Dear Mr. Dickens

Eliza Davis loved reading Charles Dickens’ books. She thought his stories were really good. He writes about dirty conditions and children forced to labor in workhouses, which motivated people to give money to charities and demand change. Eliza really liked reading his books until she read Oliver Twist, where there is “an old shriveled Jew.” Eliza is a Jew! The Jew in Oliver Twist was cruel, selfish, and ugly. Eliza wanted to stand up. But how? Eliza decided to write a letter to Dickens. Will he change and stop making Jews the bad guys?

I thought this true story was very enjoyable. I really like how Eliza stood up to a famous and powerful author. The Jewish people in the time that this happened weren’t treated fairly, and the fact that Eliza stood up was very brave and memorable. I really like the illustrations and thought they were realistic. I had a great time reading this true and detailed book!