Book details
A House of Tailors
Description
SEWING! NO ONE could hate it more than Dina Kirk. Endless tiny stitches, button holes, darts. Since she was tiny, shes worked in her familys dressmaking business, where the sewing machine is a cranky member of the family.When 13-year-old Dina leaves her small town in Germany to join her uncles family in Brooklyn, she turns her back on sewing. Never again! But looking for a job leads her right back to the sewing machine. Why did she ever leave home? Here she is, still with a needle and threadand homesick to boot. She didnt know she could be this homesick, but she didnt know she could be so brave either, as she is standing up to an epidemic or a fire. She didnt know she could grow so close to her new family or to Johann, the young man from the tailors shop. And she didnt know that sewing would reveal her own wonderful talentand her future. In Dina, the beloved writer Patricia Reilly Giff has created one of her most engaging and vital heroines. Readers will enjoy seeing 1870s Brooklyn through Dinas eyes, and share her excitement as she discovers a new world.From the Hardcover edition.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
160 pages
Why to read
- Historical Insight: 'A House of Tailors' offers readers a glimpse into the life of a young immigrant in the 1870s, providing a rich historical context and insight into the challenges and experiences of settling in a new country.
- Relatable Themes: The book touches on universal themes such as family, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams, making it a relatable and inspiring read for people of all ages.
- Engaging Storytelling: Patricia Reilly Giff is known for her compelling narrative style, and 'A House of Tailors' is no exception. The story is engaging and well-paced, keeping readers invested in the characters' journeys.
- Cultural Appreciation: Through the protagonist's experiences as a tailor, the book celebrates the craftsmanship and cultural significance of sewing and fashion in immigrant communities, encouraging an appreciation for these skills and traditions.