I was excited to read History Comics: Ellis Island Immigration and the American Dream for a few reasons, mainly because I had relatives who came through Ellis Island and couldn’t get enough of the history when I visited years ago. I was also excited to explore the book as an educator and LITTLE FREE LIBRARY STEWARD. This graphic novel was beautifully done and should be included in schools where the history of immigration is taught and where there are discussions in place for understanding immigration today.
The book was very thorough and engaging. I’m often approached for book recommendations and this book and others in the series will be included as both educational and appealing to children that gravitate towards graphic novels.
The ebook version presented itself nicely and I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest that a school, public library or family purchase it in this format. As far as sharing it myself, I hope to acquire a physical copy of History Comics: Ellis Island Immigration and the American Dream for visitors of my Little Free Library.

Thank you to First Second Books for the opportunity to read this eARC and to share my thoughts.

Absolutely loved History Comics: Ellis Island! Perfect for middle grade and even middle school readers, with a really thoughtful balance between not-too-textbookish and not-too-silly/watered down. Absolutely planning to add copies to our library’s shelves, and can’t wait to collect all their other upcoming titles!

The emphasis is on the history of Ellis Island--all the way back to when Native Americans used it-- to present day, but also on how others immigrated into the United States. Very nicely done, as I expect with all titles in the History Comics series.

Like the other volumes in this series, Ellis Island incorporates a story to use as a framework for all of the history explanations; a boy and his mother, who works at the Ellis Island Museum, take refuge with upstairs neighbors during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The mother's family had immigrated from Ireland in the 1800s, and the neighbors both have ties to Mexico, so have a more modern view of immigration. There is tons of information about Ellis Island, including a complete history of ownership after the land was taken from the indigenous people, and also has a lot of details about what it was like for many immigrants who arrived by boat, mainly from Europe, from the late 1800s until 1954. At that point, more people were arriving by plane, so the island center wasn't needed, and was turned into a museum. There is a bit of information about the damage that Superstorm Sandy inflicted on the historical site as well.

This is all engagingly done, and very interesting. I even looked up the passenger lists and found what is very likely my great grandfather, Jacob Yingling, who came to the US from Germany when he was a young man. There were lots of things I didn't know, like the existence of other ports (including Angel Island on the West Coast) all around the US, and details about why some people were sent back. This is a great series, and every book I've read (including The Prohibition Era, World War II, and Hip-Hop: The Beat of America) has had so much information; the only problem is that my students don't pick these up quite as easily as fiction graphic novels.

I have read several of the History Comics and I love that they are turning Non-Fiction into graphic novels. Kids are reading more and more of the graphic novels and I like that they are still getting information in a format that they will enjoy. With that being said, the Ellis Island history comic was not my favorite. The early parts of the book felt like such a heavy info dump while it went through all the ways that Ellis Island changed hands that if I had been a student it most likely would have lost my interest. I understand that it was a part of the history that would have been gone through quickly regardless, but I feel that if they had injected a little more humor or break-ins with the more modern part of the story then it would have been better. With that being said, I still enjoyed the history lesson in pictures, especially with the dual perspectives of the centuries old history with the more modern aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

#NetGalleyARC I love this series, it never disappoints. Yet another great graphic novel that explains parts of US history. A great read for students, and adults!, of all ages.

Graphic Novels have been instrumental in helping me not only learn about history, but to develop an interest in diving deeper into it. That's what I love about History Comics. The stories are written in a way to help readers learn and understand, while being entertained. History Comics: Ellis Island accomplishes that with a story about how the island came to be. I learned things that I didn't know and I'm looking forward to learning more. It's narrative nonfiction in the style of a graphic novel, so it will compel to readers that struggle with the average nonfiction book. Will definitely suggest to young readers at my library.

Our youth are increasingly drawn to screens over pages, making it a challenge to ignite a passion for reading. However, History Comics: Ellis Island by Felipe Galindo Feggo and Tait Howard is a compelling exception. This graphic novel offers a dynamic and informative exploration of Ellis Island that is sure to captivate young readers.

By cleverly weaving a contemporary storyline with the historical narrative of Ellis Island, the authors create an engaging framework to introduce complex historical concepts. Following a Paul and his mom during a storm in present-day New York that wipes the power from their building, and the city, Paul and his mother are invited upstairs to visit with a neighbor's family where storytelling turns historical as they delve into the island's past, readers are transported back in time, experiencing the hopes, fears, and challenges faced by millions of immigrants.

Feggo's vibrant illustrations bring the story to life, immersing readers in the bustling atmosphere of Ellis Island. The detailed artwork complements the informative text, making the learning process both enjoyable and effective. Coupled with the personal anecdotes and photographs in the preface and afterward, History Comics: Ellis Island offers a well-rounded and comprehensive look at this pivotal chapter in American history.

This graphic novel is a must-have for classrooms and libraries alike. It not only educates young readers about immigration but also inspires a love of history and reading. History Comics: Ellis Island proves that graphic novels can be powerful tools for engaging young minds and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them. This book will be a great addition to any library, and should be in every classroom where immigration is explored.

This book is a balance of historical fiction and non-fiction exposition. The setting explores two siblings living in New York City experiencing Hurricane Sandy in 2012. They spend the evening with a neighboring immigrant family, discussing the history of immigration in the US. The graphic novel format makes this book engaging for middle school and high school readers.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. We love History Comics -- they've been incredibly helpful in our homeschool. History Comics: Ellis Island is SUPER informative, with more historical facts about the creation, establishment, importance of, and preservation of Ellis Island than expected. I learned a ton. My great-great- grandfather's name is on the Immigration Records at Ellis Island and we wouldn't be here if he wasn't. Our history-buff teen really enjoys these as well and agrees are all well written.

I love History Comics as it is the best way to get reluctant students interested in history.

This does not disappoint. The backdrop of Hurricane Sandy and a mother telling her son and neighbors about Ellis Island while they wait out the storm was perfect. The details were interesting and informative.

I am adding this to my library.

Thank you to First Second Books and Net Galley for the eARC!

Between 1852 and 1954, Ellis Island welcomed many immigrants to America. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy ripped through New Jersey. Heavy rainfall and 80 mph gusts caused water levels to rise and the city to shut down. This book follows the story of Amie and Paul. Amie works at Ellis Island. She tells the history of Ellis Island, the darker and lighter sides of it, disasters that affected it over the years, and how it survived. After the storm, we discover that Ellis Island was severely damaged during the storm, requiring extensive repairs to building, exhibits, exterior, and interior utilities. All while two employees were stuck there.

The illustrations are colorful, engaging, and help to tell the history of Ellis Island. The text is simple enough to read and works well with the images. Readers interested in Ellis Island, like history comics, and non-fiction will want to pick this one up. Gr 4 to 8

Please note: This was a review copy given to us by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.