Samuel Sailing: The True Story of an Immigrant Boy

by Karl Beckstrand

FBT review:

Discover the captivating true story of Samuel Sailing: The True Story of an Immigrant Boy. This heartwarming children's nonfiction book by Karl Beckstrand follows eleven-year-old Samuel as he embarks on a journey from South Africa to the United States with his family. However, Samuel's dreams are shattered when he is diagnosed with typhoid fever just as World War I begins. Experience the family's heartbreaking choice and the consequences they face through the eyes of this courageous child. With 70 vintage images and 1,000 read-aloud words, this book is perfect for children aged 6 to 11 years. Join Samuel on his incredible journey of resilience, family, and hope. Available in various formats on Amazon.com.

Publisher Description:

(Children’s nonfiction) Eleven-year-old Samuel is excited to sail with his family from South Africa to live in the United States—then he is diagnosed with typhoid fever.

World War I has broken out. Samuel’s parents have sold their business, their home—everything—to purchase passage on a freighter to the USA. Now their boy is in the hospital; and even if he lives, no ship will let him aboard for several weeks. Meanwhile, Atlantic crossings may not be possible for long.

Experience this family’s heart-wrenching choice and its consequences through the eyes of the courageous child who lived it. Stories of real immigrant children fascinate readers and transcend culture and time (35 pages/70 vintage images for children ages 6 – 11 years, 1st – 6th grades).

Look inside! 1,000 read-aloud words adapted from Samuel P. Martin’s autobiography by award-winning author/illustrator and college media instructor Karl Beckstrand (Horse & Dog Adventures in Early California—see Beckstrand’s 60+ multicultural books).

#4 in the Young American Immigrants series (standalone—previous titles not required); other titles in this hybrid picture book series: Agnes’s Rescue, Ida’s Witness, Anna’s Prayer; get lesson plans and online secrets: Premiobooks; 8.5"x8.5", hard cover, soft cover, or ebook about immigrant kids, family history/genealogy, moving, and modes of transportation; Premio Publishing & Gozo Books (worldwide rights © June 2021), libraries, and all major distributors. LCCN: 2021931888; JNF053240, JNF038010, JNF009000, JNF058000, JNF025210, JNF007020, JNF002000; eISBN: 978-1005346508, soft ISBN: 979-8511690322, hard 978-1951599126