The Journey of Emilie Book

When twelve-year-old Emilie Borner's parents decide to emigrate from Germany to America in 1855, she has mixed feelings. She is excited about the better opportunities her family will have in America, but she will miss her best friend, and is worried about her older brother Karl, who wants to stay in Germany. Her worst fears come true when Karl runs away just before the family is to board the ship. Even worse, Emilie's mother decides to stay behind and search for Karl, while Emilie, her father, and her younger brother continue on to America. The long voyage across the ocean is difficult, and is made worse by Emilie's longing for her mother, and the fact that Rosamund, a mean girl from her village, is traveling on the same ship. Rosamund seems determined to make things worse for Emilie. What awaits the Borners in America? And will Emilie ever see her mother and Karl again?

Although not among my top favorites, this was an enjoyable story about a young immigrant girl's life. However, I felt that the ending was very abrupt, and I would have liked to read more about Emilie's life in America, as most of the book took place on the ship. However, young readers who enjoy historical fiction immigrant stories will most likely still enjoy this book.