THE MANY PROBLEMS OF ROCHEL-LEAH

by Jane Yolen
Published by Apple and Honey Press

Once upon a time, girls were not allowed to learn to read. This is the story of a girl who decided to change that.

Award-wining author Jane Yolen mines her family history to bring us this stirring tale of what it feels like to be denied equality and the persistence it takes to work for change and fair treatment.

More than anything, Rochel-Leah wanted to learn to read. She wanted to read stories, and recipes, and poems that set your hair on fire. But in her small Jewish village in 19th century Russia, only boys learned to read, as they had for centuries. Still, Rochel-Leah was determined. She asked her mother and her aunties, but they couldn’t read either. Her father told her to learn to cook instead. She even asked the rabbi, who said there were rules. But Rochel-Leah knew something important—she knew that rules could be changed.

Named a Best Jewish Children’s Book of 2024 by Tablet Magazine

A “rousing historical tale” —Publisher’s Weekly

“An empowering tale about a resolute young person and how our present is shaped by our past.” —Kirkus Review

“This picture book is a delight! The illustrations are full-page color and gorgeous, displaying the time period and community, as well as Rochel-Leah’s passion for literacy.” —Historical Novel Society

“Fel­ishia Henditirto’s col­or illus­tra­tions are love­ly, evok­ing both Rochel-Leah’s dis­tress when she is denied oppor­tu­ni­ties and her pal­pa­ble joy when her dreams final­ly come true.” —Jewish Book Council