island. The book includes an author’s note explaining how Gittel’s story is based on the journey to America taken by Lesléa Newman’s grandmother and family friend.

The journey begins with 9 yr old Gittel leaving Europe with her Mother. When arriving to the boat, her mother is denied entry due to an eye infection, and Gittel is forced to make the journey alone. When arriving to Ellis Island, an immigration officer interviews Gittel just to find that her relative's information was smeared from the journey. Gittel stays that night in a dormitory. The next day she finds her picture inside of a newspaper, and with this info her relative Mendel is able to find her. About a month later, her mother's eye infection heals, and she is able to meet Gittel in New York.
A 9 year old being forced to leave the country by herself is a lot to ask of a child, but necessary in times of war. I imagine reading this to show more 9 year olds in a class one day, and think about their perspectives. This book really made me feel for Gittel, and think of all of the children immigrating to the US who did not turn out so lucky. An incredible journey based on 2 true stories. show less

Gittel and her mother were supposed to be welcomed to American together, but before boarding the boat to Ellis Island her mother is turned back by the health inspector. Nine year old Gittel must make the journey alone across the ocean to begin a new life.

In one striking scene Gittel and her mother wait to board in a long line of would-be-passengers. Gittel stands out amongst earth-colored tones with a bright red kerchief over her head. Bright, but very small in comparison to others making the journey, the loneliness is striking. We learn that it is not safe for Gittel to stay at home and the image of Gittel as one of many Jewish Immigrants is solidified.

This book captures the challenging choices, courage, and turns of fortune that show more helped many make American home. It has a beautiful authenticity that the illustrations greatly contribute to. This is likely because the story is a combination of stories handed down by family members to the author. The details such as the sensory inclusions in the text and the glossary for Yiddish words and phrases at the end all contribute to a beautiful book. show less

Two lovely tales of immigration are combined to make a gorgeous children's book. Illustrations, story, and background would make a fabulous read-aloud or take-turns-reading book.