Luis de Torres Sails to Freedom

by Tami Lehman-Wilzig, Oliver Averill (Illustrator)

Overview

Luis de Torres is a secret Jew, a Catholic convert, who, in his heart, remains Jewish. When the Inquisition comes and Jews are forced to leave Spain, Luis decides to join a sailing expedition to new lands. He has just his faith, his wits, and a silver hamsa to protect him on his journey. And could it be that Jewish tradition helps protect the ship?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728445519
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	06/06/2023
Pages:	24
Product dimensions:	9.25(w) x 11.25(h) x 0.13(d)
Age Range:	7 - 8 Years

About the Author

Tami Lehman-Wilzig is an award-winning author of 14 picture books, including Keeping The Promise and Soosie, The Horse That Saved Shabbat. Born in America, she lives in Kfar Saba, Israel, with her husband, where she shares her love of stories with her grandchildren.

Oliver Averill is an illustrator based in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom, inspired by history and most things old-fashioned. A graduate of Falmouth University with a degree in illustration, he enjoys creating his imagery through textures and mark making, which help create an atmosphere in his work.

Editorial Reviews

03/01/2023

K-Gr 4—This historical fiction picture book introduces the Jewish holiday of Tisha B'Av through the story of Luis de Torres, a Spanish converso who escaped Spain by sailing with Columbus. It is 1492, and Luis (born Yosef), a Jew forced to convert to Catholicism, is leaving Spain to find religious freedom. He signs on as a translator aboard the Santa Maria. The ship is scheduled to depart July 31, the deadline for all Jews to leave Spain. July 31 is also Tisha B'Av, a holy fast day that commemorates the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. It is a bad omen to depart that day, and the weather is ominous. There are other concerned Jewish crew members, and ultimately, when the departure date is delayed, the Jews are permitted to stay aboard to avoid arrest. The text effectively introduces the expulsion of the Jews from Spain and Tisha B'Av in an age-appropriate, comprehensible way. Centering the story on Torres, a real person, gives this a personal and empathetic feel. The art has a layered, collage look, with backgrounds done in full bleed, muted, textured colors. Averill uses color effectively, depicting the belowdecks and stormy day in dark foreboding colors. Characters are clothed in appropriate period dress, and Columbus is recognizable. Back matter separates fact from fiction and gives more information on the Jewish Expulsion and Tisha B'Av. VERDICT An excellent introduction to a lesser-known holiday and historical event. Jewish schools and libraries will want to add it, and it is a worthwhile addition for public libraries as needed.—Amy Lilien-Harper

School Library Journal