The Long Way to a New Land Author:Joan Sandin *An ALA Notable Children's Book — It is a terrible year for Carl Erik's family, in Sweden in 1868. There is no rain in the summer, and no food for the winter. Then a letter comes from Uncle Axel in America. "It is a new life for us here," the letter says. "Come! We will help you. Come to America!" Carl Erik and his parents pack the Americ... more »an trunk. Soon the family will begin a long, hard journey by cart, train and steamship, to a new land thousands of miles away.« less