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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 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!
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 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!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 5, 2026
So so so good book about Fanny Goldstein, a pioneering Jewish librarian who grew up in the progressive movement! Goldstein's family immigrated from what is now Ukraine and lived in the North End of Boston with many immigrants from all different countries! She grew up to become a librarian, having grown up in them, and started National Jewish Book Week! I would love to learn more about her! So inspired by her!
December 4, 2025
I find this delightful picture book and story to be one that teachers in early education classrooms will want to add to their classroom library. It is sometimes difficult to find books that teach a piece of history for young readers. Fanny's Big Idea fits this description. Hanukkah will be here soon and some educators who add this holiday to their classroom celebration for Jewish children will want to celebrate Fanny as the first Jewish libarian who was instrumental in Jewish Book Week.
Cultural curriculum activities are always a fun addition to early education and interesting for young readers to have the experience of learning about important historical people.
Fanny teaches a life lesson for young readers that one should always be proud of one's culture.
Cultural curriculum activities are always a fun addition to early education and interesting for young readers to have the experience of learning about important historical people.
Fanny teaches a life lesson for young readers that one should always be proud of one's culture.
November 16, 2025
Yet another picture-book bio that I wish had been around when I was a child. I'd have gobbled this one up (although, to be fair, I've gobbled it up now anyway, long after childhood). Grateful to Fanny Goldstein (1895-1961) and to the author, illustrator, and everyone who made this book possible. A perfect read for the 100th anniversary of Jewish Book Month--or anytime!
February 10, 2026
Informative biography of Fanny Goldstein and her commitment to honor all of the cultures in her neighborhood. She, herself, was Jewish, but she honored the cultures that surrounded them. Her family had struggles after they emigrated to the United States and it taught her to appreciate those around her. Her lifepath led to her becoming a librarian, and she held the first Jewish Book Week at her branch. The illustrations support the text and offer further details about Fanny and her life.
February 23, 2026
"The more you know about someone's life, the harder it is not to like them."
This was a sweet bio about Fanny Goldstein and all the important work she did to create space for diversity and inclusion for women and minorities in libraries and her impact can definitely still be seen today<3 she was definitely ahead of her time
This was a sweet bio about Fanny Goldstein and all the important work she did to create space for diversity and inclusion for women and minorities in libraries and her impact can definitely still be seen today<3 she was definitely ahead of her time
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December 24, 2025A lively children’s biography of Fanny Goldstein, the immigrant librarian whose idea for Jewish Book Week grew into a century-long celebration of Jewish books and culture. Inspiring, educational, and perfect for young readers.
December 11, 2025
See my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/feat...
December 23, 2025
Simply beautiful! Highly recommend to all ages
December 30, 2025
Wonderful book!
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January 6, 2026Pippin keeps asking for this book, which tickles me to no end.
February 7, 2026
A truly moving story about the power of books to bridge communities.
November 9, 2025
“The more you know about someone’s life, the harder it is not to like them.”
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Jewish Book Week, which later became Jewish Book Month, this fantastic biography introduces children to the librarian who started it all. Author Richard Michelson has written the story of Fannie Goldstein, an immigrant girl who grew up to spread appreciation for books that taught people about various cultures. Michelson's well researched story, begins with young Fanny and continues as the girl finds her place as a librarian who makes everyone feel welcome. By beginning the story when she is only 6 and using only Fanny's first name, he makes the story relatable for young children. The illustrations by Alyssa Russell are warm and charming and capture the time frame beautifully.
Goldstein wanted everyone to feel welcome and would make sure that she had books by authors from the same culture as her patrons. But she noticed that few people were borrowing the books about their culture. At that time, people wanted to assimilate, and in trying to be more American, they were not teaching their culture to their children. She created a Jewish Book week and encouraged readers of all faiths to read Jewish books that week. Eventually other libraries joined in and ultimately, the Jewish Book Council was founded.
