Fanny's Big Idea - How Jewish Book Week Was Born

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Jewish Book Week, this engaging biography introduces children to the influential librarian and immigrant who originated the event.

Fanny Goldstein immigrated to America from Russia when she was six. She loved the fact that in her new country she could borrow books for free and take part in all kinds of activities at the Saturday Evening Girls Club. Right away, her curiosity attracted the notice of the club's founder, who was also the head of the Boston Public Library. It wasn't long before Fanny was hired as the librarian's assistant, and then at thirty-three, as the first Jewish director of a Boston branch library. And when Fanny noticed how rarely Jewish families checked out books about their own history, she had an idea that would influence libraries and readers for decades to come: She decided to host a week-long party to celebrate Jewish books and culture. It was such a success that it launched a national event which has continued for 100 years!

About the author

Richard Michelson; illustrated by Alyssa Russell

Product details

• Authors: Richard Michelson, Michelson Richard, Alyssa Russell
• Assisted by: Alyssa Russell (Illustration)
• Publisher: Random House N.Y.
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: ages 6 to 9
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 04.11.2025
• EAN: 9798217003259
• ISBN: 979-8-217-00325-9
• Dimensions: 227 mm x 289 mm x 9 mm
• Weight: 403 g
• Illustrations: FULL COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books; JUVENILE NONFICTION / Biography & Autobiography / Women, JUVENILE NONFICTION / Religion / Biblical Studies, JUVENILE NONFICTION / Books & Libraries, Bibles & bible stories (Children's / Teenage), PICTURE BOOKS, ACTIVITY BOOKS & EARLY LEARNING MATERIAL, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Information resources, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Girls and women