Golem

 

Written and illustrated by

 

David Wisniewski

Caldecott Metal Winner - 1997

Wisniewski, D. (1996). Golem. New York, NY: Clarion Books.

 EXPOSITION:  Four hundred years ago, the Jews of Prague were persecuted and threated by anti-Semites. 

CONFLICT: Fearing for his people’s safety, Judah Loew ben Bezalel, the chief rabbi, fashioned a giant man out of clay and magically brought him to life.  The giant, named Golem, was to protect the Jews.

RISING ACTION: But Golem, for all his strength and size, was like a newborn child who looked with wonder and love at all the simple blessings of nature.

  

CLIMAX: When the gentiles of Prague attacked the Jewish ghetto, Golem repulsed the attackers and saved the Jews.

FALLING ACTION: The next day, the emperor of Prague told Rabbi Loew that the Jews would be protected from then on.

RESOLUTION: Rabbi Loew then used his magic to turn Golem back into clay, although it broke the giant’s heart to lose his life.  But Golem’s clay was stored in the synagogue so he might be brought back to life some day if the Jews were ever unjustly persecuted again.

 WAS THIS A WELL-ILLUSTRATED BOOK?  David Wisniewski illustrated his text with vivid pictures showing the violent scenes from his story.  His dark images filled with strong colors filled one or two full pages.  The artistry is appropriate for the harsh nature of his tale, but it makes this book definitely suitable for older readers.

PICTURE SOURCES:

betterworldbooks.com

goldmedalbooks.wordpress.com

desertpeace.wordpress.com

thatmagicalnight.wordpress.com