David Wisniewski (1953–2002)

This book would sit well in either a 2nd grade or 3rd grade classroom. It has some themes and words that should be saved for older kids but not too old. The book is about a Jewish ghetto in the Czech Republic in the 1500s. They are mocked and slandered by the people of Prague so a rabbi summons a Golem whose only purpose is to keep the Jewish people safe. The golem proceeds to do just that but the more it protects the Jewish people, the more it grew. By the time the Jewish people were safe the Golem did not want to go back to being clay but its purpose had been served. I think this book would be good to introduce some religion to students, but not in a preaching way. It shows a legend, or tale, about something and children would find it interesting.… (more)