Back of Book:
When Oscar lands on Ellis Island, he has only a suitcase and a down payment in his hands. And he has a dream– to own his own barbershop. After it opens on the corner of Front St. and Second Ave, Oscar’s barbershop becomes a beloved local fixture… until the day Oscar decides to move on and become a subway conductor. Over the years, this barbershop will change hands to become a lady’s clothing store, then a soup kitchen. A coffee shop follows, then the space becomes an army recruitment center, then a candy shop. As the year’s pass and the world changes, the proud corner store stands tall, watching American history unfold around it.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Schwartz & Wade in exchange for an honest review.
“Oscars Dream” by Barry Wittenstein is a story that focuses on one corner shop, and the impact it had on the community throughout time. Each new decade, the shop witnesses a piece of history. This story began with Oscar’s dream for a barbershop and continues to showcase milestones throughout history. Readers learn about the Great Depression, World War II, the first televised presidential debate, and more. The illustrations by Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell are charming and bring each historical event to life. The back of the book has more information about the historical events discussed throughout the book. This is a fantastic book for upper elementary that shows readers that the only constant about America is change.
Ages 6 and up
36 Pages
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