Haym Salomon: American Patriot - Hardcover

Rubin, Susan Goldman; Slonim, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 081091087X ISBN 13: 9780810910874

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2007

Synopsis

The story of one of America’s first true patriots

Everyone knows Revolutionary War figures George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, but Haym Salomon was also an important hero, and his accomplishments are finally gaining recognition in this biography that will entertain as it introduces its unique subject. Haym was one of the few Jewish patriots of the time. His knowledge of languages and currencies made him an exceptional man in pre-Revolution New York. Incredibly valuable to the revolutionary cause, Haym risked his life and his fortune, went to prison, and was forced to abandon his home and family—all for the sake of American independence. Acclaimed author Susan Goldman Rubin, along with illustrator David Slonim, brings Haym’s remarkable story to life.

About this title

About the Author:

Susan Goldman Rubin has written a number of books for young readers, including the just-released Andy Warhol: Pop-Art Painter; L’Chaim! To Jewish Life in America, a Sidney Taylor honor book; Margaret Bourke-White, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults; andSteven Spielberg: Crazy for Movies, named one of the New York Public Library’s Best Books for the Teen Age. She resides in Malibu, California.

David Slonim has written and illustrated many children’s books, including a National Jewish Book Award winner, a New York Times Top 10 Picture Book of the Year, and an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio winner. David lives in Indiana with his wife and four children. Visit www.davidslonim.com.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 3-5–Salomon was a Jewish-Polish immigrant to America who used his monetary talents to help finance the Revolutionary cause. While his behind-the-scenes efforts were important, they would be of little interest to young readers were it not that Salomon has become a symbol of Jewish-American patriotism. His story is told in oversimplified language that belies the complex events of the time, and the war sounds like much ado about nothing: King George forced Americans to pay extra money, called taxes, for ordinary things like newspapers, playing cards, and tea. So the colonists declared war on England.... At the same time, detail weighs the story down as readers follow every twist and turn of Salomon's career. The picture-book format, playful typeface, and comical illustrations are at odds with the text. Together, these elements form a confusing package that looks and reads like a book for younger children, but will make little sense to them. While the biography is well researched, it is too convoluted and fictionalized for report writing. Purchase only where there is a strong interest in American Revolutionary themes.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL
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About this edition

• Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 081091087X
• ISBN 13: 9780810910874
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 40