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Dear Mr. Dickens Hardcover – Picture Book, October 1, 2021

by Nancy Churnin (Author), Bethany Stancliffe (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 54 ratings
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2021 National Jewish Book Award Winner - Children's Picture Book
2022 Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor for Picture Books
Chicago Public Library Best Informational Books for Younger Readers 2021
The Best Jewish Children's Books of 2021, Tablet Magazine
A Junior Library Guild Selection March 2022
The Best Children's Books of the Year 2022, Bank Street College
2022 First Place―Children's Book Nonfiction, Press Women of Texas
2022 First Place―Children's Book Nonfiction, National Federation of Press Women

Eliza Davis believed in speaking up for what was right. Even if it meant telling Charles Dickens he was wrong.

In Eliza Davis's day, Charles Dickens was the most celebrated living writer in England. But some of his books reflected a prejudice that was all too common at the time: prejudice against Jewish people. Eliza was Jewish, and her heart hurt to see a Jewish character in Oliver Twist portrayed as ugly and selfish. She wanted to speak out about how unfair that was, even if it meant speaking out against the great man himself. So she wrote a letter to Charles Dickens. What happened next is history.

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    6 - 9 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD740L
  6. Dimensions
    8.5 x 0.5 x 10.5 inches
  7. Publisher
    Albert Whitman & Company
  8. Publication date
    October 1, 2021
  9. ISBN-10
    0807515302
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0807515303
  11. See all details
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When Alicia needed surgeries to save her vision, dancing was impossible, but she wouldn’t give up her dream. She found the strength and determination to return to the stage and become a prima ballerina.

Trained as a medical researcher in college and healed by traditional medicine techniques when she was young, Tu Youyou started experimenting with natural Chinese remedies. The treatment she discovered through years of research and experimentation is still used all over the world today.

For years, the Everglades were threatened. They needed a voice to speak up for them. Marjory Stoneman Douglas became that voice. Her book "A River of Grass" helped the world see the irreplaceable beauty and value of the Everglades

She's On The Money

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These biographies examine 15 extraordinary women who have appeared on coins or bills―and how they got there. Each inspiring story also digs deeper into different currencies and the customs of the time period.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

2021 National Jewish Book Award Winner - Children's Picture Book
2022 Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor for Picture Books
Chicago Public Library Best Informational Books for Younger Readers 2021
The Best Jewish Children's Books of 2021, Tablet Magazine
A Junior Library Guild Selection March 2022
The Best Children's Books of the Year 2022, Bank Street College
2022 First Place—Children's Book Nonfiction, Press Women of Texas
2022 First Place—Children's Book Nonfiction, National Federation of Press Women
2024 Garden State Children's Book Award Nominee



STARRED REVIEW! "Not only is this historical account well written, Stancliffe's illustrations powerfully transport readers back to the era. An important addition to libraries that fills a gap about anti-Semitism and confronting prejudice."―School Library Journal starred review



"Churnin presents this well-researched, little-known episode to young readers in simple, direct language that both conveys Eliza's pain and her determination to right a wrong and provides them with a thoughtful comparison to their own time. A fascinating bit of history and much food for thought."―Kirkus Reviews



"Stancliffe's inviting illustrations with a lush palette are interspersed with black-and-white drawings that evoke Dickens's era. Churnin's language also echoes the period and includes direct quotes from the pair's seven letters."―The Horn Book, Book Bundles

Review

2021 National Jewish Book Award Winner - Children's Picture Book
2022 Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor for Picture Books
Chicago Public Library Best Informational Books for Younger Readers 2021
The Best Jewish Children's Books of 2021, Tablet Magazine
A Junior Library Guild Selection March 2022
The Best Children's Books of the Year 2022, Bank Street College
2022 First Place-Children's Book Nonfiction, Press Women of Texas
2022 First Place-Children's Book Nonfiction, National Federation of Press Women
2024 Garden State Children's Book Award Nominee



STARRED REVIEW! "Not only is this historical account well written, Stancliffe's illustrations powerfully transport readers back to the era. An important addition to libraries that fills a gap about anti-Semitism and confronting prejudice."?School Library Journal starred review



"Churnin presents this well-researched, little-known episode to young readers in simple, direct language that both conveys Eliza's pain and her determination to right a wrong and provides them with a thoughtful comparison to their own time. A fascinating bit of history and much food for thought."?Kirkus Reviews



"Stancliffe's inviting illustrations with a lush palette are interspersed with black-and-white drawings that evoke Dickens's era. Churnin's language also echoes the period and includes direct quotes from the pair's seven letters."?The Horn Book, Book Bundles

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Albert Whitman & Company (October 1, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0807515302
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0807515303
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 9 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD740L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.5 x 10.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 54 ratings

