Review: Bedtime Stories for Strong Jewish Girls
Bedtime Stories for Strong Jewish Girls:
Tales of 50 Jewish Heroines Who Changed the World
by Melanie Goldberg Silver, illustrated by Jess Goldsmith
Gefen Publishing House, 2025
Category: Middle Grade
Reviewer: Belinda Brock
This books highlights the lives of 50 Jewish women who made significant contributions. The author has curated a diverse group across the ages representing various fields and professions. Some are more well-known and others have been overlooked or forgotten. For instance, while I was familiar with Eliezer Ben Yehudah, who revived the Hebrew language for modern times, I never knew about the part played by his wife Hemdah Jonas Ben-Yehudah.
The author has crafted entertaining and informative narratives for each woman. One element that keeps the mini-biographies interesting is the generous use of dialogue and the subjects' thoughts. This does not detract from the stories, but a librarian might classify this book as historical fiction rather than nonfiction.
I wonder if arranging the subjects chronologically rather than alphabetically by profession might have been easier for the reader. Also, with regard to the title ("for strong Jewish girls"): While these women will serve as role models for the girls who read this book, I imagine that some boys might find this book of interest, as well.
Each mini-biography is accompanied by a full-page portrait of the woman being profiled. The illustration also includes a descriptor, their lifespan (all are deceased), symbols of their passions and achievements, and occasionally, a flag representing their nationality. The engaging art is perfectly suited to the themes of this book— Goldsmith uses strong, bold colors and the subjects all radiate confidence and purpose.
This book would be most appropriate for children 8 and up and would make a valuable addition to a home, classroom, or library collection. Each inspiring entry offers a springboard into conversation about the obstacles that woman faced and the courage she showed; it is also an invitation to do a deeper dive into her life.
The Jewish representation in this book is strong and authentic. These women were not selected simply because they were Jewish but because of their connection to Judaism and Jewish values. The Jewish content is wide-ranging: Zionism, Biblical stories, the immigrant experience, and various levels of observance. While of most interest to the Jewish community, non-Jewish readers will be able to relate to various parts of the women's journeys.
The author has crafted entertaining and informative narratives for each woman. One element that keeps the mini-biographies interesting is the generous use of dialogue and the subjects' thoughts. This does not detract from the stories, but a librarian might classify this book as historical fiction rather than nonfiction.
I wonder if arranging the subjects chronologically rather than alphabetically by profession might have been easier for the reader. Also, with regard to the title ("for strong Jewish girls"): While these women will serve as role models for the girls who read this book, I imagine that some boys might find this book of interest, as well.
Each mini-biography is accompanied by a full-page portrait of the woman being profiled. The illustration also includes a descriptor, their lifespan (all are deceased), symbols of their passions and achievements, and occasionally, a flag representing their nationality. The engaging art is perfectly suited to the themes of this book— Goldsmith uses strong, bold colors and the subjects all radiate confidence and purpose.
This book would be most appropriate for children 8 and up and would make a valuable addition to a home, classroom, or library collection. Each inspiring entry offers a springboard into conversation about the obstacles that woman faced and the courage she showed; it is also an invitation to do a deeper dive into her life.
The Jewish representation in this book is strong and authentic. These women were not selected simply because they were Jewish but because of their connection to Judaism and Jewish values. The Jewish content is wide-ranging: Zionism, Biblical stories, the immigrant experience, and various levels of observance. While of most interest to the Jewish community, non-Jewish readers will be able to relate to various parts of the women's journeys.
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Reviewer Belinda Brock earned a MS in Literacy and Language from
University of Chicago and her background is in teaching and educational
publishing. She authored GG and Mamela, the first children’s book to
address hospice care. Her essays have been featured on Kveller, Jewish
Women’s Archive, and HuffPost.
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