The Mysterious Lopsided Letter (Liberty Clubhouse, 1)
In 1785 Boston, Catherine Hays, her cousin Judah , and their friend Joseph Revere, son of Paul Revere, play together in the clubhouse in the backyard of the Hays’ home. One day flyers are posted all over Boston protesting the Jewish services held in the home of Moses Michael Hays, Boston’s most prominent Jewish citizen who is Catherine’s father and Judah’s uncle. The flyers claim the gatherings are “unlawful” and that Moses Hays has “insulted Christianity.” While the grownups are busy discussing what should be done, Catherine, Joseph, and Judah act, determined to tear down every flyer they can find, discover who is responsible, and confront them.
Book One in the new Liberty Clubhouse series, this transitional chapter book takes readers on a fast-paced mystery though Boston. It is set in a period when Jews lacked full rights as citizens, without the right to vote, hold office, or even build a synagogue in Boston. Schwartz presents the topics of religious prejudice and religious freedom in a digestible story for readers in second to fourth grade. Young readers will recognize themselves in the characters, despite the 240 years that separate them. Black-and-white illustrations add details of the historical setting and clothing. A historic map of Boston, with the sites the children visit on their quest marked, will help ground readers as well as be fun. Backmatter includes “Fact or Fiction?,” “May I pour you some tea?,” “By the Numbers” (which includes the fun fact that Joseph Revere had 15 brothers and sisters!), “What did kids do for fun in 1784?,” and “Learn to Curtsy or Bow.” This is not only a good introduction to the period, but an excellent way to introduce religious tolerance.
