The Entertainer and the Dybbuk by Sid Fleischman

This exciting and thought-provoking book belongs in every collection. There is a strong emphasis on friendship and justice, and an ultimate affirmation of life and hope. Even Freddie has to deal with his own deep-seated prejudice. “Fleischman explores the sensitive topic of anti-Semitism–not just the overt evil of the Nazi system, but also the casual, pervasive bigotry of the period. Kirkus Best Children’s Books of 2007 - Kirkus Reviews August, 2007 Starred Review “Quick, creative, clever and thoroughly entertaining.” Gutman ably conveys Avrom’s idealistic belief in the justice of retribution.” Earphones Award - AudioFile Praise for the print version of The Entertainer and the Dybbuk:

Harvey communicates the confusion of a young American flyer who finds himself possessed by an avenging ghost. Alexander Harvey and Joshua Gutmaker are especially worthy of note as The Great Freddie and the dybbuk. “Banna Rubinow, as the story’s narrator, speaks with authority and feeling. The pacing is quick and sharp, the delivery is excellent.” - School Library Journal January, 2010 Starred Review Featuring excellent narration by Banna Rubinow and a full cast, the tale is brought to life with distinct and lively characterizations. Fleischman for having the backbone to write this and intend to recommend it to everyone I know - kid or adult.“An entertaining and moving story, told with humor and pathos, and characters who embrace life despite unimaginable tragedies. Download the entire Sid Fleischman study guide as a printable PDF Download. Taught in conjuction with other Holocaust books, would help children feel the power they can have - even in the face of evil - even in the face of death. A Jewish thing, too - quips the Dybbuk - I threw him both ends. He throws a drowning Nazi a rope - a Christian thing to do, The Great Freddie says.

It's easy to separate the true from the adventurous fiction - and is sprinkled with humor from a 'dummy' with a knife like an 'icepick'. This book is satisfying for adults and children alike. It does include the 'possession' of a 3rd-rate ventriquilist, but at no time do you feel an 'evil' anywhere in the book except in the actions and plans of the Nazis. But this book is an amazing mix of the horror of the Holocaust with a 12-year-old victim who becomes the hero. Over the decades I've read Night, The Hiding Place, and seen a variety of museums, movies, and newsreels on the Holocaust.

I read this book for a Master's class on Multi-Cultural Children's Lit.

The Entertainer and the Dybbuk by Sid Fleischman