A Visit to Moscow by Anna Olswanger

The year is 1965, and it is a dangerous time for Jews in the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, Rabbi Rafael Grossman travels to the area to investigate reports of Jewish persecution for himself. Despite being welcomed as a guest by the Soviet government with the caveat that he maintains a strict schedule, the rabbi slips away to embark on a secret journey. Armed but nothing with an address and a partial idea of what he is walking into, he’s unaware that what he is about to encounter will irrevocably alter the way he interacts with humanity. Inspired by true events, this Eisner-nominated graphic novel captures a snippet of Jewish perseverance during an overlooked era when a different type of Holocaust, a spiritual Holocaust, was happening in the USSR.

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There is a limited number of quality titles on the subject of Soviet Jewry, and even fewer that are all-ages appropriate, easily digestible, and thought provoking. This own-voices perspective is a must for all library shelves. Additionally, author Anna Olswanger makes herself available for free virtual book discussions, and provides a free educational guide.

This title has been professionally rated for ages 12+ or grades 6 and up. There is nothing inherently inappropriate about this title for any age, but I agree it is best digested and discussed by students at a sixth grade level.

Moni’s Rating: 10/10
Suitability Level: Grades 6-12 (Ages 12+)

Publisher: West Margin Press
Publication Date: May 24,2022
ISBN: 9781513128733 (Hardcover)

Tags: Rating: 10/10, Graphic Fiction, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Historical Fiction