As appeared on the newsletter for the Association of Jewish Librarians

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• 1/14/13

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• Rena Citrin, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, Chicago, IL

Rifka Schonfeld’s newest book tackles the important subject of ADHD. Set in a single-sex classroom, the

protagonist, Nochum, is a charming elementary school student who is highly distractible and impulsive in school.

He is diverted from his Mishnayos (Oral Law) lesson by the buzzing of a fly; and he calls out inappropriately in

class. His long-suffering Rebbe, Rabbi Weiss, punishes this behavior by making Nochum sit on the side during

recess. Luckily for Nochum, he has a friend named Pinny who is sympathetic to his strengths and weaknesses.

Schonfeld makes Pinny an unrealistic character who speaks in a didactic, adult voice to explain Nochum’s

struggles. Only during their chavrusa (partnered learning,) is there a hint that Nochum is a very intelligent boy

who is an aural learner struggling in a print-intensive classroom. After Nochum causes an incident during a school

trip to an amusement park, Rabbi Weiss and his English teacher, Mrs. Goldstein, counsel Nochum’s parents to

have him evaluated for ADHD. “Chazal (our sages) say that just like every person has a different face, so, too,

we all have different minds, each with unique strengths and challenges.” The learning specialist consulted gives

Nochum specific strategies to help him stay on task. And here is the real strength of this thin volume. Nochum,

his parents, and his teachers are provided with practical tactics to help him become a successful and confident

young man. The story ends with vital information and a message of hope. Schonfeld then appends an excellent

two-page explanation of ADHD intended for parents and teachers. She demystifies this confounding condition

that touches so many children, families, and schools. The illustrations by Yoel Judowitz are somewhat flat but

still appealing. Recommended for Orthodox school and home libraries