Two Hearts

Overview

This 80-page easy-to-understand reader is one of 12 historical novels in the Hopes and Dreams series, whose diverse and fascinating characters, regardless of their ethnicity, face prejudice, danger, hardships, and setbacks, but survive with perseverance, a little bit of luck ,and a generous amount of love in their new home in the US. Downloadable audio recordings of all 12 novels and free supplementary materials for teachers are available (visit ProLinguaLearning.com for more details).

Plot Summary for Two Hearts: In1910, George’s widowed mother had no money for her daughter Adonia’s dowry, so she let her teenage son George go alone to America to make money for his sister. He worked shining shoes and then as a busboy in New York. He learned some English, but after a year he had nothing. He moved to Chicago to work in a factory and then bought an ice cream cart. Working with his wife and son, he started an ice cream shop. This historical novel tells the story of the struggles and success of George’s family.

Reviews

"The Hopes and Dreams series is highly recommended... as an excellent example of controlled vocabulary with a low-Lexile level and a glossary, relevant content about immigration, and engaging storytelling by the author, Tana Reiff." - Helaine W. Marshall, PhD, Professor of Education and Director of Language Education Programs, Long Island University

Author Biography

Tana Reiff, author of the Hopes and Dreams series holds a B.S. degree in elementary education and a master’s in secondary English with a concentration in applied linguistics. She has taught adult basic education, ESL, and college-level linguistics, and worked in multimedia communications for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. She is the author of dozens of hi-lo books (high interest, low reading level) for readers of all ages.