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The Rabbi and the Reverend: Joachim Prinz, Martin Luther King Jr., and Their Fight against Silence
When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington, he did not stand alone. He was joined by Rabbi Joachim Prinz, a refugee from Nazi Germany, who also addressed the crowd. Though Rabbi Prinz and Dr. King came from very different backgrounds, they were united by a shared belief in justice. And they knew that remaining silent in the face of injustice was wrong. Together, they spoke up and fought for a better future.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 13, 2022
As a young boy Rabbi Joachim Prinz bravely spoke up against the Nazi oppression of Jews. When he came to America he saw that African Americans were being treated oppressively and became friends with MLK. A wonderful book that teaches young children that when you support other groups who are being oppressed you build a strong coalition of justice that ultimately benefits everyone.
September 14, 2021
This nonfiction picture book tells the intersecting stories of Joachim Prinz and Martin Luther King Jr., showing how they both grew up to oppose injustice. Prinz grew up in Germany, opposed Hitler's rise to power, and was able to leave Germany with his family prior to World War II. When he came to America, he was alarmed to see familiar patterns of discrimination directed to Black people, and he took a role in the Civil Rights Movement.
The story also introduces MLK's childhood experiences and work towards justice, and the book works smoothly as a dual biography that culminates in the men's presence together at the March on Washington, where they both gave speeches. The book emphasizes the importance of speaking up for justice, stopping bystander behavior, and joining together with others to work towards social improvement.
I had never heard about Prinz before, or if I had, he was presented as such a footnote to history that I did not remember him. I enjoyed learning about his story, and the book is very well-written, sharing information in a brief, concise manner while highlighting important and memorable details. The vivid, atmospheric illustrations are also wonderful, capturing recognizable likenesses of historical figures and depicting historical time periods in a detailed, accurate way.
This book includes a glossary and a timeline at the end, and the timeline mentions MLK's assassination, even though the rest of the book does not. I found this book very educational and interesting, and I appreciate its positive portrayal of inter-faith justice work and the author's choice to let the story speak for itself without tacking on a preachy connection to current events at the end. This is very powerful and well-crafted, and I would highly recommend it for libraries, schools, and families.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story also introduces MLK's childhood experiences and work towards justice, and the book works smoothly as a dual biography that culminates in the men's presence together at the March on Washington, where they both gave speeches. The book emphasizes the importance of speaking up for justice, stopping bystander behavior, and joining together with others to work towards social improvement.
I had never heard about Prinz before, or if I had, he was presented as such a footnote to history that I did not remember him. I enjoyed learning about his story, and the book is very well-written, sharing information in a brief, concise manner while highlighting important and memorable details. The vivid, atmospheric illustrations are also wonderful, capturing recognizable likenesses of historical figures and depicting historical time periods in a detailed, accurate way.
This book includes a glossary and a timeline at the end, and the timeline mentions MLK's assassination, even though the rest of the book does not. I found this book very educational and interesting, and I appreciate its positive portrayal of inter-faith justice work and the author's choice to let the story speak for itself without tacking on a preachy connection to current events at the end. This is very powerful and well-crafted, and I would highly recommend it for libraries, schools, and families.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2022
I loved the illustrations. I appreciate what this book is trying to do, but it was way too dry. Just listing facts isn’t enough for little kids.
November 7, 2021
This is an inspiring story about two individuals who thrived to make a difference and were not afraid to speak out. While I certainly knew a lot about Reverend Martin Luther King, I knew close to nothing about Rabbi Joachim Prinz.
Author Audrey Ades concentrates on the similarities between the Rabbi from Germany who faced discrimination during the Nazi era and bravely gave speeches and sermons about freedom and the American Reverend who fought discrimination against black people with his powerful speeches and the peaceful protest he led against the bus company in Montgomery where black people were forced to sit in the back of the bus. The Rabbi and the Reverend supported each other in their one goal: Justice for all!
The powerful illustrations by Chiara Fedele are filled with emotions and beautifully accompany the text.
The book includes Timeline, Glossary and a photograph of Dr. Martin Luther King and Rabbi Joachim Prinz at the march on Washington DC, August 28, 1963.
I highly recommend this book for schools, libraries, homes and everyone who believes that: “...all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hand in hand...”
Author Audrey Ades concentrates on the similarities between the Rabbi from Germany who faced discrimination during the Nazi era and bravely gave speeches and sermons about freedom and the American Reverend who fought discrimination against black people with his powerful speeches and the peaceful protest he led against the bus company in Montgomery where black people were forced to sit in the back of the bus. The Rabbi and the Reverend supported each other in their one goal: Justice for all!
The powerful illustrations by Chiara Fedele are filled with emotions and beautifully accompany the text.
