Thursday, June 2, 2011

Golem

By David Wisniewski (1996)


This is a very complicated book. Complicated in text, complicated in illustration, and complicated in subject matter. That is not to say that it is bad, but possible not for younger children. It is a story about religious persecution of the Jews in Prague in the 1500's. The story is derived from Jewish folklore and religious passages. It involves a rabbi bring a clay golem to life to protect the Jews in Prague. As I said before, the text is complicated, but somehow seems correct for the story. I can't know for sure, but the dialect seems as though it would be accurate considering the setting. The Illustrations look to be cut out of paper and photographed. They are impressive to behold, and the earthy tones onces again seem to fit the setting and the tale.

I could see this book being used to show another example of religious persecution that isn't as well known as the Holocaust. It could be the jumping off point for a discussion on acceptance and appreciating an individuals background and heritage. Another strategy would be to use the book as an example of folklore.

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