Review: Ellis Island Passover
Ellis Island Passover
written and illustrated by Marissa Moss
Creston Books, 2025
Category: Picture Books
Reviewer: Suzanne Grossman
Great-Uncle Ezra arrives just in time to cheer up a grumpy little girl as her family prepares for Passover. Based on Marissa Moss’ family memoir, Uncle Ezra shares the extraordinary true tale of how he traveled alone when he was 9 years old, first across Europe, then by ship, escaping violent antisemitism. When he arrived at Ellis Island his older brother was not there as expected to sponsor his entry to America. He was well cared for on the island but if his brother coudn’t be found by week’s end then he would be sent back to Europe. During this time he helped create and celebrate a seder for the other Jewish refugees. Without a Haggadah they told the Exodus story from a Hebrew bible, without matzoh they substituted crackers. But the participants all felt they were sharing their own personal Exodus from oppression to freedom. Happily his brother arrived in time to take Ezra home to celebrate the second seder night. And happily our little girl has found her joy in sharing the holiday through her uncle's story.
This book revolves around Passover, but the preparations and seder are in the background. While we see the seder plate, haggadot, and the male characters in kippot, the Jewish content shines through Uncle Ezra’s telling of his journey, which would never have happened if he weren’t Jewish.
Pen and ink emotive illustrations shine a calming light on this tale. All characters are fair skinned. Reader be warned, backmatter is not for children as it includes information about the violent murder of Uncle Ezra’s parents.
Ellis Island Passover will become a classic in Jewish holiday collections, perfect for small group or cozy family storytime. But more importantly, this is a necessary addition to all children’s library collections dealing with traumatic migration, here through the timeless lens of Jew-hatred and antisemitism. Great-Uncle Ezra’s gentle telling of his challenging journey opens the way to a safe exploration of this distressing reality.
This book revolves around Passover, but the preparations and seder are in the background. While we see the seder plate, haggadot, and the male characters in kippot, the Jewish content shines through Uncle Ezra’s telling of his journey, which would never have happened if he weren’t Jewish.
Pen and ink emotive illustrations shine a calming light on this tale. All characters are fair skinned. Reader be warned, backmatter is not for children as it includes information about the violent murder of Uncle Ezra’s parents.
Ellis Island Passover will become a classic in Jewish holiday collections, perfect for small group or cozy family storytime. But more importantly, this is a necessary addition to all children’s library collections dealing with traumatic migration, here through the timeless lens of Jew-hatred and antisemitism. Great-Uncle Ezra’s gentle telling of his challenging journey opens the way to a safe exploration of this distressing reality.
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Reviewer Suzanne Grossman is happily retired after 30 years as a
children’s library media specialist. She had the opportunity to share
books, tell stories, and encourage the joy of reading with thousands of
children. The moment when a child enters a story, experiences life as a
character does and walks through the setting the author has created is
magical. She is honored to have the opportunity to be part of the Sydney
Taylor Shmooze, working to bring the best of the newest Jewish
children’s literature into the lives of young readers. Having the gift
of time, she now enjoys writing picture books and sharing them with
children. Happy reading everyone!
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