Judah Touro Didn't Want to be Famous

March 1, 2020
Grades K-3 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

February 14, 2020

K-Gr 2-As a young man, Judah Touro left Boston to become a merchant in New Orleans. He quickly found success and became a notable figure in the community. During the War of 1812, Judah was severely injured, and after a long recovery he dedicated his money and time to philanthropic causes-always with the caveat that his donations remain anonymous. Touro was a devout Sephardic Jew, and his faith is reflected throughout the text of this picture book biography. While the events are factual, the text is presented as a story, and an author's note states, "Judah's thoughts, feelings and the details of his day-to-day life are from the author's imagination." The simple line drawings are limited to earth tones and generally do a nice job evoking the early 19th-century American setting, although a few spreads look strangely empty when the text describes a bustling crowd. Back matter includes an author's note, photographs, and more facts about Touro's life. VERDICT This title is a solid general purchase, particularly where picture book biographies are in high demand.-Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 15, 2020
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)

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