The Long Way Westward (I Can Read Book 3) by Sandin, Joan (1992) Paperback

I Can Read: Level 3

by Joan Sandin

This lively sequel to The Long Way to a New Land follows the fortunes of Carl Erik’s family from New York City to the farmlands of Minnesota. "Historically accurate; will attract competent primary-grade readers and will be equally suitable for less able readers in intermediate grades." —SLJ.1990 The USA Through Children's Books (ALA)Children's Books of 1989 (Library of Congress)1989 Children's Books (NY Public Library)

Genres: History, School, Childrens, American History, Picture Books, 2nd Grade, 19th Century

Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Joan Sandin is a children's book author and illustrator. Her grandfather was born in Sweden and immigrated to Wisconsin with his parents in 1882, when he was only two. Joan herself spent time in Sweden and did extensive research to create her well-loved classic books about the immigrant experience.

Reviews

[Aimee Fuhrman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to Joan Sandin's The Long Way to a New Land, this book follows Carl Erik and his family as they cross the American frontier to Minnesota where they plan to settle. Unlike so many "going west" stories, this one does not depict pioneers in covered wagons. Instead, this book gives children a peek into a different, slightly later settling of America--the one enacted by thousands of European emigrants in the mid-to late 1800's. Truly a gem.

[The Jesus Fandom · Rating 3 out of 5]

For such a short story, this one still manages to pack quite a bit of nuance in it: although America is “the promised land”, immigrants still don’t get treated great. Erik thinks everyone is equal, so everyone must be allowed to drive first class, only to realize that’s not the case. When someone later in the book mentions everyone is equal in America, he thinks back to that moment.

However, the book still ends on a positive and hopeful note, showing that although there were hardships, a lot of them from other people, it was often true that people had a better life in America.

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really good book; a good story, but also informative. And my girls and I were pleasantly surprised to have the characters end up less than 10 miles from our house!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of an immigrant family coming to America, from a kinder, gentler time. The train part interested my second-grade son; the immigrant family interested me.

[Coco and Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice book 📖👌🏻👍😀

[Sydney Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite interesting!

[Adrianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate the I Can Read books that aren’t pure entertainment garbage like Disney crap. I understand the draw, but having these historical and informative readers is awesome.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

AR 2.9

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: "Look, Carl Erik," said Jonas, "the streets of America are not paved with gold."

Premise/plot: The Long Way Westward follows a Swedish immigrant family as they travel across parts of the United States to reach their new home in Minnesota. Their travel involves a lot of TRAINS. The immigrant experience of the late nineteenth century is captured quite well in this early chapter book.

My thoughts: It is so nice to have stumbled across historical fiction for the youngest of readers. Historical fiction was probably my first true genre to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. And I think I would have really enjoyed this one if I'd read it as a kid. As an adult, I can still appreciate it and recommend it to teachers, parents, and grandparents to share with young readers in their lives.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soon after they land in New York City, Jonas realizes that America’s streets are not paved with gold, but there are some very posh things like the elegant first class train car! When Jonas sees the plush red seats, he thinks it’s the king’s train. Carl Erik and Jonas’ family share a cramped, uncomfortable train car with other immigrants and change trains many times. Their journey to Minnesota takes them past farms, woods, mines, trees, and rivers. They must avoid thieves in the cities and feed themselves of the little bit of money they have left. At the Mississippi river, they travel by steamboat to their new home.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story for learning about how many immigrants, particularly Swedes in this story, went inland from New York Harbor to their final destinations up north in Minnesota.

Reading Level: 2nd - 4th grades

Cleanliness: Someone says "Thank God." "Carl Erik and Jonas stared at him. They had never seen a black person."

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.

[Amy Lafleur Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical fiction beginning reader. This book continues the adventures of Carl Erik and his family as they make their way to Minnesota to live near their family. It shows the hardships of immigrants, but also the hopes they had for life in the USA. I thought the more colorful illustrations were an improvement on those in the first book about the family. It might be a good read for reluctant readers or early readers interested in historical fiction.

[Leslea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sean wasn't overly enthused about the book, but I'm giving it four stars because it's a great intro to immigration to the US in the last century.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doesn't do a great job of setting the stage (explaining historical context, etc.) and jumped around a lot. Still, HF for this age group is super hard and scarce, so at least it exists.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the train. This was a great adventure.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

An account of an immigrant family to the USA and their experiences trying to get to their new homestead.

[Ella Zig · Rating 1 out of 5]

yikes!

this is one to skip, it was cringe worthy when i was reading it to my child.

[Shofam · Rating 5 out of 5]

It made me happy when they reached home.

[WSL Library]

x2

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The migrate to Anoka!