Nathan's Song

A 2022 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books List Selection

“Leda Schubert’s memories of her grandfather, a Russian with a wonderful voice, give warmth to a picture book that recapitulates the story of Jewish immigration to New York at the turn of the 20th century.” —Wall Street Journal

“[M]uch of the text’s tone is light, with the feel of a family story . . . Ish-Shalom’s expansive digital illustrations, with their bright palette and simple shapes, include frequent musical notes and depict a cheerful, diverse early-twentieth-century New York. A welcome positive tale about a Jewish immigrant’s experience.” —Horn Book

“The author recounts what is loosely her grandfather’s journey to America with love and great affection . . . The graphically striking artwork is brightly colored in blues, yellows, and oranges and fills the pages with dancing figures and city buildings. Families may follow this story with tales of their own American journeys . . . A warm and nostalgic family remembrance.” —Kirkus

“Ish-Shalom’s illustrations lead readers’ eyes through the portholes of a large ship, or across docks and city streets, in colorful art that finds contrasts and details of sharply defined and solid characters . . . This title pays tribute to courageous individuals, with an underlying message of the unbroken connection of family love.” —School Library Journal

“Schubert bases her tale on her grandfather’s experiences . . . simplified figures, sharp as paper cutouts in bright crayon eight-pack colors, composed into scenes that occasionally tip the hat to Marc Chagall and Fiddler on the Roof.” —BCCB