MoC Recommends: A Wonderful Children's Book

I just finished a wonderful book, The Hebrew Kid and The Apache Maiden, written by Robert Avrech whose awesome and heartbreaking blog I have been reading from the very beginning.

Rather than write a review here (which I stink at) I found a nice review at Amazon.com that pretty much reflects my thoughts:

The Hebrew Kid And The Apache Maiden is a wondrous novel that anyone of any age can easily relate to: one of courage and optimism in the face of adversity; of finding hugely comforting friendships in the most unlikely of times and places. The text is rich with powerful imagery, fluid prose, wonderful dialogue and a hearty dose of Jewish legend.

Written from the depths of a tormented soul as his beloved only son lay dying of cancer, Robert Avrech has endowed us with a priceless gift. Artfully and delicately, the author weaves his own soul's journey-the universal truths of faith,loyalty and love- into the very fabric of this heartstoppingly poignant
saga.

As they say in the 'hood, "What he said."

In an era where the only books targeted to frum kids seem to be 'Tzaddik Books' (a topic for another time) or tales of characters that are outside our kids' grasp, this is a refreshing change of pace. As the reviewer wrote:

What I found most alluring, was Robert's entirely true to life portrayal of character. Robert deviates from many of his Jewish contemporary fiction writers for young adults, who often create larger than life characters. With a supreme grasp of human nature, Robert Avrech spared no details that would dilute the character's essence. The story exposes us to some of life's harsher realities, but ultimately the characters' reactions lead us to shape and define them clearly-as is often the case in the shaping of our own selves.

I have already bought a copy for my little one (please don't tell her; I'm giving it to her tomorrow) and the 14 year old daughter of a friend (who read it in one night and loved it). You can give it to your kids on condition that they let you read it afterwards.

You can get it at most Judaica stores and here.