AN ELLIS ISLAND CHRISTMAS
by Maxinne Rhea Leighton & illustrated by Dennis Nolan
A first-time author re-creates her father's experience of coming to America early in this century with his family. Krysia, the youngest child, describes a typical but uneventful journey, going through immigration, then being met on Christmas Eve by Papa, who's already established a home. Unfortunately—despite a nice moment when Mama gives Krysia a beloved doll as a Christmas gift—the straightforward, rather choppy account never quite comes to life. Still, authentic details plus Nolan's misty, rather somber paintings capture the period—especially the Ellis Island site—with grace and care. (Young reader/Picture book. 5- 9)