2023 - In search of good homeschooling books for my grandies. Would not consider this a good homeschool book…illegally entering the U.S.

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AR POINTS: .5 READING LEVEL: 3.1
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How Many Days to America?: A Thanksgiving Story by Eve Bunting (1988) 32 pages.

A family with two kids have to leave immediately as a couple of soldier’s leave their home because they won’t conform to their religion. Of course, they are coming to America. But, the author doesn’t say from where or what is going on in their country for the family to legally be able to accept asylum here in America. Persecution of a people would be one legit reason. Being poor, or having an open border (which is treasonous of Biden) is not legit. The small boat only had a few people in it crossing the ocean. It didn’t seem to capture what really happens when fleeing in desperation from a country. Anyhow, they landed here, somewhere in America, on Thanksgiving Day, where a full feast was provided for them.

This story would have set better with me if we weren’t currently experiencing an invasion of America from people all over the world and of all walks of life, from criminals, drug cartels, people coming here thinking they will get a free piece of the pie…and they will get the very, very basics…until it all comes crashing down) and poor innocent children being smuggled in the child sex ring. Who in their right mind lets their child go alone? So far over 7 million people and counting.

So, this story today? Meh! It would sit better if the author made it clear that these were immigrants of old who passed through Ellis Island, legally being accepted into the U.S. That’s the children’s book to look for. ( )

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I like this book for three reasons. First, I like how the author pushes readers to think about the bigger issue in the world, why people immigrants to other countries. Although the reason why the family moved to America was not explicitly stated in the begin or middle of the book, the title and illustration caused readers to question the action of the family. Second, the plot of the story is well designed. Instead of having the answer to why the family moved to America explained at the beginning or the middle of the story, the answer is revealed at the end of the book. This created a sense of mystery and a strong desired for readers to finish the book to find out the answer. Lastly, I like how this story is told from a child’s perspective. The situation they are in and the events they experience on the journey to America seems very innocent as if the family is going on a vacation. The children did not understand the “real” reason they have to move. The repetitive question “How many days to America?” asked by the little sister adds on the to innocent of children when it comes to political challenges the parents were facing back home. ( )

The story of immigration is told through the eyes of children. It is not sugar coated, but lends itself to wonderful discussion. I love that the reader does not know where the refugees are coming from. The ending is hopeful as people welcome the refugees with a meal on Thanksgiving Day. Can you imagine taking a boat ride all across the ocean to the USA? This family faces a challenge on the journey to freedom and that challenge being the soldiers shooting at them. The narrator tells us she is in danger when it says "men shot at us from the cliffs". It is the soldiers shooting. This is a clue on her journey to America where they can be "free and safe". Students can infer why the characters in our story aren't welcome at the first place they read on their boat, along with predicting the ending and why they had to leave their home in the first place. The language is appropriate for 5th grade students. They will enjoy this book's focus on the human spirit and ultimate success. ( )

How Many Days to America is a story of refugees from the Caribbean islands seeking refuge in America, and coincidentally landing on Thanksgiving Day. Reading the stories of the unsafe and harsh travels from people all over the world to seek shelter in the Americas is always an astounding read, however, the book is very vague. Throughout the entire story the culture of the characters were never mentioned, but the illustrations revealed their dark skin. There was no mention as to why the family had to leave their homes, just that they did not agree with the government there. Upon the arrival of one piece of land, there were soldiers awaiting and turned the people back on their boats, not providing any shelter. When asked why, the father replied, "it is not that." It almost seems as though some type of background knowledge is required before reading this story. The text structure is almost non-existent. ( )