Meet Me at the Well

December 1, 2017

Gr 5-8-Yolen and Goldin have collaborated on a text suitable for students' first serious foray into Biblical analysis or midrash with a focus on women. ("Still we must never forget that even in the stories about men, there are women.") Nine chapters discuss a total of 14 women and girls from the Hebrew Bible. A working familiarity with the stories of Eve, Rebecca, Deborah, Esther, etc. is assumed. The opening page of each chapter notes the relevant Biblical verses for reference, but Yolen and Goldin move right into retelling and commentary. Using the Jewish tradition of marginalia, they include sidebars anticipating readers' questions, such as "So many men in the Bible have more than one wife-why?" They also discuss differing interpretations and additional insights held by Jewish tradition. Drawing connections among all three Abrahamic faiths, Yolen and Goldin often include references to Islamic practice and belief. However, the authors say little about the commonly held Islamic belief that Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son Ishmael-not Isaac, as in Jewish and Christian tradition. Both authors present a more detailed imagining of the women's stories at the conclusion of each chapter, Goldin in prose and Yolen in verse. Mintzi's artwork, done in a variety of blues, oranges, browns, and reds, skillfully communicates the landscapes. VERDICT A solid source of study and reflection for libraries with religious patrons.-Maria O'Toole, Carroll Manor Elementary School, Adamstown, MD

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2017
Grades 5-8 That women are given short shrift in the Hebrew Bible is not news, but as Yolen and Goldin point out in their introduction, their stories have been more fully explored in Jewish midrashdefined in part as a Jewish story that explains, clarifies, or elaborates a Bible passageand lately from a feminine perspective. The authors delve deeply into history and motivations in this collection of 14 biblical tales that highlight women, young and old, who have been imprinted on Western consciousness. First there is a recounting of the relevant story, with sidebars that explain terms and customs (e.g., the marriage of cousins or problematic issues such as the binding of Isaac). Following are short original works, including poems, that take readers inside the minds of the women. Each chapter features a lovely full-page piece of artwork. This organization, though somewhat clunky, nevertheless makes for an informative book. The authors don't shy away from difficult subjectsfor instance, Naomi's instructions to Ruth about enticing their kinsman Boaz. At the conclusion, readers are encouraged to come up with their own midrashim.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2019
Fourteen "strong biblical women" from the Old Testament are profiled in an informative and inspiring volume. A colorful, Gauguin-like illustration begins each informative chapter, all of which end with a fictionalized first-person story and a poem. Extensive sidebars and marginalia further elucidate topics; readers are referred to specific Bible verses for the original stories. A handsome book, suitable for study, research, or gifting. Bib., ind.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from December 1, 2017
Two award-winning children's-book authors team up for a more modern, feminist take on stories of girls and women in the Hebrew Bible.In biblical times, wells were the centers of social life for teenage girls--where future husbands and thirsty animals might appear and news and gossip are traded. Via 14 stories that range from Eve, the first woman and mother, to Esther, who becomes savior and queen of her people, readers learn about these and other complicated subjects including marriage, motherhood, infertility, widowhood, and inheritance as well as female roles and experiences as judge, prophet, and leader. Each chapter offers a story overview identifying female heroism, as well as annotated sidebars anticipating readers' questions, followed by an "Imagine" segment in the character's voice by Goldin and a poem by Yolen. The authors demystify the concept of midrash--noncanonical exploration of or commentary on a story or text--empowering readers to consider their own searching examinations of the subjects presented. Most of the commentary is from Jewish sources, but some include commonalities with other faiths, particularly Christianity and Islam. While the presentation is a little staid, this book is solid, well-researched, well-organized, and especially appropriate for young people preparing for or celebrating coming-of-age rituals.A much-needed, thoughtful updating of Bible stories about women that functions as both storytelling experience and classic reference tome. (Religion. 10-14)

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