*The Peddler and the President by Ann D. Koffsky

Through the lens of a lifelong friendship, The Peddler and the President makes the fraught history of modern Israel accessible to chapter-book readers.

*The Peddler and the President by Ann Diament Koffsky, illustrated by Pedro Rodriguez. Apples and Honey Press (Behrman House Publishers), 2025. 48 pages.

• Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10
• Recommended For: Ages 4-10

It might have seemed surprising that Eddie and Harry became friends in the first place. They were seven years apart in age, and perhaps even farther apart in background, occupation, and especially religion. Harry was Christian and Eddie was Jewish—in rural Missouri, that was probably more noticeable than it might have been in an eastern city. But they liked each other, an affection that grew with their maturity: they coincidentally served in the same unit during World War I, kept in touch when both moved to the city, and even started a short-lived business together. Eventually Harry got involved in politics. Then, through a freakish chain of circumstances, he became President of the United States.

Eddie Jacobson was welcome at Harry Truman’s office anytime he chose to visit D.C.—the staff knew to let him in with no argument. But Eddie never presumed on their friendship to ask any favors of the president. Except for one time, when the issue was bigger than both of them. In 1949, Dr. Chaim Weismann, an advocate for a Jewish state, was visiting world leaders to ask for their support. The president of the US was next on his list. Truman had been inundated with letters in favor, but his advisors feared another war and warned him to stay neutral. Finally Truman threw up his hands and refused to listen to anyone on either side. Eddie didn’t want to presume, but might he be the key to winning over his friend?

The Peddler and the President is divided into six short chapters that tell the story with just enough background into Jewish history to make it understandable. In these confusing times, it’s worthwhile to be acquainted with this side to the story, even at an early age. Besides, the warm friendship between these two men is a model we could all aspire to.

Bottom Line: A friendly and accessible introduction to a pivotal point of modern history.

*indicates a starred review, the best of the best in its field

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Book Reviews: Looking for more good reading for kids just beginning to read independently? Browse our “chapter books” category or our “easy readers” category.
• Book Reviews: We’ve reviewed lots of nonfiction that appeals to this age group. Check out The Keeper of Stories (about a library), The Friendship Train (set during WWII), or Rivers.
• Resource: If you’d like more history and cultural background on Israel, we’ve got a booklist for that!

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