Kirsten is a Swedish girl coming to settle on her uncle’s farmland in Minnesota. This story reveals the struggles and triumph of coming to America in the mid 1800’s. Kirsten’s family decided to migrate west because the sound of having a better life was so appealing; better farmland, being close to family, and more opportunities. Kirsten’s family knew of the trials they would face on the long travel. They were burdened with thoughts of never reaching America, death from Cholera, scarce money, and the possibility of never being able to call America home. Kirsten dealt first-hand with many of these struggles. Her best friend, Marta, died of Cholera as they were sailing to America. Also, the family did not have the funds for a wagon to carry them and their stuff the remaining distant. Kirsten found herself giving up her possessions so that she could carry items that were necessary for the long haul. Despite all the struggles Kirsten and her family safely arrived at her Uncle’s farm in Minnesota. Kirsten was greeted by her cousin’s who revealed to her that she has friends and family in America, her new home.
I would use this piece of literature in the classroom to reveal the struggles that immigrants faced. I would want students to make connections that it is very likely that their ancestors faced these same trials in order to have a better life for themselves and their family. I think it would be neat if the students wrote a letter to these ancestors thanking them for coming to America even though it was risky.
