The Wooden Sword: A Jewish Folktale from Afghanistan

About this book

Best Childrens Books of the Year 2013 Bank Street College 2013 Storytelling World Award A 2013 CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2013 Honor Book South Asia Book Award for Childrens and Young Adult Literature 2013 Sydney Taylor Honor Book for Older Readers NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2012 Though the shah in Afghanistan tries to test his faith a poor Jewish shoemaker maintains his belief that all happens for the best. Disguised in servants clothes an Afghani shah slips out of his palace to learn more about his people. When he encounters a poor Jewish shoemaker full of faith that everything will turn out just as it should the shah grows curious. Vowing that no harm will befall the poor man he decides to test that faith only to find that the shoemakers cheerful optimism cannot be shaken. But the biggest challenge of the poor mans life is yet to come! Ann Stamplers retelling of this classic Afghani Jewish folktale is enriched by Carol Liddiments charming and vivid paintings.