The Many Problems of Rochel-Leah

K-Gr 2–Despite her deep desire to read the Torah like her brothers and the poetry her papa cherishes, Rochel-Leah’s dreams are out of reach. Growing up in a small shtetl in 1930s Russia, for her the cultural expectation is clear: education is for boys only. Not ready to accept that these rules can never be adjusted, Rochel-Leah seeks the help of both her parents and her rabbi. But when none of them can provide a solution, Rochel-Leah takes matters into her own hands. With determination, resourcefulness, and a little dose of creativity, Rochel-Leah finally finds the answer she is looking for. Yolen spins a powerful tale of perseverance and the pursuit of knowledge. Told with a careful balance between illustrations and well-patterned text, themes of gender equity and importance of education are evident throughout, according to the author’s note, “true-ish” story. Jewish cultural elements are folded into the narrative as well, with context clues always skillfully incorporated. Color and shape are used adeptly throughout to gently whisper messages of hope that pierce the darkness of Rochel-Leah’s current situation. Thoughtful design considerations, such as font size and layout, elevate the text and illustration, making this story an excellent choice for sharing and discussing.