November 14, 2011
Although Jews have been part of American history since 1654, their contributions don’t often appear in school history textbooks and young Jewish readers can’t often find them in the story of America. So, it is important to fill that gap with trade books for young readers about Jews who have played important roles in the building of America. Haym Salomon has become the iconic Jewish personality of the Revolutionary War. Born in Poland, he was a successful merchant, patriot, and spy who risked his life, home, and fortune for the Revolution. His daring activities have become a source of pride to later generations, placing Jews in the company of our heroic Founding Fathers. Unlike other Jews who fought and died in the war and are hardly remembered today, Salomon earned his place in history— whether exaggerated or not — as the patriotic “financier of the American Revolution.”
With little actually known about him, author Susan Goldman Rubin has fashioned an accurately researched and accessible account of Salomon’s life and experiences. She skillfully and clearly weaves imagined conversations with factual information to provide an inviting view of Salomon, his accomplishments and Jewish colonial life. The book’s light-hearted illustrations are colorful and appealing and the change of typeface throughout the book creates a enjoyable read, but the near-cartoonish style doesn’t seem to fit the more serious text. Indeed, the picture book format itself may not resonate with older readers who would probably find the information more relevant than the book’s younger targeted readership. The very useful author’s notes, glossary and endnotes provide additional historic information and readers looking for more detailed factual information will welcome the extensive bibliography. Ages 8 – 10.
