Jenna Coffey's Reviews > All the Way to America: The Story of a Big Italian Family and a Little Shovel

This book is about a family line of immigrants that started when the great grandfather boldly moved to America to pursue new opportunities. He is given a small shovel by his father as a gift. This shovel comes in handy many times over the years and it is passed down through generations all the way to the author of this book.

I like the sentimental aspect behind this book. I think that it is sweet that the author tells a personal story and uses it to elaborate on a time in history - a time of migration to America. The shovel is a symbol and love and unity. It is a touching story to read.

This book can be used in the classroom to develop the idea of generational events. That is the overall theme of this book and the message of the shovel can tie into the idea of remaining united despite the circumstances.