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2008 Sydney
Taylor Manuscript Award Winner
The Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award Committee is pleased to announce the recipient of this year's award. The writer is Margaret Chaiken for her historical novel Stealing the Show.
In this novel 10-year-old Ana, upset that she cannot attend a soccer award dinner that falls on the evening of the first Passover seder, is transported back to 16th-century Antwerp and a family of conversos. Through her experience of literally walking in someone else's shoes, Ana learns to appreciate Judaism and to understand the importance of one's convictions. The characters of Ana and the historical character of Dona Gracia Nasi and her family are convincing. The perils of living at the time of the Inquisition and trying to outwit the religious tormentors are vivid, and make for an exciting story.
Ms. Chaiken has a strong interest in international cultures and has spent time in Nepal, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and the Ukraine. In addition she has studied in Israel and France. Most recently, Ms Chaiken taught at the Park East Day School. She lives in New York City with her husband and young daughter.
The Committee was impressed by the variety of submissions and the creativity that all the entrants showed in integrating Jewish content into their manuscripts.
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