Doña Gracia Saved Worlds

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

In 16th-century Portugal, even Doña Gracia’s Jewish name was a secret. But she and her merchant husband helped other secret Jews, by persuading the king to protect them during the Inquisition. When her husband died, many said no woman would be able to run their international business, but Doña Gracia did. Escaping Portugal, she helped other Jews do the same, smuggling them out of the country on her spice ships in the night. Only in Turkey was she finally able to live freely as a Jew, and to use her resources to build synagogues, hospitals, and schools. Doña Gracia saved worlds.

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978-1-7284-6699-6
$14.99
978-1-7284-9543-9
$24.99
979-8-7656-1099-2
$34.99
979-8-7656-1101-2
$6.99
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Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Picture Books, Social Studies
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Diverse Books: Feminism, Diverse Books: Immigration & Refugees, Diverse Books: Social Justice, Diversity
Copyright 2023
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Kar-Ben Publishing ®
Language English
Number of Pages 24
Publication Date 2023-12-05
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS JNF007020, JNF049110, JNF007110
Dewey 305.892/40469
Dimensions 9.25 x 11
Features Author/Illustrator note, Original artwork, Primary source quotations/images, Reviewed, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Bonni Goldberg

Bonni Goldberg, award-winning author and Jewish educator, lives in Portland, Oregon. She first learned about Doña Gracia in a mother-daughter bat mitzvah class. Bonni believes children would like to know about Gracia too.

Illustrator: Alida Massari

Alida Massari is an Italian artist specializing in illustration for children. Born in Rome where she studied illustration at the European Institute of Design, she finds inspiration for her work from folk traditions and ancient art. She has illustrated many books, collaborating with Italian, English, German, and American publishers. She lives in Rome, Italy.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Doña Gracia Saved Worlds

In 16th-century Portugal, even Doña Gracia’s Jewish name was a secret. But she and her merchant husband helped other secret Jews, by persuading the king to protect them during the Inquisition. When her husband died, many said no woman would be able to run their international… View available downloads →

Reviews

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“A truly inspiring story that will surely open the door for discussion and learning. Reviewer Rating: 4”—Children’s Literature

Kirkus Reviews

“May start conversations about being true to oneself and working for a community. Quiet but strong.”―Kirkus Reviews

Booklist

“A beautifully illustrated, historical biography of an inspiring Jewish woman.”—Booklist