Theresa Maloney Schoen

Denis and His American Trunk Theresa Maloney Schoen

Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner

When his sisters emigrate from Ireland to Indianapolis, Indiana, Denis and his mother are left behind. When will they follow their family across the ocean? In this stunning true story a family learns how to deal with the unexpected. Beginning in 1905 and following Denis through decades, this realistic history tells the tale of life in County Donegal and about plans Denis made for a new life. Like the other hopeful emigrants from his area Denise put things into his American trunk while he saved money for his and his Mother's passage. Like the other young men he was hired as a farm laborer to earn his keep and to save for America. But the unexpected happens and Denis and his family must make adjustments. His new reality requires that Denis take a new look at his cottage, his work, his friends and his country. This 34-page picture book is illustrated with landscapes and historically accurate scenes.