The Diary of Asser Levy ~ Lone Star Book Blog Tours Book Trailer, Book Review, & Giveaway!

THE DIARY OF ASSER LEVY

First Jewish Citizen

of New York

by

DANIELA WEIL

Genre: Historical Fiction / Middle Grade / Jewish / Colonial America

Publisher: Pelican (Arcadia Publishing)

Date of Publication: March 9, 2020

Number of Pages: 128

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For twenty-four years the Dutch colony of Pernambuco in northeastern Brazil was a safe haven for Jews who had escaped the Inquisition in Europe. Recife, its capital, was known as “Colonial Jerusalem,” and it was from this religiously tolerant town that Asser Levy tells his story. When the Portuguese recaptured the territory in 1654, they brought the Inquisition and its torments with them, forcing Asser and his family and friends to flee to Holland. About fifteen ships arrive safely in Holland; Asser’s ship does not. 

Through imagined diary entries based on real events, Asser tells the harrowing story of the Jewish refugees who arrived on the island of Manhattan and of some of the first court battles fought to allow religious freedom in America.
                          

PRAISE FOR THE DIARY OF ASSER LEVY: 

“The book breathes life into a little-known yet important Jewish figure of early New Amsterdam and New York. Through a series of diary entries based on fact and the author’s creation, the author brings out the emotion, drama, and conflicts of Asser Levy’s turbulent journey to a new land in search of religious freedom. ... The book will add color to classroom lessons on early US history and on Jewish immigration.” —Paul Kaplan, author of Jewish New York: A History and Guide to Neighborhoods, Synagogues, and Eateries 

"What an extraordinary amount of research went into it! And what a creative way of combining historical fiction and contemporary pictures. Kudos!” —Cynthia Levinson, author of The Youngest Marcher

"What a fine job [Daniela] did with this story! ... The diary-style keeps the pace moving, and the adventures make it exciting. Lots of setting details bring the scenes alive, and the dialogue engages the reader in the plot. I can see how it will be easy for a young reader to identify with Asser, worrying about how (and if) he’ll succeed in his quest.” —Gail Jarrow, author of Fatal Fever

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HALL WAYS MINI-REVIEW: The Diary of Asser Levy is a unique, important, and outstanding book for readers of any age and highlights a series of historical events that I hadn't before heard. Asser's fictionalized, but realistic, journal entries are full of hope and determination, but the story is also a sad reminder of how long prejudice has existed -- and how it persists.

The short novel, set in OpenDyslexic font, is packed with illustrations and ephemera that enrich the story and pull-in readers young and old. There are archival photographs and drawings, but there are also those created by the author herself. Daniela Weil's research was meticulous and far-reaching, and she challenges readers to use her findings to think and draw their own conclusions.

This book is an educator's dream and lends itself beautifully as a base for studies. Terms bolded within the text can be explored in the glossary of terms; there is a list of recommended websites for viewing more photos and documents; there is an extensive bibliography. My favorite bonus section is the Timeline of how actual recorded historical events unfolded in relation to Asser's story. The Diary of Asser Levy is information-rich, but it's presented in an appealing way to pique reader curiosity.

I wasn't on the tour as a reviewer, but as the rave reviews came in, I bought my own print copy, and it is just a gorgeous book to hold in your hands.  Highly recommend. 

Daniela Weil was born in Brazil. She attended the International School in São Paulo, where she was surrounded by people and cultures from around the world. It was also there that she developed a passion for nature, art, and writing. After earning a BA in biology from Brandeis University in Boston, Weil became a field research biologist. She participated in various whale projects, including illustrating the first field guide for whales and dolphins in Brazil.

Being a mother rekindled her desire to share her passion about the natural world. She joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and attended workshops on writing nonfiction and science for kids. After writing several articles on science and history, she ventured into books. Weil attended the Texas Library Association annual conference with her SCBWI group and met the folks from Pelican, who were intrigued by her middle-grade book idea. As the project developed, her research took her back to Brazil and across the world, chasing Asser’s experiences.

When not on the hunt for new experiences, Weil makes her home in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Erik, and daughter, Lucy.

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GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

ONE WINNER gets a signed hardcover copy of the book.

 September 22-October 2, 2020

(U.S. Only)

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CLICK TO VISIT THE LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE TOUR PAGE

FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH POST ON THIS TOUR, UPDATED DAILY. 

Or, visit the blogs directly:

9/22/20	Book Trailer	Chapter Break Book Blog
9/22/20	BONUS Post	Hall Ways Blog
9/23/20	Author Interview	Max Knight
9/24/20	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
9/25/20	Sneak Peek	Texas Book Lover
9/26/20	Review	Reading by Moonlight
9/27/20	Author Interview	Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
9/28/20	Top Ten	All the Ups and Downs
9/29/20	Review	Librariel Book Adventures
9/30/20	Scrapbook Page	The Adventures of a Travelers Wife
10/1/20	Review	Book Bustle

   

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