About the author

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Nancy Churnin

Nancy Churnin

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Nancy Churnin is an award-winning author of picture books, chapter books, and board books who writes stories about people who persevered to achieve their dreams and make the world a better place. She provides free teacher guides and a project for each book with a dedicated page on her website, nancychurnin.com, to encourage and celebrate kids to be heroes and heroines, too. She's available for bookings through Authors and More at authorsandmore.com. Nancy won the National Jewish Book Award and Sydney Taylor Honor for her Junior Library Guild Gold Collection pick DEAR MR. DICKENS, now the subject of an educational program at The Charles Dickens Museum in London. She won the South Asia Book Award for MANJHI MOVES A MOUNTAIN, another Junior Library Guild selection. She has won multiple Silver Eurekas from the California Reading Association, National Council for the Social Studies Notables, an Ann Izzard Storytellers ' Choice Award, a Notable Book for a Global Society, two Sydney Taylor Notables, a Sakura Medal finalist and had several Mighty Girl, Bank Street Best Book for Kids selections and state reading list picks, and received multiple starred reviews. Her books have been translated into many languages including Braille.A native New Yorker and former theater critic for The Dallas Morning News, Nancy is a graduate of Harvard University, with a master's from Columbia University School of Journalism. She lives in North Texas with her husband, two cantankerous cats, and a dog named Dog.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
54 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Linda C.
5.0 out of 5 stars One Voice Brings Change
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
I first picked this book up out of my love for the work of Charles Dickens, as well as my enjoyment of so many picture book biographies created by Nancy Churnin. But as I read, I was disappointed to find out about the anti Semitic choices made by Dickens. Then, what a JOY to learn about Eliza Davis, one brave woman and Dickens fan, who decided to speak up against some of his words, and characterizations of Jews in his books. She encouraged him to use "the power of the pen" for good, and to remember the effect his work had on so many! Amazingly, Dickens took her words to heart, in time, and did make changes to his writing from that point on. What a wonderful lesson for children, that their own voice can make a difference in the world for good! I hope teachers will realize what a beautiful read-a-loud this would be in class from which their students can learn. Hats off to Nancy Churnin for this jewel.
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Jen Stark
5.0 out of 5 stars FAR BETTER THAN I COULD HAVE IMAGINED
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful book. Its main character is a bright, well-read, courageous young woman who tries to address a serious problem. In a reasonable, well-informed way, she takes the initiative to shed light on antisemitism, as well as on a powerful way in which stereotypes and hatred are promoted. The fact that this is a true story, and that her words had a profound effect on such a famous author, is really remarkable. She cared, she took action, she persisted after initial failure, she used a reasonable approach, she was ultimately "heard", and her words and actions were understood and resulted in significant change. Truly a wonderful, female hero.

The two page summary of relevant history adds much to the book and informs both adults and children of the incredible circumstances Jews encountered for so very many years.
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Shash
5.0 out of 5 stars Nancy Churnin has gifted us with a critical book for our times.
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2021
Verified Purchase
Dear Mr. Dickens is a treasure for both children and their parents. Nancy Churnin has gifted us with a critical book for our times. It is quite a dilemma when people in authority whom we respect take a position that is poorly thought out or even destructive. When faced with this disturbing situation, it has become common to either stay silent and defer to authority, or reject and negate that person completely (as in cancel culture). Churnin's heroine, Eliza Davis shows us another more constructive path, she focuses on Charles Dickens' propensity for good and uses that to persuade him to reconsider his denigration of Jewish characters. She perseveres and writes to Dickens numerous times, using the very medium he had famously honed to communicate his concerns regarding injustice--the written word. What an apt and inspiring message to readers of all ages during this challenging and conflictual phase of our history . Bethany Stancliffe's illustrations are entrancing and period perfect. Churnin is clearly building to a crescendo; this is her 10th award winning historical picture book that manages to enlighten and delight both children and their parents. It provides families with a unique opportunity to discuss and bond over the power of positive solutions. A must have!
2 people found this helpful
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Heidi Yates
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful & timely!
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2023
Verified Purchase
I love this picture book and its powerful message! DEAR MR. DICKENS is a thought-provoking story about a woman with the courage to speak up against prejudice, and a prominent man with the integrity to amend his unintended slight. I highly recommend this fascinating biography.
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tina m shepardson
5.0 out of 5 stars Story of Advocacy
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
What a story from author Nancy Churnin about advocacy! When a woman named Eliza Davis reads a story entitled Oliver Twist, she is taken aback by the way a specific character is portrayed: anti-semitic. She decided to confront the author with a letter who is none other than Charles Dickens. She simply requests that he write more favorably of her Jewish people the next time. After several written exchanges he does and this is a beautiful story about advocating peacefully and accepting each other regardless of our differing faiths. The illustration palette compliments the text and the time period in England. A terrific story for schools, libraries, and families.
2 people found this helpful
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Colleen Murphy
5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive!
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
There are so many heroes or heroines in this story. Eliza Davis for using the power of her pen, her persistence and familiarity with Charles Dickens' writings to champion her cause. Charles Dickens for being open to hearing what Eliza had to say and being willing to rectify a wrong. Nancy Churnin for so craftily telling this compelling story, and Bethany Stancliffe for beautifully illustrating it. I could not recommend this book more to readers of any age.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure of a book
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2022
Verified Purchase
Dear Mr. Dickens by Nancy Churin and illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe is a timely, beautiful, and important book that shows the power a pen and paper can have when you have something to say. It demonstrates how anyone of us can speak up for injustice and have hope that it will make a difference as Eliza Davis’s letters did with Mr. Dickens. What a treasure of a book.
2 people found this helpful
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