A Shout in the Sunshine

by Mara W. Cohen Ioannides

Set in 15th-century Greece, this young adult novel tells the story of an extraordinary friendship between two boys from different cultural backgrounds. On the surface, Miguel, a refugee from post-Inquisition Spain, and David, the son of a wealthy Greek Jewish fabric merchant, have little in common. As they work together in David's family shop, they find they share a special connection that goes beyond the divide of rich and poor, Spanish and Greek...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0827608381
• ISBN13: 9780827608382
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Jewish Publication Society
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.2" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9

Customer Reviews

A Shout out for "A Shout in the Sunshine"

At first I picked up A Shout in the Sunshine for the title was striking me as different. It is a story of two friends who learn that although they have large differences, they can maintain a friendship. The author brings the Jewish communities alive as she showers the readers with a faith of friendship,love, and a touch of religion. But also brings the audience aware of the social issues of 15th century Greece. She cleverly adds historical value to this novel. Although it is a book recommended for 9-12 years old's I would go far and beyond those ages, for it is an opportunity for all to understand what true friendship means, as well as what diversity in a relationships is. Enjoy!

As Bright, Warm and Dazzling as Its Title

A Shout in the Sunshine is a beautifully written coming of age tale that chooses, as its setting, 15th century Greece and, as its focus, the assimilation of two disparate communities of Jews (the Spanish and the Greek), following the displacement of Spanish Jews after the Inquisition. Cohen Ionnides craftily weaves together carefully researched facts of the little-known Greek community of Thessaloniki to paint a compelling portrait of religious tolerance that will resonate with young and adult readers, alike. The characters are richly written and the history is described in an easy-to-understand fashion. The author's evocative style ensures that, while we are getting an education in history, we never feel overwhelmed or lost in the details. Skillfully balancing the true history against the fiction of the plot, the author makes it is easy to picture the setting and culture of that era. A quick but memorable read.

A trip down memory lane

I picked up this book for me, not my children. Growing up, we were always told we were Romaniote, not Sephardic, but not much was written about this small Greek Jewish community. Lo and behold, here was a children's tale explaining how the Sephardic culture overwhelmed that of the Romaniote, and the likely conflicts that occurred. It was a quick read, and brought back some memories of food and customs from my childhood. Would have loved to have this book available when my own kids were younger. As a children's book it has a message that parents could easily transfer to current conflicts within the Jewish community regarding how to view different customs.