Families who loved I Was Dreaming to Come to America: Memories from the Ellis Island Oral History Project by Veronica Lawlor often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent might reach for this book when their child begins asking about their family heritage, or when they want to build empathy for the immigrant experience. It is a poignant collection of real-life testimonies from people who arrived at Ellis Island as children between 1900 and 1925. By pairing primary source oral histories with expressive, collaged artwork, the book explores the complex mix of fear, hope, and wonder that accompanies a life-changing move. It is an excellent choice for children aged 8 to 12, offering a grounded and human perspective on a monumental historical era while emphasizing the universal desire for belonging.
