Two for One: Teacher and Student Authors Read from their Childrens' Books

With contagious enthusiasm and a clear passion for educating, Scarsdale High School teacher David Sherrin not only inspires his students to think deeply about the world around them, he also sparks their curiosity, encourages their empathy, and stirs their ambition. The meaningful impact that Sherrin has on his students was on full display at a recent reading of his latest children’s book, “The Rabbi Pirate,” at the Scarsdale Public Library on September 20 …That’s right, Sherrin’s creativity isn’t contained to his classroom, he’s also an author of three beloved children’s books!

While it was unsurprising that Sherrin’s masterful storytelling quickly captured the attention of his young audience at the library, Sherrin did surprise his listeners with an unexpected treat when he invited his former student, current 12th grader Max Spencer, to introduce his own recently published children’s book, “We Are All Immigrants.”

The influence of Sherrin’s 9th grade World History class can be witnessed throughout the colorful pages of Spencer’s heartwarming story. Told through the lens of a young boy, not unlike Spencer himself, “We Are All Immigrants” follows the main character throughout his day as he interacts with various people in his neighborhood. Not only does the boy get a glimpse of how every person's heritage helps to shape who they are...he experiences how these important neighbors and professionals help shape the fabric of our communities. In the author’s own words, the “Young boy learns about the various immigrant roots of everyone in his life, and begins to understand how most people in the United States immigrated to this country at some point. This is a child-accessible story explaining the immigrant roots of America, encouraging kids to ask about their family’s history and learn from others." We Are All Immigrants is a sweet and simple story with a timely, and tender-hearted message.

While it’s easy to recognize Sherrin’s influence on his former student, it’s also clear to see that his 9th grade teachings went far beyond just memorizing names and dates. Whether in a high school classroom or reading from the pages of his latest book, “The Rabbi Pirate,” Sherrin emphasizes the importance of virtues like kindness and empathy.

Not unlike his young protege’s book, The Rabbi Pirate also delivers meaningful lessons but cleverly cloaked in a pirate adventure sure to capture the hearts of his early readers. Based on the true life of Samuel Pallache, a 16th century pirate, diplomat, and rabbi, Sherrin’s book tells the tale of a young boy torn between his longing for adventure and his desire to do good in the world, just like his rabbi father.

In The Pirate Rabbi, Sam chooses to follow in his father’s footsteps but he ultimately finds the adventure he hoped for when he is called to help save his captured people. Throughout Sam’s journey to rescue his community members, he encourages his crew to work together, to share, and to lookout for others. When Sam and his crew happen upon a stranded ship, Sam convinces his crew that they should stop and help by saying, “The world is a better place when we help and care for strangers.” As the Historical Novel Society suggests, “This sweet story speaks to a child's wish for adventure, while also showing how kindness matters."

As an award-winning teacher, Sherrin relates that a big part of teaching is finding and valuing his student’s creativity, and he is proud to now be doing that for himself. Also a father of young children, Sherrin was initially motivated to write a children’s book that could be enjoyed by both children and adults alike, but with increasing levels of antisemitism in the world, he also feels heartened by sharing positive messages about the Jewish faith that can be read by a wider community. Whether seen on the pages of his artfully written children’s books or in the good deeds tendered by his former students…it’s undeniable that David Sherrin is making a difference in the world.

You can order your own copy of The Pirate Rabbi at Scarsdale’s local bookstore Bronx River Books. While you’re there, check out Sherrin’s other children’s books, Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur and The Baddest Wolf of All? 

And be sure to pick up a copy of Spencer's “We Are All Immigrants” as all proceeds are donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees, a New York-based organization that helps resettle refugee families.