Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--5--It is difficult to find children's books that focus on the severity of anti-Semitism that aren't about the persecution of the Jewish people during eras such as the Holocaust, pogroms, or the Inquisition. Churnin, known for her feel-good picture biographies about unlikely heroes, examines a less-familiar period in history in her newest work. The story centers on real-life Eliza Davis, a devoted reader and fan of Charles Dickens, who took it upon herself to write to the celebrated author about her concerns with the depiction of the Jewish thief, Fagin, in Oliver Twist. Fagin's character encouraged "a vile prejudice" during a time in mid-19th century England when Jewish people faced discrimination. What unfolds in the story proves that with pen and paper, and some courage, we can persuade our own models to make their wrongs right. Excerpts from Dickens's correspondence with Eliza and sprinklings of literary references will especially delight Dickens fans. Not only is this historical account well written, Stancliffe's illustrations powerfully transport readers back to the era with well-placed details such as the floral wallpaper in Eliza's home, and her crinoline dress and puffy sleeves. The only flaw is that the illustrations characterize Eliza as young, but she was 47 when she wrote her first letter to Dickens. VERDICT An important addition to libraries that fills a gap about anti-Semitism and confronting prejudice.--Danielle Winter, Brooklyn P.L.
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Review by Horn Book Review
In 1863 a woman named Eliza Davis began a correspondence with Charles Dickens. Her first letter compliments the author for his attention to social issues but criticizes his portrayal of Jewish characters ("a vile prejudice"). Dickens initially responds harshly but eventually comes to rail against prejudice and creates kind Jewish characters in future work. Stancliffe's inviting illustrations with a lush palette are interspersed with black-and-white drawings that evoke Dickens's era. Churnin's language also echoes the period and includes direct quotes from the pair's seven letters. An author's note provides additional historical context for antisemitism in Great Britain and comments on how Dickens "encouraged sympathy for the Jewish community." (c) Copyright 2023. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Eliza Davis was a strong, intelligent woman and a great admirer of Charles Dickens. Dickens' enormously popular works portraying the social ills of his day had the power to inspire reforms. But Eliza was Jewish, and she was greatly disturbed when she read Dickens' Oliver Twist. Dickens' use of pejorative language in describing the character of Fagin was intensely hurtful. He was described as "dishonest, selfish, cruel, and ugly"; instead of his name, he was nearly always just called "the Jew." So Eliza wrote to the author asking him to right the wrong he perpetrated. His answer was unfeeling, blaming Jewish readers for any hurt, but Eliza did not give up. She wrote again, reminding him that his Jewish characters did not represent reality and, most importantly, that readers would judge him for his prejudices. Dickens finally paid attention. His later work Our Mutual Friend notably included a positive, sympathetic Jewish character; he took measures to reedit new editions of Oliver Twist; and he wrote essays decrying antisemitism. Churnin presents this well-researched, little-known episode to young readers in simple, direct language that both conveys Eliza's pain and her determination to right a wrong and provides them with a thoughtful comparison to their own time. Stancliffe's deeply hued illustrations sympathetically depict Eliza in accurate mid-19th-century surroundings, with Dickens looking as he appears in contemporary portraits. All characters have pale skin. Inclusion of line-drawn scenes from Ivanhoe and Dickens' books adds gravitas to Eliza's viewpoint. A fascinating bit of history and much food for thought. (author's note, source note, acknowledgements) (Informational picture book. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
