Little Immigrants

Rating:
Summary: Full of heartache and hope
Review: I didn't know much about the immigrant orphans (except for a bit about Dr. Barnardo's). There were some incredible stories in this book--the kids who were abused so badly that the community advocated their running away. I also enjoyed the story about the boy who ends up at the home of the brother and two sisters who are very old, but they show him some affection which is a turning point in his life. I use this story in my American Freshman History class and the kids just about start crying every time.
Mr. Bagnell also follows up on their later lives. This fabulous, sad book is important social history. It dovetails perfectly with the whole Progressive Movement hits and misses--the reservation schools, the temperance movement etc.
Mr. Bagnell allows the immigrants to "tell their own story."
This is one of the most memorable books I've read.