Dear Mr. Dickens

Reach for this book when your child notices a stereotype in a favorite classic or feels intimidated about speaking up to someone in a position of authority. This non-fiction story follows Eliza Davis, a Jewish woman in Victorian England, who wrote to the world-famous Charles Dickens to challenge the anti-Semitic portrayal of Fagin in Oliver Twist. It is a powerful masterclass in how to use civil, persistent, and firm communication to effect change. Through their years-long correspondence, parents can explore themes of justice, empathy, and the idea that even our heroes can learn and grow. It is a sophisticated yet accessible choice for elementary-aged children that models how one person's voice can ripple through history to create a more inclusive world.