Kind Words from Happy Readers

Arthur’s Apple Tree Accident

The life of a young Jewish boy in the 1920’s New York , and how tradition , his family, friends and a not uncommon injury lead him to find his path. As told by Arthur himself, the story relays an important theme to young readers -trouble and hardship happen to us all and shape our lives too.
-Michael and Avra T., 07/15/2026

What child has not received a painful injury? Learning to manage risk is an important part of growing up. Coaching this skill is a challenge for parents. This book demonstrates such experiences in a naturally relatable manner. Readers will be captivated and entertained, while absorbing historical and cultural facts that Rothman’s stories offer. Among the underpinnings of her books is inspiration to find fun and growth in life, despite circumstantial or unexpected difficulties. At the back of the book are intriguing supplements related to history, research, vocabulary, discussion/imagination topics, and creative activities.
– CT Customer, 01/24/2026

May’s Long Wait

Although May’s Long Wait is based on a real-life, love story that takes place during World War II, it is especially relevant to worries that children are trying to understand in today’s world. As author Rothman notes, her story “shows how ordinary people found ways to stay strong during very hard times.” She states, “May and Bernie’s story reminds us that even when the world feels uncertain, kindness and love can make us brave.” The storyline is driven by the characters’ relatable, emotional ups and downs. As in her other books, she includes beautiful illustrations, real photos of the characters & artifacts, cultural & historical facts, a glossary, a timeline, activities for readers, and prompts for reading, writing, research, & discussion. Links to her website lead to additional information and activities.
-CT Customer, 01.26.2026

The  story of ‘May’s Long Wait ‘ written by Tara Blieden Rothman about her parent’s experience during World War Two, captures the impact that war had on families over  80 years ago. It reflects the anxiety that families had when men went off to war, never knowing if or when they would return. Families relied  on handwritten letters from the soldiers which took weeks to receive as well as  telegrams. The book is easy to read, very well illustrated with a glossary and helps expose children to the hardships that previous generations lived through. It is an informative and  worthwhile read for the younger generation.  
-Naomi Schamroth Rapeport, 11/19/25

‘Tears in my eyes
I read the books
I learned things I never knew
Thanks for doing this for us and our future generations
-Mavra McCann, 10/12/2025

This book will inspire readers to look into their own ancestry.
-Mike T, 9/28/2025

The daughter of one of my mother’s first cousins said: “I know the story. I heard it was a beautiful romance. So happy that you were able to share it. Congratulations!”.
-Shelley Weisberger, 9/24/2025

Thanks for all the hard & dedicated work in writing this book. I enjoyed reading it, alternating between smiles and tears.”
-Ira Blieden, 9/16/2025

Gussie’s Suitcase Packed with Courage, Hope and Secrets

I just want to say a big thank you to my friend Tara Blieden Rothman for her wonderful new book, Gussie’s Suitcase: Packed with Courage, Hope, and Secrets.

As an immigrant grandmother, I purchased Tara’s book thinking it would be a great story to share with my grandchildren—and I loved it so much, I ended up reading it three times! I found the story, not only something I want to share with my grandchildren, but my greater community of friends and family.

It’s a touching, beautifully told story, and I truly recommend it to anyone—especially children of immigrants. There’s so much heart and history in its pages.
– Parivash Minou Michlin, author of “I Kept Walking: The Unlikely Story of a Persian Woman with Polio“, 8/22/2025

Gussie’s Suitcase Packed with Courage, Hope and Secrets” is a beautifully illustrated and touching story that brings to life the Jewish immigration experience from Eastern Europe (Latvia) in the early 1900s. Each page includes graphics that help children follow Gussie’s journey from Latvia to America, making history accessible and engaging. Based on the true story of the author’s grandmother, the book combines heartfelt storytelling with rich artwork. The back matter offers families and educators valuable opportunities to learn more about immigration and Jewish history. Highly recommended for school and synagogue libraries, as well as for any family collection.
– Deborah Holman, 9/25/2025

Congratulations on your book.  Your text is so warm and accessible and vivid — the smells! And the photos and the graphics are very special too.
– Elaine Elinson, 9/23/2025

Wonderful book for your children and grandchildren. I am ordering several copies to give to my grandchildren at the high holidays. An excellent story to learn about their heritage.
– Larry Erwich, 9/03/2025

Gussie’s Suitcase is wonderful! What a beautiful tribute to those who went before and a precious legacy to preserve for your children and grandchildren. This is really a unique family gift, but it also speaks so much more broadly about the immigrant experience that I’m glad you made it into a publically available book.

I am impressed with every aspect of the project—your skill in telling your own family story; the research that helped you flesh out an historically accurate account of the journey; the fabulous artwork which must have taken thoughtful AI-prompts to produce; the creative design elements, like the map and timeline to help track the journey; and the wonderful bonus back matter that provides additional information and links to learn more for those interested.

I also want to shout BRAVO for not only having an original idea that kept growing, but for seeing the project through to completion, with the help of technology and guidance from others. I was impressed with the web of relationships you nurtured to bring this book into being—your family, colleagues, and friends. I remember feeling that there should be a Pulitzer prize for generous and uplifting dedications and acknowledgements. You would get an award for yours.

I checked out your blog (it’s terrific) and was surprised to see that Gussie was 16 years old (not 18 as portrayed in the book) when she made her journey. How old was Sarah? I didn’t find that information in the book or blog. I was also surprised to see that there were four brothers between Gussie and Sarah. Do you know why the family decided to send Gussie and Sarah together? I find the ethos and obligation to help family members emigrate so compelling.

I know you initially thought of this project as a low-profile endeavor meant for a close circle of family. I don’t know how realistic it is to market your book, and I have no idea how time intensive or costly it would be, but I do think Gussie’s Suitcase should find a home in Jewish museums, bookstores, and gift shops; JCC’s and synagogues; and genealogy associations.

Well done!
– RM, 8/22/2025

Tara, what an accomplishment! And beautifully put together, however you did it —I admire crediting your non-human support group—it’s a charming children’s book with marvelous illustrations but also an interesting historical document. 

Perhaps especially, it is a testament to your grandmother’s spirit, which calls out from that photograph she had taken after reaching America . . . not to mention the impressive older lady staring out at us at the end! And speaking as a writer, I completely admire her writing/stretching her own story when the young you asks about her past. 
– EM, 8/21/2025

Gussie’s Suitcase Packed with Courage, Hope and Secrets is a well written and illustrated book with thought provoking questions, author’s notes and precious pictures. The travel line at the end of each page takes us along Gussie’s journey with intrigue from beginning to end.

We are all descendants of immigrants, and this book will inspire you to consider your own roots.
– Avra Tietze, 08/21/2025

I read your very interesting book, and it’s great to keep factual history alive. Thank you for writing this book. The timeline of travel is a great idea!
– Shari Schwam Sachar, 08/17/2025

I absolutely love the book, and it’s a true page turner, as they say. I learned things. So beautifully presented and illustrated. I definitely wanted more, and I hope you will spill some secrets. What happened to the trunk?
– Amy Blieden, 8/16/ 2025