good - Michael

00008023

00006792

Summary: In 1905, fifteen-year-old Otto describes in his journal how he travels from Finland to America, joining his father in a dreary iron mining community in Minnesota while becoming involved in a union fight for better working conditions.

Personal reaction: Having been born in Minnesota myself, I was naturally intrigued by this book. Having read this in the fifth grade, I had learned very little about the life and conditions of immigrants coming to America (least of all an iron-mine worker). At a young age, this book expanded my global view while also piquing my interest in the history of American immigrants.

Classroom extensions: I would love to have my class engage their families to discover their personal history of immigration while encouraging them to share this with the class. ( )

Very good book. It really opens your eyes as to what some people had to go through not even hundred years ago and how hard life was for them. I would read this again and recommend it. 4.5 out of 5 stars. ( )