The Passover Guest

A re-telling of a classic Jewish story written in 1917, this story is set during the Great Depression. When Muriel’s family cannot afford a Passover seder, a mysterious magician offers them a feast. When he disappears, they realize that it was the prophet, Elijah. Suitable for a primary audience, this story uses appropriate vocabulary and engaging illustrations to convey mood. As the story takes place during the Great Depression, this may invite discussions about this particular era. Further, the illustrations in this book are a tribute to Marc Chagall, and teachers may present an opportunity for students to compare these images to Chagall’s original work. In particular, this story may be used in the classroom to highlight this Jewish holiday and its traditions and invite students to make connections to their own families and experiences.