Ellis Island, Gateway to the American Dream

by Pamela Reeves

Ellis Island--the gateway to America--was the place where millions of newcomers to the United States began new lives. It was a place of joy, hope, and sometimes sadness. Along with the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island remains an inspiring symbol of freedom and opportunity for generations of Americans. This fascinating history, complete with beautiful and poignant photographs and personal reminiscences, brings Ellis Island to life. Special sections on the architectural restoration of Ellis Island and on how to trace your family history through the island make this a book to be enjoyed time and again.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, New York

144 pages, Hardcover

First published March 16, 1991

Reviews

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this non fiction book Ellis Island: Gateway to the American Dream out at our country home, which my mom said was likely purchased on our trip to NYC way back in 1998!

Oh, hello USA! Land of the free and home of the brave? Maybe, but first immigrants from various countries around the world primarily Ireland, Germany, France, etc first had to travel to Ellis Island and go through a very barbarous inspection process to even be deemed worthy of immigrating to the United States.

I decided on this non fiction read because of my interest in Ellis Island but also in preparation for my historical fiction book club pick for July which is The Next Ship Home: A Novel of Ellis Island by historical fiction author Heather Webb.

This book I found to be very informative loaded with facts that I might've been familiar with in a very vague understanding, but this book also really brought to life Ellis Island and the whole immigration history with pictures but also snippets of real newspaper passages and testimony of immigrants, officials working at the time, etc.

As with any non fiction book whether I know anything or not, my ultimate goals are to enrich the knowledge I have already obtained either by being to the historical place in question (which I am thankful to say I have!) and to also add knowledge to my bank.

Throughout my reading of Ellis Island: Gateway to the American Dream by Pamela Reeves, I was very much surprised to learn that way before Ellis Island opened its doors to immigrants wanting a better life, that in NYC was another receiving station that was actually the very first receiving station for immigrants which opened in 1855 called "Castle Gardens". As well, I got a very good appreciation for the whole immigration experience, what conditions were like at Ellis Island, etc.

I wish to thank author Pamela Reeves for this wonderfully informative non fiction book which is chock full of facts but as mentioned above really brings to life this period of American history with pictures & historical "testimony". As well, I also would like to thank the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Foundation for restoring this wonderful building, and opening its doors to the public once more so we can take a step back into history and put ourselves in someone else's shoes for a change.

I will most definitely have to go back to NYC with my wealth of knowledge now and see the city in a whole new light with new interests :) As well, my July's pick for my book club should be the next in queue to match up with this theme in history.

Not only was Ellis Island a beacon of hope for new immigrants to the US hoping for a better life, but also the Statue of Liberty. I have provided below a picture of Lady Liberty, as both these historical landmarks go hand in hand to represent immigration and the hopes of a better life.



To conclude this review, if you're at all interested in NYC, immigration and Ellis Island, I recommend this non fiction book (not a super long read, but worth your time). I for one will have to skim over it again in preparation for my book club's discussion on this topic.

[Helen Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It was very factual, but it more so made me empathize with what immigrants had to go through in order to make it past Ellis Island. The chapters are pretty short, but they're still jam-packed with pictures, different historical events, and testimonies from different people. Overall, it helped me learn a lot more about the immigration process, treatment towards foreigners, and about the history of Ellis Island as a building itself.

[Phineas Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I realized that I did not know enough about this historic place the first book that I saw about Ellis Island was snapped up. This book gives you the full story. The happy parts, the horrible parts and the sad parts are all mixed up to create a truly touching story about this gateway from the idea of it all the way to its restoration.

[Aaron W. Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick history of Ellis Island. Best parts were individual stories of immigrants or employees. A bit too simplistic for my liking.

[HM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overall history- more pictures would have been nice. It’s written as lighter reading, but more pictures would help for that level audience.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

My grandparents came through Ellis Island. An excellent overview with lots of photos. Makes you want to read more.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this history of Ellis Island. Gave lots of information and statistics. Contained many pictures too. I will put this book aside for my grandchildren for when they learn American history.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could stare at the pictures in this book forever. I imagine my ancestors being in one of these pictures (they just might be). The courage immigrants have astounds me. I'm so glad my ancestors decided to come here and I hope that if I were faced with a situation that warranted great courage I'd have it too. Ellis Island is on my list of places I'd like to see in person one day and this book only made that desire stronger.

[Barb Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I was suppose to go to visit Ellis Island and take a tour but the trip was cancelled . The next best thing for me was to find a book about it. This book was in the young adult section at y library, so it read easy , was informational and had good photos too.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting photos, a few interesting anecdotes, but I wouldn't pick it up as a definitive history; too many holes. Fine if you're just interested in a quick overview of the 20th century history of Ellis Island.

[PennsyLady (Bev) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise, informative look at the various faces of Ellis Island, Gateway to America (1892 to 1954)

A study of joys and sorrows, honesty and corruption,courageous reformers

The photographs of immigrants often told their stories of the past and
future.

[Steffanie Huffstatler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartbreaking but so worth the read.

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of the immigrant study group