vivianbernard2012's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I guess this book was alright. I think that it had a good lesson. I also learned a lot about Italy and the difficulties of an immigrant.
Unfortunately, I found the main character to be kind of stupid, to be honest. I mean, has the kid had no education in history? He seems to not be able to grasp that he has been taken back to 1908. He thinks that his "brothers" and himself will arrive in a modern day New York with everything that he knows. He even says when he arrives, "This isn't New York!"
Also, I think that the whole, "being taken back in time" concept was really weird and unnecessary. It could have just been about the immigrants themselves. I also found it unnerving how fast the four boys bond. They consider each other family even on their first day and Dominic is talking about how he just loves them so much.
Though I do think that this would be good for somebody at fifth or fourth grade reading level. I am at a collage reading level so I guess maybe I would appreciate it more if that was my reading level. Overall pretty meh. And much too short.
Unfortunately, I found the main character to be kind of stupid, to be honest. I mean, has the kid had no education in history? He seems to not be able to grasp that he has been taken back to 1908. He thinks that his "brothers" and himself will arrive in a modern day New York with everything that he knows. He even says when he arrives, "This isn't New York!"
Also, I think that the whole, "being taken back in time" concept was really weird and unnecessary. It could have just been about the immigrants themselves. I also found it unnerving how fast the four boys bond. They consider each other family even on their first day and Dominic is talking about how he just loves them so much.
Though I do think that this would be good for somebody at fifth or fourth grade reading level. I am at a collage reading level so I guess maybe I would appreciate it more if that was my reading level. Overall pretty meh. And much too short.
mmz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
briarrose1021's review against another edition
5.0
Dominic's life is not going well. His foster family is moving out of state and he will soon be moving AGAIN to a new family. But Dominic is tired of not fitting in. On a class field trip to Ellis Island, wanting to avoid the secret of his lack of family history from getting out, he skips out on the tour and finds himself in another part of the museum. Before Dominic realizes it, he is transported to Italy in 1908, where he not only makes friends but also learns about his own history.
This was a nice story, even in its brevity. In fact, its shortness means that it's easy to pick up and revisit without having to give up a lot of time, and this is a book that I would definitely like to revisit. Listening to the audiobook was nice because the narrator - Lloyd James - does a wonderful job and really pulls you into the story.
If you like historical fiction with a little bit of magic, give this story a go. I would be willing to bet that you'll enjoy it.
This was a nice story, even in its brevity. In fact, its shortness means that it's easy to pick up and revisit without having to give up a lot of time, and this is a book that I would definitely like to revisit. Listening to the audiobook was nice because the narrator - Lloyd James - does a wonderful job and really pulls you into the story.
If you like historical fiction with a little bit of magic, give this story a go. I would be willing to bet that you'll enjoy it.
musicmania54's review against another edition
5.0
Story time: I don't remember how I first found this book, but I was about 10 years old and it was my favorite thing ever. I read constantly, since I was never found of the ending, I would start again and reimagine what happened to these boys. My 1995 printing of the book was in terrible shape, and on the third or forth read through pages started coming out of the binding. On the fifth read through, whole chunks were missing. Eventually it completely fell apart and my mom threw it away. I was SO upset that I held a grudge over my missing book for 16 years!
But on a recent trip to Ellis Island, with mom, there it was waiting for me in the book store. I very literally shrieked, freaking out the guy at cash register. Story explained, and book in hand, I giddily ran through the museum pointing out all the parts that featured strongly in the book.
It took another month to actually start and finish it, but now that I have I can say - 10 year old me had pretty good taste in books! The charters are lovable, the story in moving and educational at the same time, the reading level is on par for young kids, and the ending still leaves much to be imagined.
But on a recent trip to Ellis Island, with mom, there it was waiting for me in the book store. I very literally shrieked, freaking out the guy at cash register. Story explained, and book in hand, I giddily ran through the museum pointing out all the parts that featured strongly in the book.
It took another month to actually start and finish it, but now that I have I can say - 10 year old me had pretty good taste in books! The charters are lovable, the story in moving and educational at the same time, the reading level is on par for young kids, and the ending still leaves much to be imagined.
danlewisfw's review against another edition
4.0
Nice short story about an orphan who on a trip to ellis island ends up traveling back in time and meeting a group of kids headed for American who will pass through ellis island.
madamereads's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book when I was twelve. I need to let you know some backstory. I am NOT a cryer. In fact, I had never cried because of any book or movie up until I read The Orphan of Ellis Island. Ever. It was so beautiful and moving. It was laugh-out-loud funny, heartfelt, and all around a great story about finding a place where you belong.
avafritsch's review against another edition
4.0
It was a cute story. Nice pace, decent descriptions, and overall good tale. It is definitely a kids story.