Write On, Irving Berlin!
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This vivid picture-book biography examines the life of Irving Berlin, the distinguished artist whose songs, including "God Bless America," continue to be popular today.
Escaping persecution for being Jewish, the Baline family fled Russia and arrived by ship in New York City harbor in September 1893. Little Israel Isidore Baline is only five years old. After arriving at Ellis Island, the first stop for all immigrants, Israel and his family are ready to begin a new life in America. His family settles in the Lower East Side and soon Israel (now nicknamed Izzy) starts school. And while he learns English, he is not a very good student. According to his teachers he daydreams and sings in class. But while these may not be traits that are helpful in the classroom, these are wonderful tools for a budding singer and composer. And by the time that Izzy (now known as Irving) is a young man, he is well on his way to becoming one of the most well-known composers in America.
2019 Sydney Taylor Notable Book for Younger Readers
2018 Eureka! California Reading Association Honor Book Award
2020 New York State Reading Association Charlotte Award Master List
Leslie Kimmelman
Leslie Kimmelman (she/her) is the author of more than fifty children's books, including The Eight Knights of Hanukkah, Eight Nights of Lights, The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah, and Write On, Irving Berlin!, which are all Sydney Taylor Notable Books, and the Sydney Taylor Honor Book Everybody Says Shalom. She lives in the New York City area, where she has hosted many lively seders, complete with mismatched chairs. Visit her at lesliekimmelman.com.
More by Leslie Kimmelman
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