Immigrant Girl’s Story Now a Picture Book on Religious Persecution

130-year-old picture-book biography tackles women’s empowerment and immigration today

Midvale, United States - December 6, 2018 /PressCable/ —

After a century-long wait, what’s another decade or two to get a story published? Author Karl Beckstrand’s 21st book, “Ida’s Witness: The True Story of an Immigrant Girl,” is the prequel to his third title, “Anna’s Prayer.” Both show determined girls who overcame challenges.

“’Anna’s Prayer’ was published ten years ago,” said Beckstrand, “but readers can finally get the beginning of the story,” told in first person by Anna’s sister, Ida Anderson, who is Beckstrand’s great grandmother.

Anderson immigrated to America from Sweden amid significant religious persecution — yet she was outspoken about her faith in both countries. “It took a little time for her to learn English,” said Beckstrand, “but she was determined to share her conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with anyone she could.”

Anderson was a sickly child (she almost lost an eye to scarlet fever) who spent hours studying the Bible. When she heard missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ, something about their message of God’s modern communication with prophets and apostles resonated with her.

Anderson immediately wanted baptism. But there was a problem. She was in the city to see a doctor because she had lost the use of her arm. She was concerned that being baptized might make the condition worse.

She went ahead with the baptism — done at night to avoid persecution — and, after her confirmation, received a priesthood blessing to heal her arm. “We’ll just say what happened afterward caused Ida to tell everyone she could about the Church,” said Beckstrand. “She was fearless — despite bullying by her peers and the loss of work for her family,” he said.

“Anna’s Prayer” gives the details and struggle of Ida’s and Anna’s voyage to America, but “Ida’s Witness” provides the context and impetus for the journey.

Beckstrand has more true illustrated stories of immigrant kids in the pipeline. His other works include an award-winning western novel, “To Swallow the Earth,” and bilingual/multicultural children’s books (Spanish-English).

“Ida’s Witness” is available in hard cover, paper, and ebook form from Premio Publishing & Gozo Books, Amazon, Baker & Taylor, Barnes & Noble, Brodart, Follett, Ingram, Walmart.com and Deseret Book (nonfiction, 34 illustrations, Young American Immigrants series #1, worldwide rights © Nov. 2018 PremioBooks.com). LCCN: 2016962276, eISBN: 9780463292839, hard ISBN 9780985398859, soft ISBN 9781503247147

Contact Info:
Name: Hysen Sisco
Email: Send Email
Organization: Premio Publishing & Gozo Books
Address: 648 Wasatch Street, Midvale, Utah 84047, United States
Website: https://GozoBooks.com

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 454766