In the Promised Land: Lives of Jewish Americans    by Doreen Rappaport & Cornelius Van Wright Order:  USA  Can HarperCollins, 2005 (2005) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson The Author's Note at the beginning speaks of waves of Jewish immigration to the United States, beginning in 1654, and including her own grandparents. In the Promised Land reveals significant moments in the lives of thirteen Jewish Americans. Cornelius Van Wright's paintings bring alive the times and their historical contexts. The book ends with research sources. It begins in the 1650s with Asser Levy, who wrote petitions against anti-Semitic laws in New Amsterdam (now Manhattan). Ernestine Rose advocated women's rights in 1854. Solomon Nunes Carvalho was part of John Frémont's expedition through the Rockies. Jacob W. Davis created the first jeans. Lillian Wald started a Visiting Nurse Service, and Pauline Newman helped lead a garment workers' strike, both in New York City. Lillian Copeland won an Olympic gold medal for discus throwing. Ira Hirschmann saved European Jews in WW II. Jonas Salk created a polio vaccine. Ruth Bader Ginsburg served on the Supreme Court. Judith Resnick was the second American woman in space. And of course, everyone has heard of Harry Houdini and Steven Spielberg. These are impressive men and women. Gain insights into the lives and accomplishments of these individuals whose ancestors all 'fled persecution and violence' to build new lives In the Promised Land. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews