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Ellie's Deli: Wishing on Matzo Ball Soup!
Ellie’s family owns the town deli. Its official name is Lukshen Deli, but everybody calls it Ellie’s Deli. When a restaurant group threatens to move in and take over, tenacious Ellie and her BFFs must prove that matzo ball soup and sour pickles are here to stay, in this adorable new middle grade fiction series with recipes and illustrations throughout.
When Ellie accidentally overhears that her family deli is most likely going to close, she does the only thing she can think of. She makes a wish on matzo ball soup.
Eleven-year-old Ellie is feisty, determined, and a little bit anxious. She considers Lukshen Deli part of the family—after all, it’s been around for four generations, ever since her great-grandmother opened it. Along with her BFF, Ava; her sisters, Anna and Mabel; her lunch buddies, Aanya, Brynn, Nina, and Sally; and her grandparents, Bubbie and Zeyda, Ellie is determined to prove that old fashioned Jewish delis can get with the times—but if her plan doesn’t work, the deli will be sold for good.
Ellie’s Wishing on Matzo Ball Soup contains over 30 charming black-and-white illustrations and 14 recipes for quintessential Jewish American deli food, like challah, chicken soup, blintz souffle, and ruggelach. It’s a delightful story about sticking up for what you believe in, business ownership, friendship, and family.
When Ellie accidentally overhears that her family deli is most likely going to close, she does the only thing she can think of. She makes a wish on matzo ball soup.
Eleven-year-old Ellie is feisty, determined, and a little bit anxious. She considers Lukshen Deli part of the family—after all, it’s been around for four generations, ever since her great-grandmother opened it. Along with her BFF, Ava; her sisters, Anna and Mabel; her lunch buddies, Aanya, Brynn, Nina, and Sally; and her grandparents, Bubbie and Zeyda, Ellie is determined to prove that old fashioned Jewish delis can get with the times—but if her plan doesn’t work, the deli will be sold for good.
Ellie’s Wishing on Matzo Ball Soup contains over 30 charming black-and-white illustrations and 14 recipes for quintessential Jewish American deli food, like challah, chicken soup, blintz souffle, and ruggelach. It’s a delightful story about sticking up for what you believe in, business ownership, friendship, and family.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2023
10 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Greenwald
37 books479 followersA long bio can be kind of boring, so instead I'm going to pretend
that a famous journalist (maybe Barbara Walters) is interviewing me.
The only thing is, I'm making up the questions.
If you think of any other questions you'd like me to answer, send me an email and ask away!
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut until the end of fifth grade and then I moved to Roslyn Heights, New York. That's on Long Island. But I don't have a bad Lawn Guyland accent, I promise.
Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. Yes, I have two younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but it's kind of nice being the only daughter in the family, and my brothers and I are really close.
Q. What about the rest of your family? Are you close with them too?
A. Yes, family is really important to me. I talk to my parents and grandparents every day.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, to a fabulous guy named Dave. We met at sleep away camp when I was sixteen.
Q. Do you have any kids?
A. Yes, my daughter Aleah Violet Rosenberg was born on May 28th, 2010 and I personally think she's the cutest baby in the world, but of course I am biased.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I had a miniature toy poodle named Yoffi, but he died in 2007. I miss him so much.
Q. That's sad. Do you think you will get another dog?
A. I would love to adopt one very soon!
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is my favorite book in the whole entire world. I read it in sixth grade in Ms. Mayer's class. I have read many books since then, but Tuck Everlasting is still my absolute favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. I have two. Clueless and Avalon.
Q. What's one of the craziest things that's ever happened to you?
A. I won a radio contest at the end of eighth grade! Someone from Z100 called me up and asked me to say the "phrase that pays" and I answered correctly. I won a thousand dollars.
Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
A. No, not always. I wanted to be a hair stylist, then a concert pianist, then a rabbi. But I always loved making up stories, so I think writing is the perfect job for me.
Q. Where did you go to college?
A. I went to Binghamton University in upstate New York. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing. It's reallllllllly cold in Binghamton. Then two years after I graduated college, I went to The New School to get my MFA in writing for children.
Q. You mentioned that you met Dave at sleep away camp. Did you really like sleep away camp?
A. YES! I loved it. I went to Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I would go back to camp forever if only I could. Sleep away camp is the best place in the world.
Q. Tell me some other things you really like.
A. Okay. Here's a short list: sleeping late, fancy hotels, reading and writing (duh!,) peanut m&ms, flip flops, sweatpants, people watching, New York City, cheese omelets, weddings, pedicures, looking at old pictures and re-reading old cards and letters.
Q. Tell me some things you really dislike.
A. Peas, mean people, rats and mice, sweating, pants and skirts with a side zipper, spicy food, uncomfortable shoes, people clipping their nails on the subway, feeling lonely or thinking about other people who might feel lonely.
Q. MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN is about a pharmacy. Do you really like pharmacies?
A. Yes, I love them! I love the way they smell and the way the aisles are arranged. I love when the pharmacists know the customers and I love looking at all the beauty products.
Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to, but in addition to writing I also work in the library at The Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. I love being around kids and books and talking to kids about books!
Q. I don't have any more questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. Just that I hope readers like my book, and I'd love to hear from all of them if they want to talk to me!
that a famous journalist (maybe Barbara Walters) is interviewing me.
The only thing is, I'm making up the questions.
If you think of any other questions you'd like me to answer, send me an email and ask away!
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut until the end of fifth grade and then I moved to Roslyn Heights, New York. That's on Long Island. But I don't have a bad Lawn Guyland accent, I promise.
Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. Yes, I have two younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but it's kind of nice being the only daughter in the family, and my brothers and I are really close.
Q. What about the rest of your family? Are you close with them too?
A. Yes, family is really important to me. I talk to my parents and grandparents every day.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, to a fabulous guy named Dave. We met at sleep away camp when I was sixteen.
Q. Do you have any kids?
A. Yes, my daughter Aleah Violet Rosenberg was born on May 28th, 2010 and I personally think she's the cutest baby in the world, but of course I am biased.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I had a miniature toy poodle named Yoffi, but he died in 2007. I miss him so much.
Q. That's sad. Do you think you will get another dog?
A. I would love to adopt one very soon!
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is my favorite book in the whole entire world. I read it in sixth grade in Ms. Mayer's class. I have read many books since then, but Tuck Everlasting is still my absolute favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. I have two. Clueless and Avalon.
Q. What's one of the craziest things that's ever happened to you?
A. I won a radio contest at the end of eighth grade! Someone from Z100 called me up and asked me to say the "phrase that pays" and I answered correctly. I won a thousand dollars.
Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
A. No, not always. I wanted to be a hair stylist, then a concert pianist, then a rabbi. But I always loved making up stories, so I think writing is the perfect job for me.
Q. Where did you go to college?
A. I went to Binghamton University in upstate New York. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing. It's reallllllllly cold in Binghamton. Then two years after I graduated college, I went to The New School to get my MFA in writing for children.
Q. You mentioned that you met Dave at sleep away camp. Did you really like sleep away camp?
A. YES! I loved it. I went to Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I would go back to camp forever if only I could. Sleep away camp is the best place in the world.
Q. Tell me some other things you really like.
A. Okay. Here's a short list: sleeping late, fancy hotels, reading and writing (duh!,) peanut m&ms, flip flops, sweatpants, people watching, New York City, cheese omelets, weddings, pedicures, looking at old pictures and re-reading old cards and letters.
Q. Tell me some things you really dislike.
A. Peas, mean people, rats and mice, sweating, pants and skirts with a side zipper, spicy food, uncomfortable shoes, people clipping their nails on the subway, feeling lonely or thinking about other people who might feel lonely.
Q. MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN is about a pharmacy. Do you really like pharmacies?
A. Yes, I love them! I love the way they smell and the way the aisles are arranged. I love when the pharmacists know the customers and I love looking at all the beauty products.
Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to, but in addition to writing I also work in the library at The Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. I love being around kids and books and talking to kids about books!
Q. I don't have any more questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. Just that I hope readers like my book, and I'd love to hear from all of them if they want to talk to me!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 24, 2023
Delightful Book!
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Ellie Glantz considers Lukshen Deli an actual member of the family. After all her family has owned it for four generations. But sales are down, and the business is not doing as well as it once was. With the deli losing money and a new restaurant group offering to buy, Ellie is afraid of losing her home away from home. She decides that she must find a way to increase sales and save the deli!
