The Journal of Otto Peltonen a Finnish Immigrant (My Name Is America)

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Summary: The Journal of Otto Peltonen
Review: If you think it's tough just changing schools imagine moving across the Atlantic Ocean! Well that's the dilemma Otto Peltonen has to endure in the book The Journal of Otto Peltonen written by William Durbin.
As Otto moves from his homeland in Finland he has to adjust to a lower class life in Minnesota. Specifically he lives in a place called Fintown. Fintown is a place where all foreigners are banished to work for a mining company. He has one good friend named Nikko Nikkola. He has tons of books that he shares with Otto so that's what he did with his extra time.
As time goes by Otto lives in fear of being killed in the mines or hoping his future would be much better than his present life. But what there family finds most important is maintaining their dignity.
What the book tries to tell you is that you shouldn't take your life for granted because the lives of these immigrants probably had a tougher time through life than you. and what I found interesting and amazing at the same time is that they had a positive attitude with there situation.
As you can see this book is a compelling journey back to the 1900's that will make you appreciate your life a lot. I recommend this book for 5-7th graders alike that love historical fiction! I hope you hunt down this book because it's unforgettable.

Rating:
Summary: Great account on the hardships of Immigrants
Review: Otto Peltonen and his family leave all their relatives in Finland hoping to find a better life and to join his father. Otto dreams America will be great but when he reaches to the town he finds America is not at all great. At first Otto goes to school but soon finds that his family needs him to work in the coal mines to help them survive. Otto finds work hard in the dusty coal mines and the working conditions are horrible. What Otto can't understand is why some miners are much richer than his family. When Otto learns the truth he was sorry he ever asked. However even with the bad working conditions Otto and his family dream one day they will save up enough money so they will have their own farm like in Finland. This is a great accound by William Durbin on the harships of coal workers live. I highly recommend reading it!

Rating:
Summary: The Journal of Otto Peltonen
Review: The Journal of Otto Peltonen by William Durbin is an interesting journal of a Finnish immigrant who finds himself struggling to adjust to a new life in America. Full of action, you can never find a good point to set this book down. Events are always taking place that are making Otto question if he should have just stayed in Finland. At the mine where Otto's father works, danger is always near, causing much for the family to worry about.
I would recommend this book to readers above the age of 10 due to the graphic details given throughout the story line. This is a great book sure to please the avid reader! You are always guessing what will happen next, like when Otto's family is in desperate need of money, Otto questions,"I'd like to continue my schooling through the ninth grade, but my family needs the money for food..." You will be on the edge of your seat many times throughout the book.