Review: Debbie's Song: The Debbie Friedman Story
Debbie's Song: The Debbie Friedman Story
by Ellen Leventhal, illustrated by Natalia Grebtsova
Kar-Ben Publishing (imprint of Lerner Publishing Group), 2023
Category: Picture Books
Reviewer: Belinda Brock
Buy at Bookshop.org
When the readers are introduced to little Debbie Friedman, we learn that she always had music inside of her—in fact, it was her superpower. We follow along on her sometimes challenging journey as she expresses that superpower with her family, at Jewish summer camps, on a kibbutz in Israel, in synagogues, Carnegie Hall, and ultimately, the world at large. Debbie accomplished what she set out to do: create community while writing "Jewish music that would welcome, include, and honor the voices of everyone."
The author and illustrator have accomplished their goal of creating a book that celebrates Debbie Friedman and honors her legacy. Their passion for their subject shines through and makes this book sing. The lovely lyrical text, the pacing, the flow, the word choice all combine to keep a young reader engaged, entertained, and encouraged. The art is also pitch perfect: colorful, appealing, detailed, expressive, and creative. I love how musical notes dance across the pages and how Debbie's music is bursting with everything good in the world.
Art continues to flow through the child-friendly back matter, which provides more details of Debbie's life, a glossary of Hebrew words (including pronunciation), photographs, and an author's note explaining her connection to the subject of this biography.
This book is rich in themes that will spark discussion about community-building, the power of music, determination, following your passions, creativity, inclusivity, and more. And of course, many children will be moved to listen to, sing, or play Debbie Friedman's music after enjoying this inspirational story. Debbie's Song would be a welcome addition to any home, school, or library collection, though particularly valuable in a Jewish setting.
This book meets the criteria for the Sydney Taylor Book Award. It is appropriate for its targeted readers in style, vocabulary, format, and illustrations.This book depicts Judaism in a positive and authentic manner with accurate and well-researched details. We see characters of different skin colors, levels of observance, and ages. Although of particular interest to Jewish families, any child will benefit from learning about a girl who loved music, people, and her religion—and wanted to heal the world.
When the readers are introduced to little Debbie Friedman, we learn that she always had music inside of her—in fact, it was her superpower. We follow along on her sometimes challenging journey as she expresses that superpower with her family, at Jewish summer camps, on a kibbutz in Israel, in synagogues, Carnegie Hall, and ultimately, the world at large. Debbie accomplished what she set out to do: create community while writing "Jewish music that would welcome, include, and honor the voices of everyone."
The author and illustrator have accomplished their goal of creating a book that celebrates Debbie Friedman and honors her legacy. Their passion for their subject shines through and makes this book sing. The lovely lyrical text, the pacing, the flow, the word choice all combine to keep a young reader engaged, entertained, and encouraged. The art is also pitch perfect: colorful, appealing, detailed, expressive, and creative. I love how musical notes dance across the pages and how Debbie's music is bursting with everything good in the world.
Art continues to flow through the child-friendly back matter, which provides more details of Debbie's life, a glossary of Hebrew words (including pronunciation), photographs, and an author's note explaining her connection to the subject of this biography.
This book is rich in themes that will spark discussion about community-building, the power of music, determination, following your passions, creativity, inclusivity, and more. And of course, many children will be moved to listen to, sing, or play Debbie Friedman's music after enjoying this inspirational story. Debbie's Song would be a welcome addition to any home, school, or library collection, though particularly valuable in a Jewish setting.
This book meets the criteria for the Sydney Taylor Book Award. It is appropriate for its targeted readers in style, vocabulary, format, and illustrations.This book depicts Judaism in a positive and authentic manner with accurate and well-researched details. We see characters of different skin colors, levels of observance, and ages. Although of particular interest to Jewish families, any child will benefit from learning about a girl who loved music, people, and her religion—and wanted to heal the world.
Are you interested in reviewing books for The Sydney Taylor Shmooze? Click here!
Thank you for this lovely review.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this lovely review. I am honored and humbled that you like the book.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful review, Belinda. I just bought the book. It looks terrific.
ReplyDelete