Dear Mr. Dickens. Nancy Churnin. Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library]
First sentence: Think of someone famous you admire. What would you do if that person said or wrote something unfair? Would you speak up? Would you risk getting that person angry? Eliza Davis did.
Premise/plot: Dear Mr. Dickens is a nonfiction picture book for older readers telling the (little known) story of Eliza Davis' letters to Charles Dickens. She was upset (and rightly so) at the depiction of Jews in Dickens' fiction. Particularly in his novel, Oliver Twist, in his depiction of Fagin. While (all) the "bad guys" in Dickens fiction weren't always Jewish, there weren't any good representation of Jews in his novels. She did hear from Mr. Dickens in reply to her letter(s), and thus began a correspondence of sorts that lasted several years. Eliza Davis was VERY pleased when Mr. Riah in Dickens' novel Our Mutual Friend.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I do think it is probably more of a picture book for older readers. I'm not sure that younger readers would have a context for understanding and appreciating this one. On the one hand, yes, it's a tale of 'social justice' if you will. Someone speaking up for what is right and fair; someone who is trying to make a difference--even if it is just persuading one person. But on the other hand, an understanding of Victorian society, of Victorian literature, of Dickens' place within both, a familiarity with Oliver Twist would be of great benefit for appreciating this one. I'm not sure this is the best introduction to Charles Dickens. The details that make this one of great interest to older readers might get lost for younger readers. Perhaps.
Personally, I'm a big believer that you never outgrow picture books.
To clarify, when I say older readers, I'm not saying high school. I mean this one isn't necessarily for preschoolers and pre-K.
© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers
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