In Bean Pickers, eight true-life portrayals focus on the struggles of Italian immigrants and their children, all beginning their American lives as summer bean pickers, all finding their ways out of poverty through such avenues as baseball, bootlegging, unskilled work, or the military. Compelling personal stories of the early twentieth century immigration wave, the Great Depression, and World War II are creatively brought to life, determined to seek a better life. Their experiences may serve as important reminders of the critical roles that immigrants played in building a strong and welcoming nation. Over one hundred authentic photos and documents are interspersed throughout this creative non-fiction book.