About HOMELAND

Nachshon Press is proud to announce the release of HOMELAND: The Illustrated History of the State of Israel, a groundbreaking historical and religious graphic nonfiction.

Depicting the history of Israel from biblical Abraham to the present, this is the only complete history of the State of Israel on the market. History, religion, politics, and the current Middle East situation are all given comprehensive coverage in the text.

This four-color graphic adaptation of Israel is academically grounded, guiding readers through highlights both in historical detail and from Israel's world view.

With painted art that jumps right off the page, this crash course is a captivating way for readers to absorb, understand and retain key information about 3,500 years of complicated history.

HOMELAND Concept

William J. Rubin, MA/MBA, Executive Editor of Nachshon Press, conceived of and is the chief architect of HOMELAND.

"The Middle East is in the news nearly every day, yet there's a real lack of understanding about the area," says Rubin. "We wanted to bring Israel's narrative to the public in a way that would be accessible, academically sound, and balanced.

"The history of the State of Israel is a great story and I knew that this type of information would work exceedingly well in the graphic novel format."

HOMELAND presents this story with the latest graphics and state-of-the-art design techniques. Its compelling text has been extensively researched and academically vetted. While the story is told from the Jewish perspective, it acknowledges that there are other narratives about the land.

Written for adult audiences and students age 12 and older, HOMELAND is a book for readers of all faiths and can provide insight for everyone about the State of Israel. The book includes an introduction by Rona Ramon, wife of the Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon who perished in the NASA Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy.

HOMELAND Reviews

The work has already begun to receive critical acclaim.

"Imagine taking a semester-long course on the complete history of Israel, from the days of Genesis to events as recent as January 2007. Imagine also that there is a week-long field trip to Israel as part of this class. The professor is a young, attractive, and extremely knowledgeable woman, and the class is composed of an ethnically-diverse group of highly-motivated students. Finally, imagine that this entire experience can be yours for the price of $19.95, and it can be carried around easily in a briefcase or backpack. Are you interested? If so, head to your nearest bookseller and get this amazing book."
      -- Wendy Wasman, Association of Jewish Libraries

"A provocative, evocative look at Israel's history...a feast of full-color photos and painted art illustrations..."
      -- Dallas Morning News

A superbly illustrated history ... Exceptionally easy to understand ... Of special note is how the authors, while writing from a Jewish perspective, have also drawn upon non-Jewish narratives as well, giving "Homeland" an historical context with respect to contemporary Middle East issues. "Homeland: The Illustrated History of the State of Israel" is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, school, and community library collections.
      -- Midwest Book Review

"I've been looking for a text that could help students visualize Jewish history my entire rabbinic career. Now it's here."
      -- Rabbi Josh Goldstein, Temple Sha'arey Shalom, Springfield, NJ

"... a stunning, timely volume that belongs in any library's history, Judaica, and graphic novel sections. It's written for adults and YA readers 12 and older who appreciate and want high quality, historical nonfiction graphic novels."
      -- Ingram Library Services

"Amid differing opinions of the conflicts in the Middle East, this book provides valuable historical information about Israel and its people. I remember debating the Arab-Israeli War of 1967 with a couple of classmates during recess. Armed only with what we had gleaned from newspapers and television news, we could have used this book for our discussions. With the end notes and sources list, it can serve as a supplemental or introductory text for high school students." ---- Kat Kan, VOYA (Voices of Youth Advocacy)

"Telling Israel's story like never before... a masterpiece. In 128 stunningly illustrated and brilliantly written pages, HOMELAND weaves the story of the Jewish people and its relationship to Israel.
      -- Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago JUF News

I expected to get a very defensive book extolling the sins of the Islam people's behavior. This book turned out to be something different. [After reading HOMELAND] I know more about the issue than I ever have and I didn't feel like the cause of the Israelites was forced down my throat...anyone who wants to know more about the issue in the middle east needs to read this book.
      -- Sabrina's Reviews, www.sabrinareviews.blogspot.com

"...can best be described as one of the greatest history text books ever created.... Mario Ruiz's work is amazing to behold... the educational value is limitless... an inspiring piece of work that has taken effort, heart, and strength to make."
      -- Aaron Stueve, Broken Frontier

HOMELAND Awards

Winner 2007 NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD
Children’s and Young Adults Literature

The National Jewish Book Awards are recognized as the most prestigious awards in Jewish literature. Administered by the Jewish Book Council, it is the longest running North American awards program of its kind in the field of Jewish literature. The awards, presented by category, are designed to give recognition to outstanding books, to stimulate writers to further literary creativity and to encourage the reading of worthwhile titles.

The National Jewish Book Awards program began in 1948 when the Jewish Book Council presented awards to authors of Jewish books at its annual meeting. Among the past notable literary winners are Howard Fast, Chaim Grade, Bernard Malamud, Cynthia Ozick, Chaim Potok, Philip Roth, I.B. Singer, and Elie Wiesel.

2008 Notable Book for Teen Readers
Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee of the Association of Jewish Libraries

The Sydney Taylor Book Award recognizes the best in Jewish children's literature. Medals are awarded annually for outstanding books that authentically portray the Jewish experience. The award was established in 1968. It is named in memory of Sydney Taylor, author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series.

Gold Medal Winner 2007 Moonbeam Book Awards
Non-Fiction Young Adult

Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards honor the year's best children’s books, authors and illustrators. Presented by Independent Publisher Online, the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and promote childhood literacy and life-long reading.

Winner USA Book News Best Books 2007
Political History

Selected by a panel of book industry judges, the award is presented by USABookNews.com, an online publication providing coverage for books from mainstream and independent publishers to the world online community.

HOMELAND Authors

The HOMELAND creative team came together from diverse backgrounds and literally spans the nation.

In addition to Rubin, writer Marv Wolfman is the well-known author of graphic novels, television, animation, and comic books including Blade, Teen Titans, Crisis on Infinite Earths and Superman Returns.

Mario Ruiz is the creator and artist of the graphic novels Samson: Judge of Israel and Testament, the former editor-in-chief and creator of Metron Press, the founder of Valor Comics, and an advertising and graphic design art director.

HOMELAND is available in hard cover and soft cover through the publisher, Nachshon Press and in bookstores nationwide. It is distributed by Independent Publishers Group.