Golemito

Gr 3–6—Sammy Nurko is a boy genius who can create and manipulate mechanical devices, yet he is being bullied at his Jewish school in Mexico City. He asks his friend, Ilan, about the golem, the mythical creature that comes to life in Jewish folklore. Though Ilan knows the story, he wonders whether Sammy needs a protector or if he just needs more courage. Tired of being harassed, Sammy brings Golemito, a small Aztec figurine, to life, and it loves to hear Nahuatl poetry. Golemito becomes powerful, and Sammy becomes more confident. While Stavans's tale is interesting, the ending feels rushed, making readers almost miss the connection between Golemito and Sammy's need for courage. Even so, the interweaving of Jewish and Latino backgrounds is unique. The spreads feature linocut illustrations, which are mostly black on color backgrounds. An additional purchase, this book would be a good read-aloud.—Maricela Leon-Barrera, San Francisco Public Library