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Golem

(2007, Fiction - Folklore, Written by David Wisniewski, Illustrated by David Wisniewski)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Giant legend too heady and scary for little ones.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Main message that the persecuted should fight their persecuters is fine; sadly, though, the rabbi must destroy the Golem when he has finished helping.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Illustrations are scary and violent (dark, jagged) as Frankenstein-like giant destroys the attacking mob with his bare hands; though the message is triumphant.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Golem

Parents need to know that though this book won the Caldecott Medal in 1997, usually reserved for lighter picture books, it contains images that may frighten young children. Also, the story, which is an adaptation of a medieval legend, may unsettle them. It discusses the persecution of the Jews in Prague and shows the violent way the Golem dispatches enemies. More sophisticated readers will find the book more captivating and inspiring, though still somewhat distressing, especially when the Golem is destroyed.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Before they even open this book, families should talk about its cover. What do you think is happening? Where is the story taking place? Then, after opening its pages, readers will want to spend time talking about the amazing, yet haunting illustrations, and what they mean. Beyond that, families will want to spend time discussing the story itself. Where is Prague? What do you think life was like there in medieval times? Was it different for the Jews? Why? What kind of man was the rabbi? Why did the rabbi feel he needed to make a Golem? Do you think the rabbi was right to create the Golem, use him, and then take his life away?
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