Immigrant Stories: Angel Island

These stories portray the difficult interrogation that immigrants to Angel Island — particularly those from China — faced upon arrival to the U.S. Often based on personal or family experiences, the moving stories in this collection convey the sheer determination and extensive preparation of Chinese immigrants who were willing to make great sacrifices in order to reach American shores.

Good Fortune: My Journey to Gold Mountain

Product Description: "In 1933, seven-year-old Li Keng's father decided to bring his family from a small village in southern China to California. Getting to America was not easy…life in America during the Great Depression brought many exciting surprises as well as a few disappointments. Hunger, poverty, police raids, frequent moves, and the occasional sting of racism were a part of everyday life, but slowly Li Keng and her family found stability and a true home in Gold Mountain."

Kai's Journey To Gold Mountain: An Angel Island Story

Illustrated by: Gabhor Utomo
Age Level: 6-9

"Kai, 12, is the fourth-generation male in his family to leave China for the U.S. He's on his way to join his father, who is an American citizen in San Francisco. But after the long journey and tense medical examination, Kai is locked up on Angel Island…The character Kai is based on a real person, whose photos, then and now, are part of the historical notes at the back of the book.

Landed

By: Milly Lee
Illustrated by: Yangsook Choi
Age Level: 6-9

When Sun learns that it is time to make the journey to America, he begins to prepare for his interrogation at Angel Island. Sun studies hard, but he often gets the directions of the compass mixed up. What will happen if he can't remember if the school is east or west of his house? Based on the story of her father-in-law, Milly Lee provides a touching look at the story of Chinese immigrants who came through Angel Island, complemented by Yangsook Choi's lovely and evocative paintings.

The Dragon's Child: A Story of Angel Island

Based on his father's immigration files from Angel Island, Laurence Yep and his niece Dr. Kathleen S. Yep bring us the story of a ten-year-old boy from China who must prepare for his interrogation at Angel Island. The young boy memorizes everything from the layout of his village to the number of doors in the house, and continues his study on the sea voyage to San Francisco with his father.

We the People: Angel Island

This non-fiction book tells the story of Angel Island's role in the story of immigration to U.S., particularly focusing on the interrogation of Chinese immigrants. An informative account of an important and often-forgotten chapter of American history.