Written by Mara Rockliff, Illustrated by Zosia Dzierżawska
I have heard of the Esperanto language, but I had no idea it had such an interesting impetus. Doctor Esperanto and the Language of Hope explains the problem of living in a town where several different languages were spoken; Russian, Hebrew, German, and Polish. People in the community did not interact or get along because of the huge communication problem. This is the story of how a young boy, Leyzer Zamenhof, developed a new language that became common to them and eventually has expanded throughout the globe.
The book is interesting in the fact that it not only gives the historical background of the language but explains why it is such an easy language to learn. It describes the challenges of being accepted and even mentions why Hitler was against its expansion.
It is a well written and easy to read picture book, the perfect length to be read aloud in one sitting. The artwork is visually engaging as well. There is more detailed information about Esperanto and a short biography of Zamenhof is also included. This is a great addition to our library, along with a list of additional resources.
Review by Terrie Bishop, Academy Park Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★✩✩ (3 stars)
Doctor Esperanto and the Language of Hope
Written by Mara Rockliff, Illustrated by Zosia Dzierżawska
Candlewick Press
40 pages
Release Date: March 12, 2019
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
