Describe the setting and time period the novel is set

Set in early-20th century America (roughly 1902-1917), the novel switches between a number of settings. Each setting is relevant to the type of character that resides their and reflects economic and social status. The New Rochelle family lives in an affluent suburb of New York City and the poor immigrant family reside in New York City slums. Occasionally, characters travel outside of the main settings in order to show that the issues of classism, racism, worker’s rights, etc. are not unique to New York City but rather experienced unilaterally throughout the United States. Tateh’s journey up the Easter Sea Board with stops in Lawrence, MA and Philadelphia, PA may serve as examples of this shift in setting. The setting of the novel is often symbolic and directly relates to what characters are feeling and experiencing.