Ellis Island and Angel Island

1892 – 1924

Ellis Island in New York and Angel Island in San Francisco were key entry points for immigrants. Both islands served as places of hope and hardship, where newcomers underwent medical and legal inspections.

You can find more books about the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era here, and more books about immigration during this period here.

Picture books

Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story

Compelling story of a girl arriving at Ellis Island alone

Buy

Paper Son: Lee’s Journey to America

Emotional story of a boy arriving at Angel Island alone

Buy

Dreaming of America

Story of a girl who was the first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island

Buy

At Ellis Island: A History in Many Voices

Collection of snippets from real immigrants who passed through Ellis Island

Buy

Landed

Poignant story of a Chinese boy trying to join his father in America

Buy

Chapter books and novels

The Orphan of Ellis Island: A Time-Travel Adventure

Exciting story of a modern boy time traveling to experience immigration to America

Buy

The Dragon’s Child: A Story of Angel Island

Touching true story of a father and son traveling to America

Buy

Ellis Island: An Interactive History Adventure (You Choose: History)

Choose-your-own-adventure stories set on Ellis Island

Buy

Li on Angel Island

Story of a girl facing examination on Angel Island

Buy

My America: Hope In My Heart

Story of a girl quarantined away from her family on Ellis Island

Buy

Non-fiction books

What Was Ellis Island?

Great intro to Ellis Island

Buy

Angel Island: Gateway to Gold Mountain

Excellent introduction to Angel Island

Buy

If Your Name Was Changed At Ellis Island

Accessible introduction to Ellis Island for younger readers

Buy

Activities

Ellis Island and Immigration for Kids: A History with 21 Activities

Activities inspired by Ellis Island

Buy

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