Module 3:"Golem" by David Wisniewski

Book Cover Image:     

Book Summary: 

David Wisniewski’s unique illustrations made from cut paper, tell the story of a rabbi who formed a giant figure of a man out of clay (a ‘golem’) and brings him to life in order to save an oppressed people from their enemies.  The Jews in Prague are being persecuted and the golem was created to save them.  However, the power of the golem soon gets out of control and dire consequences emerge.

A thought-provoking history of the Jewish nation as well as the legend of the golem is discussed in the afterward to the book.  This book is a Caldecott Medal Book, an ALA Notable Children's Book, an ALA Booklist Editors' Choice, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, and a Notable Book for a Global Society.

APA Reference:   Wisniewski, D. (2007). Golem. New York: Sandpiper.

My Impressions:   I thought that the “Golem” was a rather disturbing tale, especially for younger children.  Usually the Caldecott Award books are more light-hearted picture books.  The images as well as the subject content might upset even older children unless a parent or teacher sits down with them and first discusses the background of the golem and Jewish history.  I would recommend this only for older children who are familiar with the history of the Jews in Prague and what life was like there in medieval times. 

Professional Review:

Wisniewski, D. (1996). Golem. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin. Unpaged. ISBN 0-395-72618-2. (ME-MS)

In the year 1580, the Jews in Prague were victims of a vicious lie that they were mixing the blood of Christian children in the flour and water of their unleavened bread. This "Blood Lie" led to Jews becoming prisoners behind the walls of their Jewish ghetto and the victims of physical attacks. A dream led Rabbi Loew to create Golem, a giant of living clay, to protect the Jews and maintain peace. Golem's success, however, caused his own destruction after the emperor guaranteed the safety of the Jews in Prague and Rabbi Loew agreed to return Golem to his clay origins. Wisniewski's intricate paper-cut illustrations, done largely in dark earth tones, provide fascinating perspectives of the plot of this Jewish legend. The use of multiple layers of paper cuts along with a judicious use of white, symbolizing power, provide a believable sense of action.

 [Review of the book Golem, by David Wisniewski].  (1997/1998, December/January).  Reading Teacher,  51(4). 307.  Retrieved from http://www.reading.org

Library Uses:

This is definitely not your average storytime selection.  I feel it would be useful in a discussion of other cultures and religions, medieval times, the history of Europe, oppression and war, etc.  It could be put out in a book display on those topics as well.  The design of paper-cut illustration could also be discussed as an art form if a class wanted to try it for a project.