How Many Days To America?

 

 

How Many Days to America?

A Thanksgiving Story

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary

 This book was about a Caribbean family having to leave all of their belongings and relocate to America in the middle of the night. On their journey, they encountered getting hot at, running out of food, and sickness. The family was soothed by their fathers singing. The first land they found gave them food, but would not accept them. The welcomed them by saying "Welcome to America". They were giving a small place to stay, clothing, and a big feast. The children were taught that the big feast was thanksgiving.

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluation by Genre

The genre of this book is historical fiction picture book. I feel that the warmth shown by the Americans that greeted the families was heartfelt. I also think it's important that we remember to welcome others of different nationalities.  

 

 

 

 

Evaluation by Illustrations

The colors are subdued and shaded. They are a range of values creating drama or movement. The illustrations are very realistic and the shapes are meaningful and significant.  They go along with the representation of the boat and appearance of land. The text line up with the illustrations and establishes the mood, setting, theme, and characters in the story. The medium are acrylics and the texture is rough. The illustrations gives an idea of what it is like coming to America.

 

 

 

 



Motivational Activities

 How Many Days to America was intended for children ages 5 to 8 years old. Eve Bunting has written more than 200 books for children, many of which can be found in libraries around the world.

 



•  Ask the children to explain what they think the first thanksgiving was like before reading the book.
• Have the children create a boat out of paper Mache.
• The book promotes and integrated discussion. So read the book aloud and discuss how they felt about the book. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reader Response Questions

1. Do you wonder how many days it took this family to get to America? 
2. Why do you think the people had to leave their homes?
3. Could you have left everything you had behind?
4. Do you think the first land the family came to was mean to the family?
5. How do you think the family felt about America?
6. How do you think the family shows appreciation on Thanksgiving?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Readers Comments

I think the book is excellent and should be used for more than just a thanksgiving story. It promotes compassion and concern from the readers. The reader can see the hardships many immigrants face. This book is also good for people coming to America.  This book is a reminder of the people who both came before us and those that still come with hope to America.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Books Written by The Author Include:   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheyenne Again by Eve Bunting and Illustrated by Irving Toddy 

 

 

Dandelions by Eve Blunting and Illustrated by Greg Shed