This book would sit well in either a 2nd grade or 3rd grade classroom. It has some themes and words that should be saved for older kids but not too old. The book is about a Jewish ghetto in the Czech Republic in the 1500s. They are mocked and slandered by the people of Prague so a rabbi summons a Golem whose only purpose is to keep the Jewish people safe. The golem proceeds to do just that but the more it protects the Jewish people, the more it grew. By the time the Jewish people were safe the Golem did not want to go back to being clay but its purpose had been served. I think this book would be good to introduce some religion to students, but not in a preaching way. It shows a legend, or tale, about something and children would find it interesting. ( )

independent reading level: 3+
Awards: Caldecott Medal

In this poignant and dramatic retelling of the Jewish traditional tale of invoking supernatural forces to protect the Jewish people from oppression, in ancient Prague, and the striking use of cut-paper collage illustrations combine to make a truly powerful and moving story. The afterword adds interest by discussing the history of the Jews and the legend of the golem. This book would make a wonderful traditional cultural read-aloud story to share with students.

The Golem is created from clay to protect the Jews of Prague from persecution. It then gets a little out of control (blood and death everywhere) and is returned to the clay. Some Golem retellings are very scary, but Wisniewski gives the Golem in his story a sympathetic personality-he is a newly born creature appreciating the world's beauty. It makes it a little more palatable for the youngest readers.

The cut-paper illustrations are incredible and look almost 3D. The colors are those of the earth-browns, greys, reds, and are so dramatic. They match the story perfectly. ( )

Unlike with Mouse, I have actually heard about the Golem creature before. Since I am a big horror movie fan, I immediately think of the 1920 German silent film The Golem: How He Came into the World. That being said, I never really looked into the folklore behind this figure from Jewish literature. In this book, Golem is basically a clay creature brought to life to end the oppressive blood libel myth in Prague. You really feel for Golem in this story because even though his sole purpose is to be a protector for others, he begins to want to enjoy his life as well. In that regard, it definitely came off as a proto-Frankenstein where the humanity of a formerly inanimate creature is explored. So, although this book could stand on its own, I would definitely recommend to teachers that they teach Golem and its myth alongside Frankenstein. ( )