The book includes Timeline, Glossary and a photograph of Dr. Martin Luther King and Rabbi Joachim Prinz at the march on Washington DC, August 28, 1963.
I highly recommend this book for schools, libraries, homes and everyone who believes that: “...all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hand in hand...”
December 25, 2021
I'm sad to say I don't remember learning about Joachim Prinz and his work in the civil rights movement in school, and I'm glad that kids today have more inclusive books to learn from! This book gives a good overview of Prinz's and King's lives, focusing on their childhoods and how the inequality and prejudice they faced inspired their work later in life, and the story of the two meeting and working together. Prinz's speech at the March on Washington had a particularly important point that is still vital today: that the most urgent problem isn't bigotry or racism; the most pressing issue is silence. Unless people speak up about the injustices they see around them, nothing will get changed. This is as true today as it has always been, and it's good to see it passed on to today's youth.
The presentation in this book is really well done; the narrative flows nicely, the art is warm, with a retro vibe that feels of its time. At the end, there's a helpful timeline of events, always a nice touch. I would definitely recommend this book!
#TheRabbiandtheReverend #NetGalley
The presentation in this book is really well done; the narrative flows nicely, the art is warm, with a retro vibe that feels of its time. At the end, there's a helpful timeline of events, always a nice touch. I would definitely recommend this book!
#TheRabbiandtheReverend #NetGalley
September 12, 2021
The art in this book is very engaging, especially for a troubling and complicated subject. Some illustrations are styled to look like paintings and others are framed as photographs. The colors are soft and subtle, but still compelling.
The text is simple, clear, and straightforward. This would be a wonderful springboard for conversation for early-grades students to begin tackling very complex and ugly parts of history without completely overwhelming them. The tenor of the book leans to hopefulness and determination, which may help young readers process the difficult subject matter.
FYI to readers, the main text does not mention Dr. King's assassination, though it is included in the supplemental timeline at the end.
This would be a great classroom read and a wonderful addition to school and classroom libraries.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
The text is simple, clear, and straightforward. This would be a wonderful springboard for conversation for early-grades students to begin tackling very complex and ugly parts of history without completely overwhelming them. The tenor of the book leans to hopefulness and determination, which may help young readers process the difficult subject matter.
FYI to readers, the main text does not mention Dr. King's assassination, though it is included in the supplemental timeline at the end.
This would be a great classroom read and a wonderful addition to school and classroom libraries.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
October 17, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this.
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, but especially parents, caregivers, and educators. This is a really good (and often looked over) example of how effective it can be when we all work together regardless of background, race, religion, and nationality. The book places an added importance of speaking up for justice by stating that the hidden villain (that we continue to fight to this day) isn’t racism, hatred, or bigotry themselves, but rather the silence that is created when we let these evils grow bigger and do nothing to stop it.
This book really highlights that the fight for civil rights was not fought by one person alone. There were many people who consistently worked hard and marched for freedom
I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy for my future little ones.
I thoroughly enjoyed this.
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, but especially parents, caregivers, and educators. This is a really good (and often looked over) example of how effective it can be when we all work together regardless of background, race, religion, and nationality. The book places an added importance of speaking up for justice by stating that the hidden villain (that we continue to fight to this day) isn’t racism, hatred, or bigotry themselves, but rather the silence that is created when we let these evils grow bigger and do nothing to stop it.
This book really highlights that the fight for civil rights was not fought by one person alone. There were many people who consistently worked hard and marched for freedom
I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy for my future little ones.
February 10, 2022
I'm surprised I haven't heard "buzz" around this book's release. Published in 2021. So very relevant for kids to learn this history!
A rabbi (Joachim Prinz) from Hitler's Germany has moved to the US in 1937.
The rabbi saw what happened in Germany when people were silent, and was concerned over the injustices happening in the US while most remained silent.
He meets MLK Jr. in 1958. They collaborate on the Civil Rights movement in the 60's.
Joachim Prinz spoke at the National Mall in 1963 just before MLK Jr.
Parallels to current events, banned books, what history is taught in schools.
Check this book out.
A rabbi (Joachim Prinz) from Hitler's Germany has moved to the US in 1937.
The rabbi saw what happened in Germany when people were silent, and was concerned over the injustices happening in the US while most remained silent.
He meets MLK Jr. in 1958. They collaborate on the Civil Rights movement in the 60's.
Joachim Prinz spoke at the National Mall in 1963 just before MLK Jr.
Parallels to current events, banned books, what history is taught in schools.
Check this book out.
September 29, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Lerner Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Ades captures the strength and power of these two men who fought for freedom and the rights of others. Each realized that the main enemy of progress is when people remain silent. This comes through clearly in this informational text about their lives and commitment to equal rights for everyone. The illustrations support the text and transport readers to their time and locations.
