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Moshe Levi’s been shipwrecked off the coast of Spain! Will he ever see his family again? And who is the mysterious Carlos Romanus?
Ages 9+
Pages 148
Publisher Hachai Publishing
Last Offered Mar 2026

Average Rating

150 Reviews

Featured Reviews

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Secrecy and Judaism

Review by Calder

I liked this book a lot because it was about secrecy and Judaism. I like reading good books about Judaism, and I like the secret stuff because it reminds me of spy books.

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The Secret of Carlos Romanus

Video review by Celestina

Click below to see the video!

The Secret of Carlos Romanus
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Review by Samuel

The Secret of Carlos Romanus is a great book. I think anybody who likes suspense and adventure will enjoy this book! This book starts off when Moshe (the main character) is on a ship trying to go to Africa to buy and sell stuff to support his family. After days and days on the ship, a gigantic storm comes in. The storm makes the waves big, ferocious, and rough. Everyone gets thrown off board, and Moshe stays on for a bit, but then he loses his grip and falls overboard. Luckily, he grabs a wooden board, holds on to it, and then falls asleep. When he wakes up, he ends up in Spain. Back then, if any Jews were found in Spain, they would be punished because Spain hated Jews. In Spain, Moshe keeps trying to find secret Jews for his seder. He takes many risks, and goes on a lot of adventures. This book is rated 100,000 out of 10!

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Review by Darcy

The Secret of Carlos Romanus by Esther Kosofsky Moshe Levi is 15 years old and he is about to go on his first ship across the ocean! He is going to Africa for a business deal. He boards the ship and soon feels seasick. Moshe gets shipwrecked. Unclear on where he is, he asks for help. Then he finds out that he is in Spain! He knows better than to share his Jewish identity, so he makes up reasons for eating kosher and makes money from jobs that he wouldn’t normally do. Then on a trip to the market, he learns about the richest guy in town, Carlos Romanus. After figuring out more things about him, he notices something funny. His wife is gathering food for Passover! Moshe is eager and nervous to find out more. Is he running towards danger town? Or does he have a trick up his sleeve? I personally loved this book, because it took place in the past, and I would totally recommend this to anyone who likes mysteries and being kept in suspense. 11 out of 10 stars, so great, and you should totally choose this book for your PJ Our Way pick!

Reader Reviews

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good

Review by Freeman5

🤩

Jun 08, 2026 04:49 PM
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As soon as I read the first page I didn’t put it down!

Review by SuperChromieGirl

It was the best book ever! I read it in one sitting. I wanted to know what would happen Moshe on his ocean trip to Africa. I was excited and scared along with Moshe as he arrived in Spain. His friendships and his family life were very interesting. This story is well written and suspenseful.

Jun 06, 2026 01:22 PM
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great

Review by AvicadoG

i loved the plot this book is about a boy who means to go to Africa but the ship sinks and he washes up in Spain during the inquzision. he finds a rich jewish family to have the sader with and they become freinds

Jun 06, 2026 08:27 AM
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Amazing!

Review by ZoMo

Good book, great ending

Jun 04, 2026 07:37 PM
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Carlos Romanos’ secret

Review by ViolinPrincess

I loved the history parts

Jun 02, 2026 06:39 AM