Gottika

Becker's compelling story of a young boy, Dany, and his fight against authoritarian terror raises issues of courage, complicity, and Jewish identity. By creating a fictional, but still recognizably Jewish, culture in her novel, Becker both universalizes her story and affirms that Jewish suffering and resistance to oppression are at its core.... author and illustrator have infused new life into the story of the golem, animating him once more with perceptiveness and depth. --Emily Schneider, Jewish Book Council A compelling read. Recommended. --CM Magazine An excellent addition to a high school reader's collection. --Jewish Book Council Becker presents the harsh treatment of an ethnic group in a way children will be able to understand and question. --Quill and Quire Gol's strength, and his story are the real soul of this novel, and I was fascinated watching this traditional Jewish folk story come to life. ****/4 stars--Mabel's Fables Raves and Faves Gottika is the perfect mashup that results in a great read; one that kept me awake until I turned the last page. --Sheryl McFarlane Iconic elements of Jewish persecution give this story a historical grounding as well as a depth. The cues open up a space for conversation about travesties that have taken place while also encouraging readers to immerse themselves in a space of injustice and to read a story of the disenfranchised. --Jeunesse Lovers of fantasy, myths and legends, action comics, a hero's quest, and even Dungeons and Dragons fans will want to keep reading late into the night. And this story will continue to resonate the morning after. --National Reading Campaign Gottika is an enjoyably challenging, multi-layered read, replete with Jewish mystical ideas but also teenage energy ( How can we 'fix' the universe? demands Dany. We can't even go outdoors without a freaking hat! ). Age 11 to adult. --Jewish Chronicle