This enthralling book combines a moving true story from history with family photographs and evocative illustrations. In 1917, seven-year-old Julius Weinstein and his mother and sister escape from a pogrom in their village in Russia and book passage to America — even though Julius has a damaged hand and may be refused entry. The family's experiences on Ellis Island and Julius's determination to get into the United States create an inspiring story of courage and offer young readers a poignant real-life account of the immigrant experience.