The Sundown Kid A Southwestern Shabbot

Bietz, B. (2016). The Sundown Kid A Southwestern Shabbot. Atlanta: August House

32 pages, Grades K-2, Picture book/Historical Fiction, ISBN  978-1939160942

It is not easy for any family to move to a new town. It is no different when a Jewish family decides to move out West. This story is of a family adjusting to life in a new city and making a new life. Everything was being set for the planting and providing for the family.  However, during every Shabbat, Mama would say that there is “too much soup, not enough family.”  It was not until the son asks a simple question to all the townsfolk that their home was filled during the Shabbat and all felt just right.

I think this a good book to teach students about Judaism beliefs and traditions.  It also can help to explain how communities are different and how they can come together although they are so different.  Education about Jewish cultures, beliefs, and traditions should be taught in schools. This story illustrates that although customs and traditions may be different that there can be things like chicken soup to connect people and build a community.  This book talks about the historical events that had many Jewish families settle in the Western states and their integration into the communities without losing their values.  Teachers can use this book to teach about these events in history and the people and communities in the Western states.