Terrific book for family or class discussion.
Ades captures the strength and power of these two men who fought for freedom and the rights of others. Each realized that the main enemy of progress is when people remain silent. This comes through clearly in this informational text about their lives and commitment to equal rights for everyone. The illustrations support the text and transport readers to their time and locations.
Terrific book for family or class discussion.
October 2, 2021
Personally this has beeb one of my children's books about Dr King I've read (and I've read three or four this year alone!). It's very informative and I thought it was a unique story to focus on since most focus on his life/I have a dream speech. This one brings something more to the table. The illustrations are also great.
Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
December 4, 2021
A look at a pair of religious leaders who brought their voices together to push for equality.
"...bigotry and hatred are not the most urgent problems. The most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful and the most tragic problem is silence." -Rabbi Joachim Prinz
"...bigotry and hatred are not the most urgent problems. The most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful and the most tragic problem is silence." -Rabbi Joachim Prinz
January 27, 2022
The story of 2 men who are different ages (by ~29 years), from different countries, and with different religions, but who believe that discrimination is wrong.
Tells their individual stories and ends with the March on Washington.
Tells their individual stories and ends with the March on Washington.
Want to read
September 15, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 9, 2022
This is a lovely book to introduce kids (around 2nd-grade level) to Jewish people's involvement in the civil rights movement and American Jewish activism.
March 17, 2022
Too simplistic, even for a picture book.
June 25, 2022
Read to me by my 9 year old.
September 21, 2023
This book seems more like little vignettes to join 2 people together than it does a proper story. The information is interesting, but that is about it. This book could have been done better.
Read
February 26, 2024Wonderful book connecting two cultures and figureheads of their communities. Highlighted the similarities in their fights for justice and equality.
January 3, 2022
Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group, Kar-Ben Publishing, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this title.
Prior to reading this book, I had never before heard of Rabbi Joachim Prinz, much less realized that he had any connection to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pritz was a refugee from Nazi Germany who believed in justice and equality for all. This beautifully illustrated book teaches readers about Prinz's life and how he stood beside MLK as he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington.
Prior to reading this book, I had never before heard of Rabbi Joachim Prinz, much less realized that he had any connection to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pritz was a refugee from Nazi Germany who believed in justice and equality for all. This beautifully illustrated book teaches readers about Prinz's life and how he stood beside MLK as he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington.
January 21, 2022
This non-fiction book tells a story of two men who had the same idea - to stand against racial injustice. The Rabbi Prinz grew up in Germany , and opposed Hitler's power while Martin Luther King. Jr. opposed the idea of racial injustices in the United States. Together, they led a peaceful protest and gave a powerful speech for freedom from the injustices . Yes, Martin Luther King did not stand alone to convey "I have a Dream," but had a companion (The Rabbi) to support the idea as well.
I like how they have briefly summarized their life story, just to have a brief idea for the readers to understand who these greatest men were. I also appreciate that the book includes timelines and glossary for quick reference in this book, and also other resources included for further reference .
I wish that the Rabbi was given more credit to the part of this history because to be honest , I wasn't aware of such man exist.
One thing is that the book is not only that it is easy to comprehend, but also minimize the terrible parts which makes the book suitable for very young readers .
I believe that this picture book is ideal to be included as a reference in school and public libraries, and also become helpful for social justice and black history month lesson plans.
Lastly, I thank #netgalley for this wonderful opportunity.
I like how they have briefly summarized their life story, just to have a brief idea for the readers to understand who these greatest men were. I also appreciate that the book includes timelines and glossary for quick reference in this book, and also other resources included for further reference .
I wish that the Rabbi was given more credit to the part of this history because to be honest , I wasn't aware of such man exist.
One thing is that the book is not only that it is easy to comprehend, but also minimize the terrible parts which makes the book suitable for very young readers .
I believe that this picture book is ideal to be included as a reference in school and public libraries, and also become helpful for social justice and black history month lesson plans.
Lastly, I thank #netgalley for this wonderful opportunity.
November 30, 2021
Great History and values lesson
This book seems like it would be great both as a reading book for preschool AND as a grade school book. It teaches the wonderful lesson about the need to speak up against evils using stories of both the famous (MLK) and the not so famous (Rabbi). While written in simple language, it does not talk down to the reader, and provides lots of opportunity to discuss the lessons that history can provide to inform our own lives right now. Well done!!!
This book seems like it would be great both as a reading book for preschool AND as a grade school book. It teaches the wonderful lesson about the need to speak up against evils using stories of both the famous (MLK) and the not so famous (Rabbi). While written in simple language, it does not talk down to the reader, and provides lots of opportunity to discuss the lessons that history can provide to inform our own lives right now. Well done!!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews