Drummers Of Jericho

by Carolyn Meyer

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Jewish

320 pages, Library Binding

First published May 1, 1995

About the author

Carolyn Meyer is as versatile a writer as you will find. Along with historical fiction and realistic novels for young adults she has written nonfiction for young adults and books for younger readers on topics as diverse as the Amish, the Irish, Japanese, Yup'ik Eskimos, a rock band, rock tumbling, bread baking, and coconuts. And ten of her books have been chosen as Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association. In her most recent historical novels she has dealt with the young lives of Mary Tudor, Princess Elizabeth, Anastasia, and Isabel of Castilla, Spain.

Reviews

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I spent a lot of time trying to decide if I wanted to rate this book a 3 or a 4. Carolyn Meyer's story of discrimination is in some ways scarily accurate. I have heard people in my community say some of the same things the characters in this book say to justify their discrimination and prejudice. And in some ways, what they say sounds so logical on the surface. Like the parents in this book, I've looked on, baffled, as people ignore not only the principles of the Constitution but also the tenants of basic kindness. In her presentation of a town consumed in self-centeredness, I'd give Meyer a 4+.

But Meyer's portrayal of the main characters and in the ending of the story, I'd give her a 3-. The end is contrived and unsatisfying. It has the feeling of "oops, gotta close this up now."

I think Meyer's novel would serve as a great discussion book--lots of issues to explore. But that ending! I really wish she had taken the time to figure out what her characters would have done, rather than wrapping things up hastily with a sloppy bow.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet examination of religious intolerance in Texas. Unexpected ending (in a good way), expressed through letters between Billy and Pazit.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another childhood bookshelf find. Interesting exploration of Jewish identity in the rural US.

[Hendrix Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good study in how polarized our nation is. There is still so much anti-Semitism and other discrimination to be rooted out.