Review by Booklist Review
Though fictionalized, Judah Touro's life as an early nineteenth-century American Jewish merchant, war hero, and philanthropist is accessibly relayed here. Although related to the founders of the famous Touro synagogue in New England, Judah spent his adult life in New Orleans, building his business, serving in the War of 1812, and giving to charitable causes both local and throughout the new U.S. The book fills a unique niche in American Jewish history for young people. It highlights a real example of personal generosity but also illuminates Jewish life outside of New York and other major cities in an era before large-scale immigration from Eastern Europe. The muted illustrations evoke the period and Judah's humble demeanor well. As the book suggests, Judah was never himself famous; much of his giving was done anonymously, and his motives remain mysterious. In the story, he is often described as thinking about God's plans for him, so this book would be best for a setting where religious ideas are appropriate.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
The successful business life and subsequent philanthropy of one of early America's wealthiest and most pious Jews are recounted in a picture-book biography.Raised by his uncle, Isaac Hays, a founder of Boston's first bank, Judah learned much about shipping, real estate, and trade before setting off on his own at the dawn of the 19th century. A quiet, private man, Judah made his fortune in New Orleans trading New England products. After being wounded during the War of 1812, Judah began to concentrate on putting his wealth toward charitable causes. Simply drawn illustrations in muted brown, gray, and blue hues have both a childlike feel and the look of crayons or colored pencil in combination with watercolor; this results in a humble view not often seen in representations of New Orleans and appropriately reflects the story's themes. The easy-flowing narrative tells how this son of a rabbi in a Sephardic immigrant family adhered to the Jewish tradition of giving inconspicuously, to causes both local and all over the world, hoping to avoid recognition for his good deeds. Some of these were paying for the freedom of enslaved African Americans, a few of whom are included in one illustration alongside the pale-skinned Judah. The author's notes provide some added information about the benefactor's family and his legacy. A candid introduction to a little-known figure in Jewish American history. (Picture book/biography. 7-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
