Hannah G. Solomon Dared to Make a Difference

October 18, 2021
When Hannah G. Solomon (1858–1942), a white Jewish woman, is asked to help organize events for Jewish women during what is now known as the Chicago World’s Fair, she
is both nervous and excited to make a difference. Throughout her childhood, Solomon’s parents had been pillars of their community and supporters of freedom and kindness, helping formerly enslaved people evade capture and opening their home to unhoused people after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. As Lindauer clearly explains, this environment places Solomon on the path to involvement with the conference, where she gathers “America’s outstanding Jewish women” to discuss education and liberty, and forms the National Council of Jewish Women. Moore’s distinctive illustrations have a nostalgic, multilayered quality, overlaying patterns and textures with a fine-lined, majority light-skinned cast and watercolor-and-ink spreads. Solomon’s lifelong dedication toward uplifting marginalized people, especially women and children, will inspire. Back matter features author’s notes, photographs, and a timeline. Ages 5–10.

July 1, 2021
Like her friends Jane Addams and Susan B. Anthony, Solomon didn't let the rigid social mores for women in the early 1900s keep her from advocating for immigrants, the poor, and women. This accessible picture-book biography introduces a lesser-known social reformer who founded the National Council of Jewish Women, which "worked to help people around the country." Moore's stylish illustrations evoke the era and reflect Solomon's energy and purpose. End notes offer more about "Chicago's most important Jewish leader of her generation" and Addams's Hull House. A timeline is appended.

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