The Girl in the Torch by Robert Sharenow

Sarah and her family dream of seeing Lady Liberty and stepping foot on American soil.  Sarah does fulfill this dream but without her parents.  In Russia, her father was murdered in a pogrom and her mother dies once they arrive to Ellis Island.
To avoid being return to a disinterested uncle in Russia, Sarah hides out in the Statue of Liberty's torch, playing cat and mouse with the watchman each night.  When her scheme to hide out there is discovered, she is introduced to the Chinese culture in Chinatown and how generous and kind Americans are and how some are dishonest and prejudice.
Mr. Sharenow incorporates a lot culture diversity within these pages.  He explains how he distorted some aspects to fit his story in the "author's note.  A time line for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are included in the back.
An interesting read to utilize during an immigration unit.
*Borrowed from the library.
Warning/points to discuss: Sarah's father is murdered and his appearance after the murder is described; one time a character swears; Sarah goes into a bar to hide where prostitutes are hanging around (they are not called that but one can infer what they are); someone calls Sarah a "painted lady"; Maryk is an alcoholic and his drinking habits are shared throughout the story.