Goldstein truly believed what her grandmother had once told her “The more you know about someone’s life, the harder it is not to like them.” She championed Jewish literature but she wanted people to learn about their neighbors too. She not only stocked books from a variety of cultures but later sponsored other book weeks at her library, including a Catholic book week and a Negro History week. In children's literature, their is now an effort to show diversity. Books are considered mirrors that reflect a child's own culture or windows that let the reader see a culture different from their own. Richard Michelson's "Fanny's Big Idea" shows that Fannie Goldberg, who knew the value of a welcoming library and diverse books, had opened a new window a century ago.
You can read my November 13 interview with author Richard Michelson where he discusses Fanny's Big Idea on my STORYBOOK LADY book blog.
The publishers are sponsoring a GIVEAWAY which will last until November 22.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Jewish Book Week, which later became Jewish Book Month, this fantastic biography introduces children to the librarian who started it all. Author Richard Michelson has written the story of Fannie Goldstein, an immigrant girl who grew up to spread appreciation for books that taught people about various cultures. Michelson's well researched story, begins with young Fanny and continues as the girl finds her place as a librarian who makes everyone feel welcome. By beginning the story when she is only 6 and using only Fanny's first name, he makes the story relatable for young children. The illustrations by Alyssa Russell are warm and charming and capture the time frame beautifully.
Goldstein wanted everyone to feel welcome and would make sure that she had books by authors from the same culture as her patrons. But she noticed that few people were borrowing the books about their culture. At that time, people wanted to assimilate, and in trying to be more American, they were not teaching their culture to their children. She created a Jewish Book week and encouraged readers of all faiths to read Jewish books that week. Eventually other libraries joined in and ultimately, the Jewish Book Council was founded.
Goldstein truly believed what her grandmother had once told her “The more you know about someone’s life, the harder it is not to like them.” She championed Jewish literature but she wanted people to learn about their neighbors too. She not only stocked books from a variety of cultures but later sponsored other book weeks at her library, including a Catholic book week and a Negro History week. In children's literature, their is now an effort to show diversity. Books are considered mirrors that reflect a child's own culture or windows that let the reader see a culture different from their own. Richard Michelson's "Fanny's Big Idea" shows that Fannie Goldberg, who knew the value of a welcoming library and diverse books, had opened a new window a century ago.
You can read my November 13 interview with author Richard Michelson where he discusses Fanny's Big Idea on my STORYBOOK LADY book blog.
The publishers are sponsoring a GIVEAWAY which will last until November 22.
May 10, 2026
Author: Richard Michelson
Title: Fanny's Big Idea: How Jewish Book Week Was Born
Publication date: 2025
Category: Biography
Brief Annotation: Fanny Goldstein, a Jewish woman, became a librarian who wanted everyone to be reflected in the books that are read, including Jewish children. This prompted her to create a week-long program celebrating everything Jewish. The back of the book includes more information about Fanny, including other book weeks she started.
Themes: Fanny Goldstein, Biography, Jewish, Jewish American, Immigrant, books, libraries
Ways to use this book with children: It can be part of a book display to celebrate Jewish-American Month as well as school library/library month. It could be part of Read Across America celebrations.
Diversity: Illustrations featured different skin tones. It also focused on a Jewish woman who came from Russia.
Where/how you found the book: Searching for what is new at my public library.
Title: Fanny's Big Idea: How Jewish Book Week Was Born
Publication date: 2025
Category: Biography
Brief Annotation: Fanny Goldstein, a Jewish woman, became a librarian who wanted everyone to be reflected in the books that are read, including Jewish children. This prompted her to create a week-long program celebrating everything Jewish. The back of the book includes more information about Fanny, including other book weeks she started.
Themes: Fanny Goldstein, Biography, Jewish, Jewish American, Immigrant, books, libraries
Ways to use this book with children: It can be part of a book display to celebrate Jewish-American Month as well as school library/library month. It could be part of Read Across America celebrations.
Diversity: Illustrations featured different skin tones. It also focused on a Jewish woman who came from Russia.
Where/how you found the book: Searching for what is new at my public library.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews