Product Description

The story of one of America’s first true patriots

Everyone knows Revolutionary War figures George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, but Haym Salomon was also an important hero, and his accomplishments are finally gaining recognition in this biography that will entertain as it introduces its unique subject. Haym was one of the few Jewish patriots of the time. His knowledge of languages and currencies made him an exceptional man in pre-Revolution New York. Incredibly valuable to the revolutionary cause, Haym risked his life and his fortune, went to prison, and was forced to abandon his home and family—all for the sake of American independence. Acclaimed author Susan Goldman Rubin, along with illustrator David Slonim, brings Haym’s remarkable story to life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #525449 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 40 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5–Salomon was a Jewish-Polish immigrant to America who used his monetary talents to help finance the Revolutionary cause. While his behind-the-scenes efforts were important, they would be of little interest to young readers were it not that Salomon has become a symbol of Jewish-American patriotism. His story is told in oversimplified language that belies the complex events of the time, and the war sounds like much ado about nothing: King George forced Americans to pay extra money, called taxes, for ordinary things like newspapers, playing cards, and tea. So the colonists declared war on England…. At the same time, detail weighs the story down as readers follow every twist and turn of Salomon's career. The picture-book format, playful typeface, and comical illustrations are at odds with the text. Together, these elements form a confusing package that looks and reads like a book for younger children, but will make little sense to them. While the biography is well researched, it is too convoluted and fictionalized for report writing. Purchase only where there is a strong interest in American Revolutionary themes.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL
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About the Author
Susan Goldman Rubin has written a number of books for young readers, including the just-released Andy Warhol: Pop-Art Painter; L’Chaim! To Jewish Life in America, a Sidney Taylor honor book; Margaret Bourke-White, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults; andSteven Spielberg: Crazy for Movies, named one of the New York Public Library’s Best Books for the Teen Age. She resides in Malibu, California.

David Slonim has written and illustrated many children’s books, including a National Jewish Book Award winner, a New York Times Top 10 Picture Book of the Year, and an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio winner. David lives in Indiana with his wife and four children. Visit www.davidslonim.com.

Customer Reviews

Hayn Salomon: American Patriot

Although Jews have been part of American history since 1654, their contributions don't often appear in school history textbooks and young Jewish readers can't often "find them" in the story of America. So, it is important to fill that gap with trade books for young readers about Jews who have played important roles in the building of America. Haym Salomon has become the iconic Jewish personality of the Revolutionary War. Born in Poland, he was a successful merchant, patriot and spy who risked his life, home and fortune for the Revolution. His daring activities have become a source of pride to later generations, placing Jews in the company of our heroic Founding Fathers. Unlike other Jews who fought and died in the war and are hardly remembered today, Salomon earned his place in history - whether exaggerated or not - as the patriotic "financier of the American Revolution." With little actually known about him, author Susan Goldman Rubin has fashioned an accurately researched and accessible account of Salomon's life and experiences. She skillfully and clearly weaves imagined conversations with factual information to provide an inviting view of Salomon, his accomplishments and Jewish colonial life. The book's light-hearted illustrations are very colorful and appealing and the change of typeface throughout the book creates a enjoyable read, but the near-cartoonish style doesn't seem to fit the more serious text. Indeed, the picture book format itself may not resonate with older readers who would probably find the information more relevant than the book's younger targeted readership. The very useful author's notes, glossary and endnotes provide additional historic information and readers looking for more detailed factual information will welcome the extensive bibliography. Reviewed by Norman Finkelstein

A heroic book
Reviewed by Eric Zeda (age 8) for Reader Views (6/07)

This story is about a man named Haym Salomon. He helped George Washington win the war against the British troops. Haym traveled a lot and knew many languages. He used his abilities to help the American troops win independence. He joined a group called Sons of Liberty and helped raise money to help the soldiers that needed food, uniforms and boots. Haym was an American patriot who loved and protected his country. He got sick and died January 6, 1785.

I liked this book because it was about war. It showed how the soldiers lived and how they suffered. I didn't know about Haym. It was nice to read about what he did for the soldiers. I also like the colorful pictures in "Haym Salomon: American Patriot."