Review: Hidden

Hidden

Junior Fun-to-Read Adventures series

by Rivkah Yudasin, illustrated by Jacky Yarhi

Hachai Publishing, 2023

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Leah Cypess

Buy at Hachai.com

Hidden is an early reader adventure story based on a true historical event. The book relates the struggles of Rav Yitzchak Zilber, a labor camp in Stalin’s USSR. His determination to keep Shabbos in the camp led to a series of trials and adventures that Yudasin deftly turns into an age-appropriate page turner. Yahri’s wonderfully-drawn illustrations work well with the text to tell the story and hold the reader’s interest. The book focuses on the immediate dangers to Rav Zilber, and includes only the historical background that is necessary to tell the story.

This book should be a strong contender for the Sydney Taylor Book Award. It is an age-appropriate, fast-moving chapter book that reflects both an important part of Jewish history and a commitment to keeping Jewish tradition.

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Reviewer Leah Cypess is the author of the middle grade series Sisters Ever After. The third book in the series, THE PIPER'S PROMISE, was published in April 2023 by Delacorte/Random House. Leah also writes Judaica books under the pen name “Leah Sokol.” Her most recent Judaica book, THE MOST ANNOYING ALIENS EVER, was published by Apples & Honey Press in October 2022.