THE BUTTON BOX

Ava is Jewish, her cousin Nadeem is Muslim, and they both love their wise, possibly magical, Jewish Granny Buena.

The children are being bullied because of their religions and seek comfort from Granny. She selects a silver button covered in rubies from a gilded box. As she begins the tale of how their Jewish ancestor Ester acquired this button from the Muslim prince Abdur Rahman and his servant Bedir, the action shifts to North Africa 1,000 years ago. When Granny stops midtale, Ava takes the button and sews it onto her sweatshirt—which magically transports the children and Granny’s cat Sheba to the marketplace at Sabtah at the moment Granny stopped the story. They are recognized as visiting cousins but retain their modern perspective. Ava, Nadeem, and Sheba are involved in all the ensuing activities and adventures. But Ester is the real hero, aiding the endangered prince’s escape by sailing him across to Spain (where her family will follow) to fulfill his destiny, ruling over Jews and Muslims working together pursuing knowledge. The authors describe sights, sounds, and daily life in beautiful, meticulous detail, seamlessly weaving in historical and cultural information and emphasizing the similarities in Jewish and Muslim philosophies. Both the modern and medieval characters are presented in emotionally charged language as unique individuals with strong personalities. Are there more stories in Granny’s magical button box? Granny’s wink indicates a possible sequel. Though religion plays a major role, the characters’ races aren’t made explicit.

Fascinating, intense, and gripping.