Title: Too Young for Yiddish
Author: Richard Michelson
Illustrator: Neil Waldman
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing; February 1, 2002
Suitable for: 6
and up
Themes/Topics: People & Cultures: Jews, Language:
Yiddish, Grandfather & Grandsons, Preserving heritage and language,
Opening:
All afternoon, Aaron helped carry-or shlep, as his grandpa,
Zayde, called it-boxes of books up the apartment-house staris.
Book Summary:
When Aaron is a small boy, his Grandpa, or Zayde, does not
teach him Yiddish, but when Aaron becomes an adult he longs to learn the
language and history of the Old Country from Zayde and his many books.
Links to resources:
The author provides a brief history of the Yiddish language
and a glossary of words at the end of the book. These words can be turned into
word searches, flash cards and more.
Yiddish history and alphabet
Why I like this book:
This is a great book that teaches the importance of
preserving languages and cultures. I find many young people these days (myself
included) do not speak their mother or father tongue (my dad’s language being
Amharic). For whatever reason many parents and grandparents have for not
passing on their history and language, I think in the end it does the youth a
dis-service not knowing their past and the rich heritage, history, traditions
and respect that comes with knowing the language of the “Old Country” whether
that country is in Africa, Asia or Europe. Language is a part of knowing who
you are and where you come from. I am happy that in the end, Aaron sees the
importance and chooses to teach his son Yiddish while he is still young. While
this book is in English, it is unique in its representation of the Yiddish
language. It is bounded back to front the same way Yiddish books are printed.
While it was not an uncommon experience for me, as the Qur’an, the Muslim’s
holy book, is printed the same way, it was fun to read an English book printed
in that format.
I wholly agree about the importance of passing on language and culture, which are so intricately intwined, to a younger generation. There is often resistance from one or other of the generations. Thank you for introducing me to a book that sounds like it does a very unique job of passing on this value.
ReplyDeleteLove the title, even though I can't agree. What would my childhood near NYC have been like if I couldn't have appreciated a mensch? Oy vey!
ReplyDeleteWow, this one sounds fascinating. I love exposing my kids to all kinds of different cultures and traditions, so this would be a great one to read to them. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful book recommendation, Saba. It sounds like it really immerses children in Jewish culture.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad how generations will skip some traditions. Thanks for putting this book on my radar.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Stacy! :)
DeleteGreat book, Saba! I grew up in NYC and, although I don't consider myself a "city girl", I'm happy I had that original exposure to EVERYONE! I think it opens your eyes...and hopefully your mind and heart...to the fact that EVERYONE is a human being and deserves love and respect.:)
ReplyDeleteI love books that help children learn about different cultures and people...perhaps if we start when they are very little, we can instill tolerance and acceptance...of course, we have to practice it ourselves. ;):)
So true Vivian, so true!!
DeleteI love that this brings the culture to life. It's so important to hold onto those things!
ReplyDelete