BookBright
ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSThis nonfiction book by Ellen Levine answers the questions a curious student might have about Ellis Island and the wave of immigration that brought roughly 12 million people through its gates between 1892 and the early twentieth century. Written in a question-and-answer format, it covers why people left their home countries, what the ocean crossing was like, how the inspection process worked at the Great Hall, and what happened to immigrants after they were cleared to enter America. Readers will encounter real voices from children and adults who lived through the experience, including nervous arrivals who faced doctors with chalk marks and buttonhooks, families separated for years, and newcomers who tasted bananas or hot dogs for the first time and never forgot it.
Free Battle of the Books questions for ...If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about ...If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a young girl mail her dolls ahead to relatives before she sails to America?
✓ Answer
...If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island by Ellen Levine
Some families had to sell or give away nearly everything, but a few favorite things still made the journey. One girl mailed her dolls ahead so they would be waiting when she arrived.
- First half
In what book does a reporter complain about picking worms from his food in a stuffy, stinking bunk?
✓ Answer
...If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island by Ellen Levine
A reporter boarded a ship in Naples in 1906 to see steerage for himself. His outraged write-up captured just how degrading the conditions were for poor passengers.
- First half
In what book is a small girl almost sent back because her eyes are red from crying on the ship?
✓ Answer
...If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island by Ellen Levine
She had been sick at sea and had wept so much that her eyes looked inflamed. After three days of rest, the redness faded and she was allowed to stay.
- Second half
In what book do newcomers secretly pass money down the line to the people waiting behind them after passing inspection?
✓ Answer
...If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island by Ellen Levine
This kind of cooperation helped poorer arrivals meet the cash requirement. Ship officers also sometimes lent money temporarily during the inspection process.
- Second half
In what book do people sleep in long rows of triple-decker bunks separated by narrow aisles?
✓ Answer
...If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island by Ellen Levine
The dormitories were overcrowded during peak migration years. Men and women slept in separate areas while children stayed with their mothers.
- Near the end
In what book does a Yugoslavian boy fall asleep repeating English words for button, shoe, and nose?
✓ Answer
...If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island by Ellen Levine
Other kids helped the boy learn during recess by pointing at things. He memorized words by repeating them over and over until he could sleep.
