Always an Olivia: A Remarkable Family History [Library Binding]

Carolivia Herron (Author), Jeremy Tugeau (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2007 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

An elderly black grandmother passes on the story of the family’s Jewish origins to her young granddaughter, Carol Olivia. As family members flee the Spanish Inquisition, are kidnapped by pirates and eventually sail to America, one daughter in each generation is given the name Olivia, from the Hebrew Shulamit meaning “peace,” to honor the Jewish part of their ancestry. Critically-acclaimed author Carolivia Herron (Nappy Hair) shares this engaging, multicultural tale is based on her own family's heritage.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing (October 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822570491
• ISBN-13: 978-0822570493
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,714,089 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Always an Olivia: A Remarkable Family History, March 19, 2008

By 

Jewish Book World Magazine (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Always an Olivia: A Remarkable Family History (Library Binding)

Esteemed author Carolivia Herron shares the story based on her own fascinating history as a Jewish African-American. Always an Olivia is a heartwarming story of pride and family connections. Young readers will discover a unique piece of history through the eyes of young Carol Olivia as her grandmother passes on the story of her family - from one generation to another. From the Spanish inquisition to Jewish life in Portugal and Italy, Herron describes the joys and struggles of Jewish life. The youngest of readers might be alarmed when beautiful young Sarah is kidnapped by pirates, but Sarah's future brightens when one of the pirates aids in her escape. Like a real-life fairytale, they eventually fall in love and settle on the Georgia Sea Islands, among the descendants of West African slaves. Deep colored illustrations beautifully depict the characters and the scenery. Particularly noteworthy are the vibrant flowers depicted in the illustration of the Georgia Sea Islands, which contrast the darkness of the night sky when Sarah is in captivity. Herron includes a footnote of "Jews and Racial Designation," which will be of interest to teachers and students. Always an Olivia is a unique and important addition to any Jewish school or library. Although appropriate for readers as young as five, older children will be interested in the political and family history aspects of the story. This book is sure to be a favorite among teachers embarking on family genealogy projects. Highly recommended. Ages 5 and up. Reviewed by Barbara Bietz

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great, Great Story of Jews, African Americans, and Civil Rights!, January 3, 2008

By 

Carl B. Wagner Jr. - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Always an Olivia: A Remarkable Family History (Library Binding)

Carol Olivia visits her great-grand mother and learns of her Jewish ancestors and their having to flee Spain because of the Spanish Inquisition, and her African American ancestors who were slaves in America.

Your children should read this beautiful book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting story!, September 12, 2011

By 

Patricia P. Ghezzi "Patti" (Atlanta) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Always an Olivia: A Remarkable Family History (Library Binding)

I bought this book for my 4-year-old at a book festival, and it's so interesting. I enjoyed the story more than she did. It's a bit too sophisticated for her. But she loves the illustrations and the language, so it holds her interest. I never knew about this aspect of Jewish history.