The Orphan of Ellis Island

One day, on a class trip to Ellis Island, Dominic Cantori faces his worst fantsty–a tour guide asks the children about their families. Filled with shame, Dominic flees from his class and hides until the museum is dark and deserted. Now, his only solace is the recorded voices on the display telephones of the immigrants who came to Ellis Island so long ago. But to Dominic’s surprise, the voice of the Italian immigrant suddenly begins to speak to him! And before he knows it, he’s transported back in time–to Italy in 1908. There he unlocks the door to his past, and discovers what it feels like to be loved by his own family.

The bestselling author of GEORGE WASHINGTON’S SOCKS and THE RAVENMASTER’S SECRET, Woodruff has written more than twenty books for children, including picture books, historical fiction, and lighthearted fantasy. Her numerous school visits each year are popular with kids and teachers. The sequel to GEORGE WASHINGTON’S SOCKS, GEORGE WASHINGTON’S SPY, will be published in November 2010. She lives with her family in Martin’s Creek, Pennsylvania.