This book is a picture book, but is more for mature readers; 5th grade or older. The ideas that the book presents would be a hard concept for young readers, although they would enjoy the pictures. The book starts with two rabbis working together to save the Jewish people in Prague. People are out to persecute the Jewish population, and one of the rabbi had a dream where God told him to use his spiritual powers to create a character that will help them. The two rabbis go one night to create Golem, from clay, from the Earth. Golem is designed to stand guard all night and watch out for the Jews. The town cannot truly know who Golem is or where he came from so the rabbis call him "Joseph".
Since Golem has been guarding the Jews, many people have been captured and punished for hurting the Jews. Eventually, the rabbis decide Golem is not needed; the Jews are safe. They are going to have to put him back in the Earth. Golem tries to stop them because he is enjoying being alive, especially watching the sunset. He tries to stop the rabbis, but they quickly return him to the ground. All is good again in Prague, and Golem waits silently in the ground to be created again.
This book was really interesting, and brought a lot of history to the table. It should be noted that the pictures in the book are made from pieces of cut paper. The author, David Wisniewski, took a lot of time to hand cut each piece of paper and a lot of talent.
A great book to read to upper elementary students!
Wisniewski, D. (1996). Golem. New York: Clarion Books.
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