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And So Is Hashem by Aura Dweck, illustrated by Gillian Flint Hachai Publishing Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Chava Pinchuck Buy at Hachai.com When we do things that make other people happy, Hashem is also happy. So when a boy's mother calls him and he stops playing to go to her, when a girl refrains from waking up her sleeping father, when a boy greets his grandmother with a hug and a snack, when children share their toys or help neighbors, all these people are happy, "and so is Hashem." The repetition works well for young readers as they learn the not-so-subtle lesson. The illustrations are cute and colorful, depicting both boys and girls. The boys and the Tatty (father) are obviously wearing kippot, while the women appear to be wearing sheitels. A very short glossary includes Hashem, Bubby, and Tatty, but it easily adapted for all Jewish audiences by using the English words while reading.    The book is based on a verse from Pirkei Avos (3:13): "He used to say...

She Persisted: Clara Lemlich by Deborah Heiligman, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint Philomel (imprint of Penguin Random House) Category: Middle Grade Reviewer: Leah Cypess Buy at Bookshop.org She Persisted: Clara Lemlich is the latest entry in "She Persisted," a series of chapter books about women in history who made a difference. This book focuses on Clara Lemlich, a Jewish woman born in a small village in the Ukraine. After her family fled to the United States, poverty forced Clara to give up her dream of becoming a doctor in order to work in a clothing factory. However, the now-notorious conditions for workers in such factories -- especially female workers -- led Clara to become involved in union activities, including taking a key role in the largest strike of women in the history of the US.    This is an interesting, well-written book that is ideally suited for a younger middle grade audience. Difficult subjects, such as the Triangle Shirtwaist...