Patricia Zelver

This book was excellent! When I opened it, the very first page, I smiled with approval. As I continued to read and to look at the beautifully constructed illustrations depicting the towers, I was an immediate fan. The book is about an Italian immigrant nicknamed Old Sam, who lived in an impoverished neighborhood in Los Angeles. With junkyard scraps, he created the Tower of Watts, which is a landmark in Los Angeles to this day. He inspired his neigborhood and made something beautiful within a town where beauty was nowhere to be found. Old Sam is one of many immigrants who have left a significant impact in this country. Books with stories such as Old Sam's are needed to inform many who unfortunately do not know the importance of immigrants and their contribution to the United States.… (more)