Two versions of The Golem story

Title:  The Golem: A Jewish Legend   

Illustrator:  Beverly Brodsky McDermott     

Publisher:  JB Lippincott Company   

Year: 1976

Awards/Accolades: Caldecott Honor

Special Features:

On copyright page: About the author; About the book; Bibliography

This title is in the Knox County Public Library.

Title: Golem

Author/Illustrator:  David Wisniewski     

Publisher: Clarion Books    

Year: 1996

Awards/Accolades: Caldecott Medal

Special Features:

A note explaining the Golem tradition

This title is in the Saint Joseph School Library.

Summary:

Both books tell the story of a giant clay man that was created by a Rabbi in Prague to defend the Jewish people in the ghetto from persecution.

Use in Classroom/Library:

Can be read aloud to share a traditional tale from another culture and time. Both have dark, possibly scary images, so better for younger grades. I feel that the more recent version has a more complete story and gives more detailed background, and would be preferred in a classroom setting.

Curriculum Connections:
History: Religious history