Fanny's Big Idea
How Jewish Book Week Was Born
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- $159.00
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- $159.00
Descripción editorial
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Jewish Book Week, this engaging biography introduces children to the influential librarian and immigrant who originated the event.
Fanny Goldstein immigrated to America from Russia when she was six. She loved the fact that in her new country she could borrow books for free and take part in all kinds of activities at the Saturday Evening Girls Club. Right away, her curiosity attracted the notice of the club's founder, who was also the head of the Boston Public Library. It wasn't long before Fanny was hired as the librarian's assistant, and then at thirty-three, as the first Jewish director of a Boston branch library. And when Fanny noticed how rarely Jewish families checked out books about their own history, she had an idea that would influence libraries and readers for decades to come: She decided to host a week-long party to celebrate Jewish books and culture. It was such a success that it launched a national event which has continued for 100 years!
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
After young Fanny Goldstein (1895–1961) and her Jewish family flee antisemitic czarist Russia for Boston's North End, teachers at a local settlement house, dismissive of the girl's heritage, are adamant that she become "more American." But avid reader Goldstein eventually finds a sympathetic mentor, and a community, in the Saturday Evening Girls Club, founded by a progressive Boston Public librarian "to prove that immigrant girls were as smart as everyone else," writes Michelson (Next Year in the White House). Inspired by her cross-cultural friendships and the librarian's example, Fanny goes on to become a librarian herself. She's the first Jewish woman to run a branch of the Boston Public Library, and she transforms it into a welcoming space for new patrons of arrayed backgrounds. And when she notes that the branch's Jewish patrons "are not interested in books written by Jews, or about Jews," she begins to host Jewish Book Week, an open-to-all celebration that gives way to the long-running Jewish Book Month. With warmhearted, portrait-focused digital cartooning from debut creator Russell, this picture book biography is a fitting commemoration of Goldstein's Jewish pride and tenacious, bridge-building spirit—and a timely reminder of libraries' import. Brief biographical details conclude. Ages 6–9. Illustrator's agent: Christie Megill, CAT Agency.
