Summary

Meet Ezra Jack Keats, a 20th century Jewish author and illustrator, in this poster and resources from the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. Keats was a leader in the field of American children’s literature. His books reflected the Jewish value of healing the world through his inclusive approach to literature and invited young readers to value diversity and embrace the identities of African American and underrepresented communities. His legacy is of an artist who promoted social justice through the power of reading and learning and sparked generations of multicultural children’s literature.

Jewish values that are represented includle:

Healing the world

Celebrating community

Valuing diversity

Promoting social justice

He wrote and illustrated more than 20 beloved children’s books, including, most famously, The Snowy Day, which earned the Caldecott Medal in 1963 for its illustrations and inclusive storytelling. Centered on the character of an African American child named Peter, the book changed our country, according to the Library of Congress.

These resources feature Keats as part of a poster series recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month at the Weitzman Museum of American Jewish History. Classroom learning resources such as lesson plans, teaching materials, children’s books, and videos of picture books being read aloud are included. Professional learning resources, including websites, books, biographies, videos, and podcasts, are also provided.

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