Reviewed by Deanna Z. (age 11)
My opinion of this book was that it was great! Excellent! Entertaining! I loved Journey to America: Fiona McGilray's Story because I could picture every detail in my head! I could tell what the characters were thinking as I read the book. My favorite part of the book was when Fiona was running away from some rude boys and then ran to a house. It turned out to be a woman named Mrs. Broder's house. Mrs. Broder is a very sweet lady and makes Fiona's stay in America seem worth the trouble! She even gives Fiona a job. On Fiona's birthday she receives a super surprise. Fiona, Patrick, and Peggy are my favorite characters. Fiona is a happy girl with a big heart. She always finds a way to get past the hard times. Then there is her older brother, Patrick. He is always there to make Fiona feel better. He takes care of his sister and knows what's best. There is also Peggy who is Fiona's and Patrick's best friend in America. She is so kind and a great pal to everyone.
I would definitely recommend this book to grades five and six. I chose this age because Journey to America: Fiona McGilray's Story is a little serious. Ages lower wouldn't take it seriously. The author's detail and elaboration could really catch the reader's attention. So read Journey to America: Fiona McGilray's Story, A Voyage from Ireland in 1849 - and enjoy!