Private Joel and the Sewell Mountain Seder

This story based on historical fact brought tears to my eyes as Jewish soldiers in the Union Army celebrate the Pesach seder with three former slaves and their commanding officer. Bryna Fireside has done an incredible job of conveying the historic setting as well as the traditional holiday setting. And because of my new project supporting Jews currently serving in the U.S. military, I am particularly pleased that this book showcases Jews serving in the U.S. military. -- Phyllis Zimbler Miller

This unusual Passover book is a work of historical fiction, based on research conducted by the author about a group of Jewish soldiers in the 23rd Ohio Regiment of the Union Army during the Civil War. The characters and events are based on an actual soldier's diary entry. The soldiers are keenly aware of the similarities between the Exodus and what they were trying to accomplish--defending their country and freeing the slaves. The author even added African Americans to her imagined Seder, to acknowledge their impact on the outcome of the war. None of the soldiers had ever prepared for a Seder before, since that was the job of their mothers and sisters. The book explains how they did their best with what they had. This section of the book reaps the benefits of the author's extensive research, and does a remarkable job of making the experience come alive for the reader. The painted illustrations add just the right amount of drama to the story. The soldiers knew that they could not make the Seder perfect and instead focused on the greater meaning and symbolism of the Seder. As the author pointed out, that night was "certainly different from all other nights and from all other seders." Ages 7-12. Reviewed by Rachel Rosner

I bought this book for my almost 8 year old grandson for Passover and it turned out to be a wonderful history lesson. He loved reading the book to me and he was fascinated by the Civil War story. It brought that era to life for him

Based on a true story, this historical fiction is set in the year 1862, during the Civil War. Private J. A. Joel was part of a Jewish company of Union soldiers, camped out in West Virginia. With only two weeks away before Passover, Private Joel and his friends were homesick for family, and wanted to have their own Seder, or traditional Jewish Passover meal. The private and some of his fellow Jewish soldiers write a letter to their commander, William S. Rosencrans, asking for permission for a short leave so that they could prepare for and celebrate their traditional Seder. They are given permission, and are joined by several African American former slaves that now fight for the Union. With the help of a kindly Jewish sutler, supplies were procured and sent back to the men for their meal. Improvisation was the name of the game as the soldiers substituted ingredients that were on hand near their encampment for the traditional meal. Were these Jewish soldiers successful in holding their Passover Seder? Did it go off without any problems? Did Commander Rosencrans really have his spoon bend almost in half from his battle with a matzah ball? Find out by reading this excellent book! Author Bryna Fireside has done an excellent job of weaving a true story into a page-turning chapter book. I found this fascinating as a story and educational regarding the Jewish Passover celebration. The excellent illustrations by Shawn Costello make you feel as if you knew each soldier personally since their facial expressions throughout are so realistic and become truly humorous when accompanied by Bryna's funny dialog of the soldiers after they've had a few too many sips of cider. This is a wonderful story about the loneliness of the soldiers as they fought so far from home and missed family, friends, and a chance to celebrate their faith. I found this book to be very touching, realistic, and educational. This book is a keeper!

This book, written for young readers, is full of life and hope and deep humanity. I loved it, not only for its interesting story of life as a Civil War soldier, but for its warmth and reminder that even under adversity, it is possible to live as a full human being. The text and illustrations sing together, making the characters come alive. It's one of Fireside's best.