What Was Ellis Island?

What Was Ellis Island? chronicles the history of the legendary immigration station that served as the gateway to America for over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954, exploring what life was like for the families who passed through, why some were turned away, how the island was used during wartime, and how it eventually became the celebrated museum it is today.

Part of the bestselling What Was? series, the book includes black-and-white illustrations, maps, and accessible text for young readers. This is an excellent choice for students because it brings the immigration experience to life in a personal and historically rich way, making it a perfect companion to social studies units on American identity, immigration, and the stories that have shaped the United States.

Publishing Details

Author : Patricia Brennan Demuth

Illustrator : David Groff

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Chapter Book

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 112

Size: 7.5 x 5.5 inches

Year Published: 2014

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: 3rd Grade

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Informational

Theme: Immigration, Social Studies, Social Issues