The Memory Coat

I purchased a copy of this book for a friend whose great grandparents immigrated from Russia and entered the United States through Ellis Island and then purchased one for myself to read aloud to my third grade students. The paintings are beautiful and haunting; some in color, some in sepia tones. The story itself is heartwarming and sentimental.

Good price. Nice book

Goood

Great condition! Great product! Just as expected!!

Well written

"During the reign of Tsar Nicholas I, over six hundred anti-Jewish decrees were enacted." Think about that!"Then one day, news spread through the market place that the Cossacks were coming on powerful horses and waving sharp swords. They were looking to kill anyone who was Jewish. There was great chaos as babies cried, dogs barked, and wagons clattered over cobblestones. People screamed and shouted and ran to hide in their cellars and attics and barns.From their attic window Rachel and Grisha trembled as the Cossacks swept through their town."This is a rather grim tale at times; grim but I will tell you know that it has a good and happy ending. The love and devotion the family shows each other is touching and inspiring. The persecution set off a chain of events that forced this poor Russian family to immigrate to the United States and escape the horror that was their country. The only wrong they had done was being Jewish.This story is held together by a coat the young boy in the story and follows the family on their journey, including an almost disaster at Ellis Island. The story is told in wonderfully simply prose and as so often is the case, much of what is not said is far more important that what is said.The art work in this book is wonderfully executed. It captures "Old World Europe" perfectly. From full color to grim black and white - all extremely detailed that captures the immigration experience perfectly. We follow the family primarily through Rachel and her brother Grisha; two young siblings whose entire way of life has been ripped from them and a new start is the only thing that will save them. Troubles? Yes, but the solid love and devotion this family shows win through in the end.This is an excellent book for use in Social Studies.Don BlankenshipThe Ozarks

Great story to teach students about immigration.