Children's Books and Family History: All the Way to America

In 1912, my great-great-grandfather Luigi made the long journey from Northern Italy to California. He arrived at Ellis Island on December 8, 1912, alone, with no family traveling beside him and no loved ones waiting to greet him. Although the exact reasons he left Italy are unclear, it is likely that economic hardships played a role. Like many immigrants of his time, he came seeking new opportunities and the hope of a better future.

Luigi left behind his wife and three children with the promise that they would join him later. He was not completely alone, however. Relatives who had immigrated earlier had already settled in California and would help him begin a new life. Like many Italians making the journey to America, he carried dreams of a better future—not only for himself, but for generations to come.

When I think about the courage it must have taken to leave everything familiar behind, I cannot help but wonder what he carried with him. Certainly he packed clothing and a few personal belongings, but he also carried hopes, values, traditions, and dreams that would eventually be passed down to his descendants.

Luigi's story is one that was shared by many immigrant families who left behind everything familiar in search of new opportunities. As I read All the Way to America: The Story of a Big Italian Family and a Little Shovel by Dan Yaccarino, I was reminded of my own ancestor's journey and the sacrifices made in hopes of creating a better future for generations to come.

Inspired by the author's own family history, All the Way to America tells the story of Dan Yaccarino's great-grandfather, who immigrated from Italy to America carrying a small shovel. While the shovel may seem like an ordinary object, it became a treasured family heirloom that was passed from one generation to the next.

As the story unfolds, readers follow the family's journey across generations, watching as each generation adds its own chapter to the family's story. Through simple yet powerful storytelling, Yaccarino shows how a single object can carry memories, values, traditions, and the legacy of those who came before us.

More than a story about immigration, All the Way to America is a reminder that family history is not only about where we came from. It is also about what we choose to carry forward and pass on to future generations.

ACTIVITY: My Ancestor's Homeland

Family history doesn't begin when our ancestors arrive in a new country. Their story began long before that.

Choose an ancestor and learn about the place they called home.

Research:

• What country did they come from?
• What language did they speak?
• What foods were common?
• What traditions or holidays were celebrated?
• What jobs did people have?
• What was daily life like?
• What famous landmarks existed there?
• What was happening in the country when your ancestor lived there?

Then fill out my ancestor's homeland spotlight page below

to print the activity page simply click here or on the image