God Bless America: The Story of an Immigrant Named Irving Berlin

I received God Bless America: The Story of an Immigrant Named Irving Berlin to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Did you know this year marks the 100th anniversary of the song “God Bless America?” This well-renowned tune was penned by Irving Berlin.

Berlin was born in Russia by the name Izzy Baline. From a very young age, he was able to find music in the sounds of everyday life.

When his family was forced to leave Russia, they set sail, for America, on a giant ship with other immigrants. Once they made it to their new home, he lived in a crowded apartment with eight people. Even in their bleak circumstance, his mother always told him “God bless America.”

When Izzy had to go out and try to make a living, he decided to become a songwriter. He changed his name to Irving Berlin and became well known for his catchy tunes.

He took the oath to become an American citizen and joined the U.S. Army. Later, he decided to pen a song after his mother’s favorite saying, “God bless America.”

Although he wrote many famous songs for Hollywood and Broadway, this song was extra special. It was a song for America. During a bleak time of war, he rallied people on the homefront with his patriotic tune.

This book, written by Adah Nuchi and illustrated by Rob Polivka, tells the story of Irving Berlin in a way that is engaging for children. Even as an adult and Irving Berlin fan, I learned a lot from reading this book with my daughter. It is a fascinating book and a perfect way to commemorate the anniversary of the song, “God Bless America.”