Freedman, Russell. Immigrant Kids. Puffin (1995). ISBN-10: 0140375945

Plot Summary

An ALA Notable Book, Freedman’s Immigrant Kids takes a closer look at life for the children of immigrant families. Written specifically for young readers (ages 7+), the various sections include details about the mass arrival of immigrants entering the United States through Ellis Island between 1880 and 1920. Also discussed are topics related to life in tenement apartments, schooling, working, and playing.

Critical Evaluation

Actual photographs of the young boys and girls displayed in the various pages of the book date back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. These black and white images, taken by Jacob A. Riis and Lewis Hine, depict the daily life of immigrant families. There are photos of families, inspection halls, tenement apartments, alley gangs, school, people at work, Hudsonbank Amusement Park and New York City. Each and every snapshot tells a different story, which helps bring the pages alive for all young readers.

Reader's Annotation

This book is actually written from the perspective of children! And, the pictures in this book are absolutely riveting!

About the Author

Russell Freedman was born in 1929 in San Francisco, California. Growing up, he experienced books in multiple ways, as his is father was a sales manager of a publishing company, and his mother worked at a bookstore. As a student, Freedman took interest in subjects like history and geography. He attended both San Jose State University (WOW!) and U.C. Berkley, majoring in English Literature.

Prior to writing, Freedman spends a great deal of time researching his topics. Many of his books have earned awards, and his book Lincoln: A Photobiography became a 1988 Newbery Medal Winner, which had not been given to a nonfiction book since 1956.

When asked to give advice to young writers, Freedman gave these three tips:

1. Write about what really interests you most.
2. Write something everyday, even if it is just in a journal or diary.
3. Read - Read - Read. You learn how to write by doing it and seeing how other people do it.

Genre

Non-Fiction (Social Science)

Curriculum Ties

Language Arts, Social Studies (immigrants)

Booktalking Ideas

Russell Freedman, a Newbery Medalist, has done it again! In his book Immigrant Kids, he brings the neighborhoods of New York in the 1800s and 1900s to life. Each and every photograph and story presented will captivate even the most reluctant of readers.

Reading Level/Interest Age

Ages 9-12

Reason for Book Selection

Freedman is one of my favorite nonfiction writers for children. And, having children tell their stories is an effective technique to teach children about immigration.