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.

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Praise

“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

This was quite a fascinating book because while aimed at middle grade, it is one of those books that anyone can learn something from the book, and perhaps it might even spur them to do additional research into the time period.  While this book is fictionalized, it is based on actual events and the author did an amazing job of researching Asser Levy, the time period, New Amsterdam, and many other facts in the book. The bibliography is extensive and staggering.

The main aspect that I appreciated was that this story reflected that inequality has affected everyone in one form or fashion since the beginning of time. This story is set in the early to mid 1600s during the inquisition when a Jewish community was forced to leave Brazil. They ended up in New Amsterdam (now New York) and were treated unfairly despite assurances from the Dutch West India Company, that settled New Amsterdam and ran businesses from there and many other locations. Asser Levy was a young man, possibly around 18, and his determination to make his way no matter what obstacles are thrown in his path.  He won’t let anyone tell him he can’t do something and keeps focused on the end goal.

I am not a history buff by any means, but this story intrigued me. It has inspired me to learn more about the inquisition and those that settled in the colonies. The author does an outstanding job including photos and other historical information peppered throughout the chapters that enhance the story being told. A timeline is included near the end that highlights what was known of Asser Levy’s journey. There is even a glossary at the end for certain words she uses in the book that may be new to younger readers, and possibly even an older reader. I was even surprised to learn that in New York there are still plaques and statues that share this history, even of someone that was not well liked in the town and made life harder for the new immigrants.

I highly recommend this book for teachers to include in their classrooms, and for anyone that would like to take a look into the past and imagine a world long before what we know today.

We give this book 5 paws up.

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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ONE WINNER gets a signed hardcover copy of the book.

 September 22-October 2, 2020

(U.S. Only)

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