Junk Man’s Daughter
Author: Sonia Levitin
Illustrations by: Guy Porfirio
Published by: Sleeping Bear Press (October 2007)
Ages: 6 and up
Themes: Hope, hard work, dreams, and determination
First Lines: When we were still in the old country, every night Papa told my brothers and me about America. “You will see, Hanna,”Papa said. “There are streets of gold.”
Synopsis: The family moved to America believing the streets were made of gold. But soon after arriving, Hanna and her family learned that the streets were not paved with gold as her father had promised Her parents had to work hard to make ends meet. Hanna and her brothers had to sleep on a mattress on the floor. One day Hanna sees something glinting in the sunlight, something like gold! She and her family begin to collect “junk” from the streets to sell and after long days and nights and much hard work, they finally earn enough to buy a cart and then to buy a truck to haul the junk around. By the time Hanna is an adult the family owns a fleet of trucks and a very profitable company proving hard work and determination, wins out in the end.
Why I like it: This is another heart-warming story that I would love to keep. Young readers will empathise with Hanna’s longing for a better life The beautiful warm illustrations are so life-like and life between the old country and America is so striking. I love the details and facial expressions.
Sonia Levitin writes with compassion and having been born in Germany just before World War 11 and escaping the Nazi, leaving all her possessions for a better life in America with her family, she has a true sense of what it must have been like. She is also an award-winning author of more than forty books.
This is Sonia’s website… http://www.sonialevitin.com/
Guy Porfirio dreamt of becoming an accomplished illustrator when he was a young child. Well, after seeing this book and then his website, I have to say he is a MASTER at his craft. The New York Times best selling illustrator has illustrated many, many books and now living in Tucson Arizona with his family. Just pop over and be blown away by his artwork…. INCREDIBLE! … Drool! www.guyportirio.com
Resources/Findings: Interesting teachers tool … http://jwa.org/teach/golearn
The following are a couple of ideas to help entertain kids and benefit the environment.
This is a great website on recycle crafts for kids… http://www.favecrafts.com/Earth-Day-Crafts/16-Recycle-Crafts-for-Kids
Another website on recycled craft ideas… http://www.planetpals.com/recycle_crafts_kids.html
Pop over and visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
That does sound like a lovely book. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, glad you like it, Juliana.
Looks like an excellent book! I’m a collector of found treasures as well. Mostly my “junk” is not appreciated by the Mom Person, but she does appreciate my initiative. Maybe this book would be good for her to read. Thanks for sharing!
lol… I can imagine! Maybe she would appreciate it. (I couldn’t help but smile) Glad you like the review, rhythm.
The art does blow me away. And what a charming story. I never get tired of immigrant books.
It is fabulous illustrations, I know. I was so sucked in and the story so heart-warming.
I’m like Joanne. I never tire of immigrant stores. We’ll look for this at our library.
Nor me Stacy. Hope you find it.
I’d really like to read this too. Making such a big move is quite the shock, no matter what the circumstances.
Yes it must be quite a shock. It’s a very moving story, you will like it. You will love the illustrations, too.
This reminds me of a tree grows in Brooklyn one of my all time favs. Thanks for introducing this to us, Diane. 🙂
I don’t think I have read that one. Must look it up. Glad you like this, and thanks, Clar.
Yes, Google it if nothing else. You will love it. Maybe they don’t have it in Australia though. 🙂
Wow, I love this book Diane. It is so representative of what immigrants experienced. It is also about determination and resilience! Will look this one up for sure.
So pleased you liked the review, Pat. You will love the book, I am sure. Thanks.
Love immigrant stories – this is the American dream! Sleeping Bear Press publish some super stories.
Yes it is the American dream. I agree Sleeping Bear Publishing certainly do. Thanks Joanna.
Diane…what a wonderful book to post to PPBF for the Thanksgiving season. I’ve added it to my library hold request list.:)
So glad you like it, Vivian. I think you will find it a very heart-warming story. Happy Thanksgiving for next weekend.
Great book choice! I like the message! 😀
Thanks, Erik!
Love the sound of this book. Thank you!
your very welcome.