Jesse's Star

by Ellen Schwartz

Jesse's project about his immigrant ancestors is due tomorrow and he hasn't started. In a last-ditch effort to find some information about his great-great grandfather, Yossi, Jesse rummages through the mess in the attic until he finds a little battered travel case, full of pictures, and something else--a Star of David. At first it looks plain and unimportant, but as he holds it in his hand, the star begins to glow. Jesse is in for the surprise, and adventure, of his life as he finds himself becoming the star's first owner, his own great-great grandfather.

108 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Ellen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, and now lives with her family in Burnaby, British Columbia. In addition to writing books, she has published dozens of magazine articles and adult short stories. Her stories for children have been published in children’s magazines and teaching anthologies.

In addition to her work as an author, Ms. Schwartz and her husband run a communications consulting company. She works as a corporate writer, and teaches creative writing at Simon Fraser University and Douglas College. Before becoming a writer, Ms. Schwartz taught special education and the primary grades, and worked as an environmental educator.

Reviews

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

never do yopur book at the last minuntes.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the book was very i

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is geared towards children in grades 2-5 and I feel does an excellent job for that age group. Jesse is late as usual in working on his social studies homework. The assignment is to prepare a report on how and why his ancestors came to Canada. He has no idea and his mother is heading out for the evening and sends him up to the attic to search for some items brought over from Russia by his ancestors. He discovers a photograph and a star of David charm on a chain which he puts around his neck. Instantly he is transported back in time into the body of his great great grand-father Yossi (who appears to be about his age). The year is 1890 and life is hard for the Jewish Community in Braslav. Jesse gets to experience first hand all the details leading up to his ancestors escaping from Russia to make their way to Canada and when all is said and done, is ready to do his social studies report with a new appreciation for his ancestry.