"K-Gr 4–This historical fiction picture book introduces the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’Av through the story of Luis de Torres, a Spanish converso who escaped Spain by sailing with Columbus. It is 1492, and Luis (born Yosef), a Jew forced to convert to Catholicism, is leaving Spain to find religious freedom. He signs on as a translator aboard the Santa Maria. The ship is scheduled to depart July 31, the deadline for all Jews to leave Spain. July 31 is also Tisha B’Av, a holy fast day that commemorates the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. It is a bad omen to depart that day, and the weather is ominous. There are other concerned Jewish crew members, and ultimately, when the departure date is delayed, the Jews are permitted to stay aboard to avoid arrest. The text effectively introduces the expulsion of the Jews from Spain and Tisha B’Av in an age-appropriate, comprehensible way. Centering the story on Torres, a real person, gives this a personal and empathetic feel. The art has a layered, collage look, with backgrounds done in full bleed, muted, textured colors. Averill uses color effectively, depicting the belowdecks and stormy day in dark foreboding colors. Characters are clothed in appropriate period dress, and Columbus is recognizable. Back matter separates fact from fiction and gives more information on the Jewish Expulsion and Tisha B’Av. VERDICT An excellent introduction to a lesser-known holiday and historical event. Jewish schools and libraries will want to add it, and it is a worthwhile addition for public libraries as needed."
School Library Journal
"The story is compelling and well told and the illustrations appear accurate for the period. The storm sequences are especially gripping…The title, ‘Luís deTorres Sails to Freedom’ is an outstanding introduction to the Spanish Inquisition and the observance of Tisha b’Av… The book presents an important part of Jewish history for children to think about."
AJL News and Reviews
"In this work of historical fiction, readers get a glimpse into the life of Luis de Torres, Christopher Columbus’s interpreter, who may have been a converso, a hidden Jew. In this story, he is trying to escape the Spanish Inquisition by joining the expedition. When the ship is scheduled to leave on Tisha B'Av, an important Jewish day of mourning, Luis convinces the commander to wait for better weather and better luck. Beautiful illustrations and brief back matter enhance the exciting story."
AJL Holiday Highlights spring 2023
"This impassioned and impressive picture book shares the struggles the Jewish people of Spain faced during the Spanish Inquisition…Centered around Tisha B’Av readers will learn more about this important day in Jewish history and how it is observed. Highly recommend.”
Liza Wiemer, Liza’s Book Corner, Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle
"An excellent story to help Jewish children understand the Sefardic past.”
HaLapid, Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies' quarterly magazine
