Irving Berlin

The Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing

  • Interest Level: Grade 2 - Grade 5
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

Irving Berlin came to the United States as a refugee from Tsarist Russia, escaping a pogrom that destroyed his village. Growing up on the streets of the lower East Side, the rhythms of jazz and blues inspired his own song-writing career. Starting with his first big hit, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Berlin created the soundtrack for American life with his catchy tunes and irresistible lyrics. With “God Bless America,” he sang his thanks to the country which had given him a home and a chance to express his creative vision.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-939547-44-6
$13.49
978-1-954354-21-0
$22.99
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Interest Level Grade 2 - Grade 5
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Picture Books, Social Studies
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Diverse Books: Immigration & Refugees, Diversity
Copyright 2018
Publisher Creston Books
Imprint Creston Books
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2018-05-01
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS JNF007040, JNF036050, JNF025210
Dewey 782.42164092
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 11 x 9
ATOS Reading Level 5.5
Accelerated Reader® Points 0.5
Features Awards, Original artwork, Reviewed, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Nancy Churnin

Nancy Churnin is the author of many children's books, including Martin & Anne, Sydney Taylor Notable Irving Berlin, the Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing, and the Sydney Taylor Honor Book Dear Mr. Dickens. She is a full-time writer living in Texas.

Illustrator: James Rey Sanchez

James Rey Sanchez is a children's book illustrator, he received a Sydney Taylor Notable Book Award for his book Irving Berlin. He lives in the San Francisco area.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Irving Berlin

Irving Berlin came to the United States as a refugee from Tsarist Russia, escaping a pogrom that destroyed his village. Growing up on the streets of the lower East Side, the rhythms of jazz and blues inspired his own song-writing career. Starting with his first big hit, Alexander’s View available downloads →

Awards

  • NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, Winner, 2019
  • North Texas Book Festival Book Award, Winner, 2018

Reviews

Booklist

“An inviting look at a timeless life.”—Booklist

Foreword Reviews

" . . . [A]n engaging biography that highlights the compassion, generosity, and patriotism that characterized [Irving Berlin’s] life."

Kirkus Reviews

“A book to share that celebrates an immigrant and his abiding love for his adopted country, its holidays, and his ‘home sweet home.’”—Kirkus Reviews

Publishers Weekly

“Through vivid storytelling, Churnin describes young Irving’s impressions of the unfamiliar city . . .”—Publishers Weekly

School Library Journal

“To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the song ‘God Bless America’. . . .Churnin emphasizes the beginnings of Berlin’s career . . .”—School Library Journal