“I want to stay here. I want to draw pictures of America forever.”
This moving immigrant story tells how a spunky young artist saved her Jewish family from deportation and certain death in the Ukrainian pogroms of the early 1920s.
An independent, feisty girl, Luba Dichne drew constantly—after school, in storm shelters hiding from murderous Cossacks, and on the SS Estonia on her way from Ukraine to America. By the time Luba and her family finally saw the Statue of Liberty, they had suffered violence, injuries, illnesses, and a storm at sea.
Safely on Ellis Island, things turned bleak once again. The immigration quota for Ukrainians had been filled while Luba’s twin siblings were recovering from measles. It looked like the family would have to return to Ukraine, where they were hated for their faith. Then a guard saw Luba’s drawing of President Woodrow Wilson, and everything changed.
- Based on the true story of Louise Dunn Yochim, Art Supervisor for Chicago Public Schools
- Historical fiction for those who love stories about children whose courage and abilities change their world
- Explores themes of immigration, perseverance and family values, religious persecution, life on Ellis Island, using art to overcome adversity
- Includes glossary, suggested reading guide, discussion questions
- Download Picture Girl fact sheet
- Download Picture Girl press release
Age range: 8-12
Grade level: 3-6
106 pages
September 2018 Publication | $7.99
ISBN 978-1-7320276-0-2
Becoming American Kids Series Book 1
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