This entry in this series naturally turns attention to immigration. Some will feel the book dips its toes into the surrounding debate on this topic in our country today (see the section below for more on this from a Christian perspective, here we simply make you aware of it). We see the sign showing “Give me your tired, poor…” and someone comments “That still sounds relevant to what’s going on these days!” to which the response comes, “you’re right”. One page shows a drawing representing the very small number of people turned away at Ellis Island. For a few pages this pro-immigration message picks up focus a bit. For example, someone comments, “There are those who support immigrants, documented or otherwise, but there are those who see them as a threat” to which it gets added, “Ironic since the United States was founded by immigrants”. At best this oversimplifies a complex topic for a nation to consider. Make sure to speak with your kids about the full picture here from a Christian perspective if you do let them read this. We should also note that to expand on this the author makes it a point to include, “you would be denied entry to the US if you were gay or transgender” and it shows two men with one crying.

During a historical account we hear some details that might disturb some readers. A pirate was hung at Ellis Island. Others as well. We see a simple illustration showing two hanging, but not much detail (it is zoomed out). When displaying reasons why people immigrated into the U.S. we see a drawing of people forced against a wall with a machine gun turned on them. When civil war is brought up a couple of killed soldiers are shown in an illustration.

Other things to be aware of:

During a storm someone says, “This is apocalyptic. Maybe it’s the end of the world” to which another replies, “I read the Maya predicted it would happen this year”. The storm is referred to as a “Frankenstorm”.

Someone comments, “Mother nature can be a tough cookie”.

A character requests “No horror stories, please” when campfire stories come up.

A boy is shown with a skull on his jacket.

A mom comments, “you are usually too busy playing video games” to explain why thy missed something.

A small kiss is exchanged between two adults in a drawing.

The author’s note sadly mentions “The Godfather” films in a series targeted at children.