Li on Angel Island

by Veeda Bybee

Li, her mother, and her brother journey from China to America to join their father in San Francisco. But they are detained at the Angel Island immigration center, where Chinese Americans are subject to harsh treatment and questioning. Will Li be able to answer the detailed questions about her former home, and why she wants to come to America? Or will she fail the tests and be deported?

Genres: Historical Fiction

72 pages, Library Binding

Published August 1, 2020

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written story of a girl arriving on Angel Island from China back in 1921. I won't spoil it, but it is a wonderful novel to read to expose children to history from a fiction standpoint, but with very real and concrete facts as well as the demeanor of the time in respect to Chinese Immigrants coming to America. I think it's important that children read this and learn of the history, but also to learn from history and to change the dialogue of our future with respect to how we treat all races, ethnicities, backgrounds, etc. This is also published by the Smithsonian, so you know you are getting a pretty accurate historical representation of what it was like for a Chinese immigrant on Angel Island.

[Melinda Brasher · Rating 3 out of 5]

The historical fiction aspect of this is really interesting/sad/important. I loved the notes at the back.

The main character and her brother and friend are sympathetic.

The writing feels a little simplistic, however, even for the age it’s meant for. And then it just sort of drops one of the storylines.

The illustrations are beautiful. And there’s a recipe in the back!

More accurate rating: 3.5

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read, but well-written, historical fiction for young readers (grades 2-4). It depicts the journey of one family from China to America by way of Angel Island in the 1920s, and what their experience was like on the island.

While it does touch on some of the heavier topics of this era, it does so in a way that is not too overwhelming for young readers.

[Dawn Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new historical fiction series by Capstone in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution. A very interesting, accessible series of stories that run the gamut from Chinese immigration to the Chicago Fire & more topics sure to appeal to grades 2nd- 4th.

Bonus: factual information on the actual event, glossary, hands-on activity related to book & author/illustrator bios.

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.5. Although the illustrations look definitely modern, this chapter book does a good job of presenting a poignant part of history to younger readers. (While the language also has a modern feel, the open-endedness of part of the plot is heartbreakingly realistic.) Give this a try with your younger elementary schoolers!