The Power of Her Paintbrush: The Story of Theresa Bernstein by Janice Hechter, © 2026; Kar-Ben Publishing, Minneapolis, MN; ISBN: 9798765-643273; 28 pages plus author’s note; $19.99.
By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
This biography tells the story of Theresa Bernstein and her deep love for art, especially painting and sketching. Though she had a remarkable artistic eye, living in the early 1900s brought significant challenges for women trying to succeed in a male-dominated art world, where gender inequality and oppression were common.
Bernstein frequently had her paintings rejected from art shows simply because she was a woman. In response, she cleverly began signing her artwork as T. Bernstein, a choice that concealed her gender and allowed her work to be judged more fairly.
Fascinated by beaches and sandy shorelines, Bernstein planned a visit to Gloucester, Massachusetts. However, she was denied lodging there solely because she was Jewish. Despite this discrimination, she found support from a fellow artist in the town who offered her a place to stay in her attic, allowing Bernstein to continue painting the seashore she loved.
Bernstein painted well into her 100s and passed away just days shy of her 112th birthday. Today, many of her works are on permanent display in museums across the country.
Beautifully illustrated by Hechter, this children’s book, intended for kindergarten through third grade, serves as an inspiring reminder to young readers, especially girls, that they can achieve anything they set their minds to and overcome obstacles without giving up.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.