ABC Jewish Heroes and Me

"A spotlight on famous Jewish activists, performers, leaders, and more.

This collective biography/alphabet book defines a hero as 'someone who tries to be their best self, who helps others, who makes the world a better place.' One Jewish hero is included for each letter of the alphabet. The 14 women and 12 men featured vary in terms of race and ability, as well as occupation. 'A, B, C—what type of hero will you be?' ask Cohen and Olitzky, encouraging readers to see themselves in the individuals profiled. Each entry includes a well-designed, stylized portrait in bright, balanced colors, showing the subject in action. Notably, fully half are living. The information provided is necessarily basic. The entry for J ('Jonas Jiggles a test tube') includes an illustration of Jonas Salk standing before a set of beakers. The letter J is highlighted, and a caption in small print identifies him as the scientist responsible for the polio vaccine. . . .The work concludes with the words 'I will make a difference by…'—an opportunity for age-appropriate reflection.

An invitation to make the world a better place by emulating these inspiring role models. (Informational picture book. 3-7)"

—Kirkus Reviews

"This is a special book. It's an alphabet book with real meaning, featuring 26 inspirational Jewish role models — from activists to musicians to scientists to sportspeople, and beyond. ABC Jewish Heroes and Me opens by asking the reader an important question, one to ponder while reading: 'What type of hero will you be? Athletic, Brave, Creative? Or maybe all three?' A lovely, broad definition of a hero is then given, and the reader turns the page to meet the first hero: Albert Einstein. An alliterative one-sentence biography is given for each of our heroes.

While the book includes many well-known names such as Levi Strauss, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Emma Lazarus, and Steven Spielberg, it also includes some lesser-known Jewish heroes: Yael Dayan, Nancy Lieberman, Faith Holsaert, and Pauline Newman. The book shines a light on people living out Jewish values and making a difference in the world, and features quotes from many of the role models throughout. The realistic-looking illustrations complement the text beautifully.

ABC Jewish Heroes and Me is full of Jewish pride, and it's a book that both kids and adults, Jewish and non-Jewish, will find interesting: every reader will find out something new or be inspired by the words or pictures within its pages.

This is a great addition to any school or home bookshelf — highly recommended."

—Jewish Book Garden