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February 22, 2002/Adar 10, 5762, Vol. 54, No. 23
Children's books tell story of Purim, Holocaust survival
BETH OLSON
Staff Writer
"On Purim" by Cathy Goldberg Fishman, illustrated by Melanie W. Hall (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $16 hardcover)
Fishman's holiday tales, including "On Hanukkah," "On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur," "On Shabbat," "On Passover" and now "On Purim," all follow a young girl and her family through their religious celebrations.
In this story, the girl wonders about the significance of wearing masks on Purim. As her family celebrates Purim, from acting out the story to baking hamantaschen to attending a Purim carnival, the girl adds pieces to her own Purim mask. Along with fun and celebration, the girl finds God in the traditions of Purim.
Like all of Fishman's holiday books, "On Purim" is an inviting look at a traditional Jewish family, and Hall's illustrations are colorful and festive.
This picture book is recommended for ages 5 and up.
"Queen Esther the Morning Star" by Mordicai Gerstein (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $16 hardcover)
More than any other holiday, the retelling of the story of Purim is integral to the holiday's celebration. While the story has been published many times, "Queen Esther the Morning Star" is a superb version.
The layout of this book, along with the illustrations, give this version of Queen Esther's story a fairytale-like quality. Unlike many Judaic books, this story does not attempt to impart adult wisdom on children, but rather tells the story in a manner that will be genuinely appealing to kids. Additionally, the amusing illustrations are guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of anyone who reads the story.
This picture book is recommended for ages 5-10.
"In My Enemy's House" by Carol Matas (Simon & Schuster, $16 hardcover)
When the Nazis come to a Polish town to rid the area of Jews, an adolescent girl, Marisa, watches as her friends and family members are killed or disappear one by one. With her blond hair and blue eyes, she's told she could easily pass as a non-Jewish Pole as a means of survival. Marisa obtains the papers of a Polish girl and boards a train to work in Germany.
Even disguised as a non-Jew, Marisa is treated poorly by Germans who see Poles as uneducated, dirty and lazy. First sent to work for an abusive farm owner, Marisa is befriended by a German girl who assists her in getting placed with another family - that of a high-ranking Nazi official.
The family, including three children, takes Marisa into their home and hearts, particularly after she makes up a story claiming to be half German. While the family treats her kindly, Marisa is pained, troubled and confused by their hatred of Jews and their blind allegiance to Hitler.
Despite the tragedies that befall Marisa that lead her to question God, Marisa holds her faith and the words of her father close to her heart as she attempts to survive the war.
This novel is told in the first person, allowing readers to see the Nazi atrocities, as well as the cruelty of some people and the kindness of others, through the eyes of a young woman. Marisa is the epitome of a young adult novel heroine - she grows from a nervous, delicate girl into a strong, clever and brave young woman.
This book is recommended for ages 12 and up, but would be enjoyed by mature readers ages 10-11.
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