Fanny's Big Idea: How Jewish Book Week Was Born

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Jewish Book Week, this engaging biography introduces children to the influential librarian and immigrant who originated the event.

Fanny Goldstein immigrated to America from Russia when she was six. She loved the fact that in her new country she could borrow books for free and take part in all kinds of activities at the Saturday Evening Girls Club. Right away, her curiosity attracted the notice of the club's founder, who was also the head of the Boston Public Library. It wasn't long before Fanny was hired as the librarian's assistant, and then at thirty-three, as the first Jewish director of a Boston branch library. And when Fanny noticed how rarely Jewish families checked out books about their own history, she had an idea that would influence libraries and readers for decades to come: She decided to host a week-long party to celebrate Jewish books and culture. It was such a success that it launched a national event which has continued for 100 years!

Author: Richard Michelson
Publisher: Rocky Pond Books
Published: 11/04/2025
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.92lbs
Size: 11.10h x 8.80w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9798217003259
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 08/01/2025
Kirkus Reviews 09/01/2025
School Library Journal 10/01/2025 pg. 90
Publishers Weekly 09/29/2025

About the Author
Richard Michelson's many books for children and adults have been named among the ten Best of the Year by The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and The New Yorker. He has received a National Jewish Book Award (and twice been a finalist) and two Sydney Taylor Medals (and two honors) from the Association of Jewish Libraries. A native of Brooklyn, Michelson now lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he has served two terms as Poet Laureate, hosts Northampton Poetry Radio, and owns an art gallery.

Alyssa Russell is a Ringling College of Art and Design graduate and children's book illustrator of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Her maternal great-grandparents immigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe in the early 1900s due to rampant antisemitism. While her mother shared some Jewish traditions with Alyssa at a young age, Jewish heritage was not a big part of her upbringing and was lost in her teen years. Since her mother's death in 2018, Alyssa has been dedicated to rediscovering her Jewish identity. When she is not illustrating, she can be found weightlifting, working on her greeting card business, and filling her creative cup with movies and literature. She lives in Austin, Texas, and this is her debut picture book.