"Golem"

Author/Illustrator: David Wisiewski
Awards: Caldecott Medal
Ages: 1st-5th

Pineapple Points: 4/5
🍍🍍🍍🍍

Summary:
In Prague, Jewish people were being oppressed and were put into gated slums. This prejudice was based of ignorance, and Judah Leow was determined to end the "Blood Lie". This would protect his people. He created Golam, a prophesied giant formed from clay. Golam did what he what he was created for, but once told he was to be returned to clay, was sad for his life to end. Golam loved life and all the little things everyone else took for granted. The Rabbi had to end his life and put his unmolded clay body behind locked doors for him to maybe be awakened if religious justice ever be needed.

Evaluation:
A Jewish legend told beautifully with accompanying paper crafted illustrations. Harsh themes may be hard for children to handle and adults to discuss. The cultural insight it gives is very enticing if choosing to give this book to children.

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