Judah Touro Didn't Want to Be Famous
Setting out from Boston to New Orleans in 1801, Judah Touro dreamed of becoming a successful shopkeeper. Through his skill in business, he earned a great fortune. But the harrowing experience of being injured on a battlefield during the War of 1812 showed Judah the world through new eyes. Grateful for his riches, he recognized that they could be used to help others. So humble Judah did his great philanthropic deeds, large and small, all in secret.
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Become an affiliateVivien Mildenberger is an award-winning illustrator of many books for children including All in a Drop and The Voice that Won the Vote. She lives in a spooky old farmhouse just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. There she works on her illustrations, pottery, and other general magic-making. Visit her online at vivien.mildenberger.com.
"True tzedakah was a gift from the heart and needed no recognition." -- Marcia Berneger, San Diego Jewish World
-- (8/2/2020 12:00:00 AM)"His is a true role model for young readers." -- Lisa Silverman, Jewish Journal
-- (6/12/2020 12:00:00 AM)"In our world of social media and instant gratification, it was inspirational to read about a real life hero who did great deeds, but chose to avoid fame." -- Ronda Einbinder, Good Reads with Ronna
-- (5/12/2020 12:00:00 AM)"As is sometimes the case, a long illness or serious injury can change one's perspective about life. So it was with Judah Touro." -- Anne Dublin, retired librarian and author, Toronto, AJL Newsletter
-- (5/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)"What I love about this biography picture book is that it's both educational and inspiring." -- Crystal Bowman, Christian Children's Authors
-- (4/16/2020 12:00:00 AM)"Young Touro's wild, black curls, the deep red coats on British sol-diers, and iden-ti-fi-able emo-tions on character's faces work with the text in a seam-less dia-logue." -- Emily Schneider, Jewish Book Council
-- (4/8/2020 12:00:00 AM)"His story is one of unfettered generosity." -- Adam Samuel, Journalist, Jewish Link NJ, Teaneck, NJ
-- (3/19/2020 12:00:00 AM)"This is not only a Jewish History story that would be interesting to help educate children about but an American History story, also." -- Jill Harris
-- (3/6/2020 12:00:00 AM)"Parents and teachers will be pleased to read a true story about a person who devoted his life and fortune to addressing observable problems (poverty, slavery, inequality, access to health care, for example)" -- Erica Siskind, Oakland PL, BayViews
-- (3/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)"In the story, he is often described as thinking about God's plans for him, so this book would be best for a setting where religious ideas are appropriate." -- Miriam Aronin
-- (2/27/2020 12:00:00 AM)"A candid introduction to a little-known figure in Jewish American history." -- Kirkus Reviews
-- (12/13/2019 12:00:00 AM)"This title is a solid general purchase, particularly where picture book biographies are in high demand." -- Anne Hasse Krueger
-- (2/14/2020 12:00:00 AM)