The Rooftop (Toby Hammerschlag, JoJo Publishing)

The Rooftop is an illustrated chapter book about four children from very different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, who are bought together in a Year Six Jewish Scripture class in Sydney. As their teacher Mr Zulman tells the children about the journey of Moses and the Israelites from slavery and pain to freedom and choice, they too share their personal struggles and eventually find familiarity and friendship with one another in spite of their differences (only one of the children is Jewish). While the premise lacks the ‘cool’ factor of other popular books for younger readers, the lively, appealing illustrations, reminiscent of the works of English illustrators Quentin Blake and Lauren Child, are sure to appeal to even the most reluctant readers. The drawings also add a lightness that balances the heaviness of situations faced by the four children, which include dealing with divorce, struggling with a learning difficulty and living as an immigrant in Australia. Filled with believable characters and identifiable situations, this well-written, easy-to-follow story encourages young readers to embrace Australian culture in all its diversity, and to appreciate the independence that we often take for granted. It is suitable for readers aged eight and up.

Jennifer Peterson-Ward is a communications professional and professional writing academic