Hannah G. Solomon Dared to Make a Difference

When Hannah G. Solomon (1858–1942), a white Jewish woman, is asked to help organize events for Jewish women during what is now known as the Chicago World’s Fair, she is both nervous and excited to make a difference. Throughout her childhood, Solomon’s parents had been pillars of their community and supporters of freedom and kindness, helping formerly enslaved people evade capture and opening their home to unhoused people after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. As Lindauer clearly explains, this environment places Solomon on the path to involvement with the conference, where she gathers “America’s outstanding Jewish women” to discuss education and liberty, and forms the National Council of Jewish Women. Moore’s distinctive illustrations have a nostalgic, multilayered quality, overlaying patterns and textures with a fine-lined, majority light-skinned cast and watercolor-and-ink spreads. Solomon’s lifelong dedication toward uplifting marginalized people, especially women and children, will inspire. Back matter features author’s notes, photographs, and a timeline. Ages 5–10. (Sept.)