This beautifully illustrated picture book introduces young readers to the remarkable life of Doña Gracia Mendes Nasi, a 16th-century Sephardic Jewish heroine who used her wealth and influence to protect and uplift her people during a time of great peril.

In an era when practicing Judaism was forbidden in Portugal, even Doña Gracia's Jewish name had to be kept secret.Alongside her merchant husband, she covertly aided fellow secret Jews, securing protection from the king during the Inquisition. After her husband's death, many doubted a woman could manage their international business empire, but Doña Gracia defied expectations. She orchestrated daring escapes for Jews, smuggling them out of the country on her spice ships under the cover of night. Only upon reaching Turkey could she openly embrace her faith, where she channeled her resources into building synagogues, hospitals, and schools. Doña Gracia truly saved worlds.

Author Bonni Goldberg, inspired by her own discovery of Doña Gracia's story during a mother-daughter Bat Mitzvah class, brings this inspiring tale to life with lyrical prose. Alida Massari's rich, tapestry-like illustrations immerse readers in the Renaissance setting, capturing the courage and resilience of a woman who defied kings and risked everything to save others.