Pirkei Avot, an ancient book of Jewish ethical teachings, asks, “Who is strong?” and immediately answers, “the one who controls his/her desires” (4:1). Strength, according to Judaism, is measured not by the size of one’s muscles, but by the type of life that one leads. There’s a particular type of strength, gevurah, or inner strength, that can also be understood by children as perseverance.
Toddlers display this while learning to walk. For first graders, inner strength, bravery, and perseverance are found learning to ride a two-wheeler. For an older child, it can be performing with a musical instrument. As children grow, they will see that life will bring hurdles, stumbling blocks, and discouragement. Developing perseverance, independence, and fortitude are necessary to achieve goals and make one’s way through life. The following graphic novels are great starting points for children (or grown-ups) who may need an occasional reminder that meeting goals doesn’t always happen overnight.
Recommended for ages 8 and up
In the fictitious town of Elk Spring, Colorado, circa 1870, Rabbi Harvey shares Talmudic wisdom, Jewish folktales (and a lot more!) through a number of short, humorous adventures.
Recommended for ages 10 and up
Brianna hates being the center of attention, so why on earth did she agree to have a bat mitzvah? And why are the popular girls suddenly being so friendly?
Recommended for ages 9 and up
In this fast-paced and well-drawn graphic novel, Rose and Ben travel through seven Jewish folktales and use their wits, courage, and strength to fight the darkness and save their grandparents.
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Mirka is a time-traveling, troll-fighting, Orthodox Jewish heroine! This series documents her great adventures.
Hidden
by Loic Dauvillier
Recommended for ages 10 to 12
Dounia is now a grandmother. But when she was a little girl in France, she had to hide from the Nazis. This is her story.
Recommended for ages 9 and up
Meet Lily Renee: war refugee, fashion model, jewelry designer, and the artist behind the glamorous and deadly superheroine Senorita Rio!
Recommended for ages 9 to 11
Fourteen-year-old Maurice longs to study law one day, but when the Nazis invade Belgium, his family must flee to the only place willing to take them in. Now he's halfway across the world, living in a Jamaican refugee camp. How will he ever follow his dream?
Recommended for ages 9 and up
This is a short graphic-novel biography of Natan Sharansky. It describes his childhood, teen years, and imprisonment as an activist for Soviet Jewry. Kids will be amazed to read about the courage and persistence of this great Jewish hero and the role American Jews played in his release from Russian prison.
February 1, 2022