Ellis Island - Hardcover

Steven Kroll wrote his first story at the age of thirteen. He is now the author of many children's picture books, including Patches Lost and Found, Oh, Tucker!, The Biggest Pumpkin Ever, and Space Cats. He is also the author of John Quincy Adams: Letters from a Southern Planter's Son from Winslow Press's Dear Mr. President series. He and his wife, Kathleen Beckett, divide their time between New York City and Bucks County, Pennsylvania where he has written many of his books.

Grade 2-5?In his attempt to provide a general overview of 200 years of Ellis Island's history, including information about the "quota system," Kroll has had to sacrifice completeness for brevity. His clear text captures the most important facts about this landmark, but some explanations are cut short and some questions are left unanswered. For instance, although the author describes the examination for trachoma as being "the most feared," he neglects to say that infected individuals would most certainly be refused entry to the U.S. The straightforward narrative is well integrated with Ritz's compelling drawings. Many are done in pen and ink, suggesting in their muted sepia tones the historical engravings upon which they are based. Others, executed in pencil and watercolor, provide a welcome variety to the overall appearance of the book, as well as expand upon the text. Much of the information here is covered in Leonard Everett Fisher's Ellis Island (Holiday, 1986) and William Jacobs's Ellis Island (Scribners, 1990). However, Kroll's title could be quite helpful in preparation for visits to the Ellis Island Restoration, and the brief index and glossary make it a worthwhile additional resource for units on immigration.?Martha Rosen, Edgewood School, Scarsdale, NY
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.