The Cat Who Escaped from Steerage

Mayerson, E. (1990). The Cat Who Escaped from Steerage. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons Books.

Brief Annotation: Chanah’s father is certain that his family will have a better life in America, so they leave Poland and set sail on a two-week journey across the Atlantic Ocean on a great steamship. Although the family is hopeful, they face a difficult trip including ship steerage accommodations with no running water, heat and very little food. During a stopover in Marseilles, France, Chanah discovers a hungry kitten and smuggles her aboard the ship. She is able to keep her a secret until a rough night at sea forces her to lose sight of her precious companion. Will she find Pitsel before the landing at Ellis Island or will she never see her friend again?

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grade Level: Grades 3 through 6

Readers who will like this: Young readers who enjoy historical fiction, young readers who would benefit from reading a book about the immigrant experience and this important period of U.S. history, young readers who enjoy stories with young adult characters

Response/Rating (1-4): 4, Told from the perspective of the young protagonist, the story reflects the hope and hardships many immigrants faced as they sought freedom and a better life in America. Chanah finds solace in her companion during the perilous journey, yet her fears of an unknown future remain. Her strong character will interest and captivate young readers who will also benefit from the historical information within the story.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Are you familiar with Ellis Island? What was its role in this period of history?