Doña Gracia Saved Worlds

November 28, 2023
Grades K-3 In this picture-book biography, Goldberg traces the life of the sixteenth-century philanthropist Do�a Gracia Mendes Nasi from her childhood as a hidden Jew in Portugal to her successful career as a powerful merchant to her escape from Portugal to Turkey, on which she brought along many fellow Jews. Goldberg ties the story together by imagining Do�a Gracia learning the Jewish teaching ""a person who saves even one life saves a whole world"" and following that teaching throughout her life. The story is told simply, emphasizing the subject's actions, with little mention of the perils that she and her people faced during the Inquisition. This gentle approach may be right for younger children, but it sometimes seems at odds with the drama and danger of Do�a Gracia's situation. The illustrations, however, are consistently stunning. Massari brings the setting to life by integrating colors and patterns reminiscent of medieval and early modern Spain and Portugal into her artwork, from clothing and buildings to ships, trees, and maps. A beautifully illustrated, historical biography of an inspiring Jewish woman.

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October 1, 2023
A unique true story from Jewish history. A young girl named Gracia learns from her family how--and why--to practice her religion in secret. In the 16th-century Iberian Peninsula, "all religions except Christianity were against the law," so her family hid their traditions from the outside world. As an adult, Gracia marries another Sephardic man who controls ships that import "spices and silks from the Indies"; once widowed, she takes over his business. Building wealth and favor by giving lavish gifts to the king in exchange for a promise that he won't arrest secret Jews, Gracia uses her power to help other clandestine Jews. She even engineers an escape for herself and others, guided by the principle that "a person who saves even one life saves a whole world," by hiding people on one of her ships bound for Antwerp. The rich, dark colors of the illustrations are often overlaid with patterns resembling an ancient tapestry, adding texture and depth to otherwise staid scenes. This zoomed-in look at long-ago but still relevant history ably describes a complex political situation to younger readers, revealing an interesting figure making a difference despite incredible odds. The book will most likely appeal to an older picture-book audience with an interest in history and human rights, and it may start conversations about being true to oneself and working for a community. Quiet but strong. (author's note) (Picture book. 6-9)

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