De Lange Reis: The Long Journey

From the moment eight-year-old Helena Swart leaves the Netherlands in 1912 to immigrate to the United States, she is full of questions. What will America be like? Will my family be happy there? Will I make new friends? And will I ever see my best friend, Sofie, again? After a grueling ten-day voyage on an overcrowded ship, Helena must quickly adjust to her new life: practicing English, milking cows and churning butter, tending crops, and cooking and cleaning endlessly. With eight brothers to care for and no sisters to keep her company, Helena often wonders if she'll ever find her way. Based on a true story, De Lange Reis (The Long Journey) by Penny S. Ledbetter teaches young readers about the strength and resilience that can be found in family, friendship, and hope.