Families who loved You Never Know A Legend of the Lamed-Vavniks by Francine Prose often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child feels overlooked by peers or when you want to discuss how true value is found in character rather than status. Set in an old world village, the story follows Schmuel, a poor shoemaker who is mocked for his humble life and quiet ways. When a drought threatens the town, Schmuel's secret identity as one of the Lamed-Vavniks, the thirty-six hidden righteous people who sustain the world through kindness, is revealed. It is a beautiful exploration of humility and empathy. This retelling of a Jewish legend is perfect for children ages 5 to 9. It provides a gentle way to talk about why we should treat everyone with respect, as we never truly know the greatness hidden within a person. It models the idea that small, anonymous acts of goodness are the most powerful forces in the world.
