At Ellis Island

Reach for this book when your child starts asking where their ancestors came from or expresses curiosity about how the world looked a century ago. It is an ideal bridge for children who find historical facts a bit dry but are captivated by personal stories of bravery and change. By weaving together a modern girl's visit to Ellis Island with the fictionalized 1910 journey of a girl named Serafina, the book makes history feel immediate and deeply personal. Parents will appreciate how the story validates the complex mix of fear and hope that accompanies any major life transition. It handles the challenges of the immigrant experience with grace, emphasizing the resilience required to leave one's home for a new land. While appropriate for elementary-aged children, its rich gouache illustrations and inclusion of real immigrant quotes offer layers of meaning that encourage family storytelling and a deeper appreciation for one's own heritage.