These are the Murphys, Conor, his mother, and his father. They have lived in Ireland all their lives but must leave because of the great potato famine.

Conor's parents chose to go to  America in hopes of better work and food.

The trip was long and scary. Conor missed his home and did not want to leave his friends. Yet Conor knew its what they had to do.

After the long journey, His family finally made it to America. 

They moved into a part of New York where other Irish lived. It helps Conor feel at home and not as scared as and alone.

It wasn't as easy to get work as his parents had hoped. There were a lot of people who  hated the Irish and there catholic faith.

 His neighbors found his mother a job as a school teacher for black students, With other Irish kids whos parents also worked there.