Wednesday, August 13, 2014

GOLDIE TAKES A STAND: Golda Meir's First Crusade

In this fictionalized picture book biography, Barbara Krasner focuses on one incident in the childhood of Golda Meir. In doing so, she portrays a born leader with a compassionate heart. 

"It was the first meeting of the American Young Sisters Society, a group of Jewish immigrants from Russia. I, Goldie Mabowehz naturally appointed myself president."

Goldie is one confident young lady. She has a plan and knows how to motivate her friends to cooperate. But - she's not all about herself. 

As president of the newly formed American Young Sisters Society (Goldie, her sister, and some friends) this young lady gets right to work solving problems and taking care of people. She's concerned that some of the students in her school cannot afford textbooks. So she comes up with a plan to collect money. And when that plan doesn't work out as she hoped, Goldie digs a bit deeper to come up with plan B. When Plan B is overwhelmingly successful, Goldie doesn't sit back and congratulate herself. No indeed she comes up with a new venture. And naturally she names herself president of that group too. 

I love how this book reveals leadership, compassion, and community organization skills - precisely the traits that eventually made Golda Meir qualified to be the Prime Minister of Israel. Goldie Takes a Stand shows us a take-charge person who faces normal fears without letting them hold her back. Having met Goldie in this book I realize I would love to read My Life., the autobiography that inspired Barbara Krasner to write this story. 

Barbara blogs at The Whole Megillah where she focuses on Jewish authors, agents, and editors.  She also reviews books of Jewish interest and serves on the Sydney Taylor Award committee which honors books for young people that authentically portray the Jewish experience. She teaches workshops for Highlights Foundation and she researches and writes prolifically. 

In my next post, you and I will enjoy an interview with her.

Barbara is giving away a copy of Goldie Takes a Stand (softcover). Enter with a comment. And if you leave a comment on both this post and the interview, you'll be entered twice.

25 comments:

  1. Very nice review. You really nailed it. Since I already have this book, please don't enter me in the drawing.

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    1. Thanks, Rosi. I'd like to link to yours when I post the interview. I loved your interview questions.

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    2. That would be great, Joyce. Thanks so much.

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  2. Joyce,
    Sounds like a winner. I look forward to the author interview too.

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  3. Interesting to see the leader Golda Meir as a child. It makes me wonder where my grandchildren are headed!

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    1. Bet you can see some traits coming in through in your grands that are indicators of their future greatness!

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  4. I have been a fan of Barbara for a long time & saw this book in early manuscript form. Can't wait to read the finished work...and your interview.

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    1. Kathy, isn't it exciting to feel so intimate with a story once it comes out. We writers are lucky to share the journey with each other. Eager to read and review LIKE A RIVER which I have never heard or read at all! :(

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  5. Thanks for sharing this great review. I hope to read this soon and share it with my granddaughters. I am sure they will enjoy reading about a young girl who developed great leadership skills.

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    1. Golda is a great role model for your granddaughters, Jeannie! And for all girls (and boys) everywhere.

      Thanks for dropping by. I've entered you into the contest!

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  6. Sounds like a great book. I've always liked to read (and write) and about strong girls and women. And I always admired Gold Meir.

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    1. I'm with you on that, Liz. We need more strong women stories! Thankfully that is improving.

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  7. I've been a fan of Barb's since meeting her at a Highlights Foundation Workshop. Congrats to her on this latest venture!

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    1. It's hard not to be a fan of Barb and her writing! I will enter you in the contest, Shannon.

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  8. I can hardly wait to see GOLDA. Your review is wonderful, and I'm sure the book will be enjoyed by many. Along with other writers, I have watched the book's progress, and am proud of Barbara for completing such a fine picture book biography. I look forward to your interview with Barb. Rosi's interview is great, and I'm sure yours will be too.

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    1. Interview coming soon, Mary! Yeah, I loved Rosi's. She asked questions I didn't think of. I've entered you in the contest.

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  9. Sounds wonderful! Would love to win, of course!

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