The Many Problems of Rochel-Leah

Yolen draws on family lore to tell this rousing historical tale of a Jewish girl determined to read despite prevailing norms in her 1830s Russian shtetl. “More than anything in the world, more than anything in God’s universe, Rochel-Leah wanted to learn to read.” Approaching various family members for assistance, the protagonist finds that her female relatives haven’t been taught to read, while her male relatives say no or grow bored. A request to the rabbi initially seems another dead end, but after realizing that his ambivalent response leaves an opening, Rochel-Leah begins eavesdropping on lessons until he relents, finding divine will in the child’s drive for literacy. Ribbons of text—in English and Hebrew—wind across Henditirto’s digital renderings, which rely on paper textures and brushwork to create a layered effect that appropriately highlights the illuminating power of reading. An author’s note and glossary conclude. Characters are portrayed with pale skin. Ages 4–7. (Sept.)