The Secret Shofar of Barcelona (High Holidays) - Hardcover

Greene, Jacqueline Dembar

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0822599155 ISBN 13: 9780822599159

Publisher: Kar-Ben Pub, 2009

Synopsis

In the late 1500s, while the conductor of the Royal Orchestra of Barcelona prepares for a concert to celebrate Spain’s colonies in the New World, his son secretly practices playing the Shofar to help Jews, who must hide their faith from the Inquisition, to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. Simultaneous.

About this title

About the Author:

Jacqueline Dembar Greene is the award-winning author of more than 30 books for young readers, including American Girl's(R) Rebecca Rubin series and The Secret Shofar of Barcelona. She lives in Wayland, Massachusetts.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 2–5—Don Fernando is a converso, a Jew who practices his religion secretly during the time of the Inquisition. He is also a respected composer, and he writes a symphony to celebrate Spain's colonies in the New World using Native American instruments. His son convinces him to include a shofar among the deer-toe rattles and leather drums so that the conversos can hear the traditional sound of the ram's horn on the Jewish New Year, which coincides with the concert. The dangerous plan proves successful: the Duke loves the symphony, and Spain's secret Jews retain an ancient tradition. Based on a legend, this intriguing slice of converso life offers a thoughtful hero and a suspenseful plot. The warm, opaque paintings are expressive and create a strong sense of place. Although the religious significance of the shofar is never explained, the story conveys its emotional pull for Jewish listeners. Themes of cultural identity and empowerment under oppression will appeal to readers of all backgrounds.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL END

About this edition

• Publisher: Kar-Ben Pub
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0822599155
• ISBN 13: 9780822599159
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Chayka Douglas