In this adorable novel the protagonist is a girl with gumption. Her can-do attitude helps her brainstorm with her best friend Ava to create and implement strategies to help the deli. The budding entrepreneur manages to take action when the adults are still just worrying. Lisa Greenwald’s excellent writing captivated me from the beginning. The descriptions of the deli invoked the memory of pictures of my own grandfather’s deli that he ran when my dad was a kid. The imagery of Ellie standing over a pot of simmering soup made my mouth water. I could almost smell the soup myself. The mouthwatering recipes between each chapter made me want to break out my own mother’s recipe collection. The author does a great job of representation as Jewish culture is peppered throughout the story. From the recipes to the mention of sabbath and holiday customs, to the passages about needing a minion (10 adults) to say the kaddish prayer for the dead, she paints life in a Jewish neighborhood. But the book is appealing to children of all cultures. The topics that she addresses are universal. The biggest theme of the book is that of family. Greenwald does a great job with character descriptions. The grandparents are great. Bubbie is warm, loving and too frail for Ellie’s comfort Zayde is a gem. Mom is overprotective, Ellie’s sisters are annoying but show love in their own way. Ellie has a lot of depth to her character. She is not just a one-dimensional protagonist. She is a great worrier and must learn how to deal with undue anxiety. She also fears that she may be losing her friend to the new girl at school. Readers not only see Ellie’s feelings about the new student but eventually get to see things from the new kid’s point of view. Her best friend deals with the fact that her mom seems to be in love. She is happy for her mom but doesn’t want to lose the closeness that they had when it was just the two of them since the divorce. The book reflects inclusiveness in the fact that she is experiencing “weirdness” by her mom now being in love with an old friend, but she is not at all fazed that the new love is a woman. That fact is completely glossed over, a nonissue. This delightful book is sprinkled with several charming line drawings by illustrator Galia Bernstein.
Of course, I recommend this book to Jewish children who will benefit from reading a book with a protagonist that they can identify with. Their parents will get a kick out of it too. But I also think other kids will be able to appreciate the way that character deals with anxiety and jealousy and learns to set goals. This is a great read for all middle grade kids.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Ellie Glantz considers Lukshen Deli an actual member of the family. After all her family has owned it for four generations. But sales are down, and the business is not doing as well as it once was. With the deli losing money and a new restaurant group offering to buy, Ellie is afraid of losing her home away from home. She decides that she must find a way to increase sales and save the deli!
In this adorable novel the protagonist is a girl with gumption. Her can-do attitude helps her brainstorm with her best friend Ava to create and implement strategies to help the deli. The budding entrepreneur manages to take action when the adults are still just worrying. Lisa Greenwald’s excellent writing captivated me from the beginning. The descriptions of the deli invoked the memory of pictures of my own grandfather’s deli that he ran when my dad was a kid. The imagery of Ellie standing over a pot of simmering soup made my mouth water. I could almost smell the soup myself. The mouthwatering recipes between each chapter made me want to break out my own mother’s recipe collection. The author does a great job of representation as Jewish culture is peppered throughout the story. From the recipes to the mention of sabbath and holiday customs, to the passages about needing a minion (10 adults) to say the kaddish prayer for the dead, she paints life in a Jewish neighborhood. But the book is appealing to children of all cultures. The topics that she addresses are universal. The biggest theme of the book is that of family. Greenwald does a great job with character descriptions. The grandparents are great. Bubbie is warm, loving and too frail for Ellie’s comfort Zayde is a gem. Mom is overprotective, Ellie’s sisters are annoying but show love in their own way. Ellie has a lot of depth to her character. She is not just a one-dimensional protagonist. She is a great worrier and must learn how to deal with undue anxiety. She also fears that she may be losing her friend to the new girl at school. Readers not only see Ellie’s feelings about the new student but eventually get to see things from the new kid’s point of view. Her best friend deals with the fact that her mom seems to be in love. She is happy for her mom but doesn’t want to lose the closeness that they had when it was just the two of them since the divorce. The book reflects inclusiveness in the fact that she is experiencing “weirdness” by her mom now being in love with an old friend, but she is not at all fazed that the new love is a woman. That fact is completely glossed over, a nonissue. This delightful book is sprinkled with several charming line drawings by illustrator Galia Bernstein.
Of course, I recommend this book to Jewish children who will benefit from reading a book with a protagonist that they can identify with. Their parents will get a kick out of it too. But I also think other kids will be able to appreciate the way that character deals with anxiety and jealousy and learns to set goals. This is a great read for all middle grade kids.
April 29, 2024
Cute book about a Jewish 11 year old girl trying to save her family’s deli.
Fun Jewish Rep.
Fun Jewish Rep.
August 23, 2023
“Feel this moment. Be eleven.”
This story of family, wishes, and delicious food (including tons and tons of recipes from their Jewish American deli throughout!) reminded me that maybe I should just feel this moment, and be thirty-nine. Thanks Lisa Greenwald for creating a middle grade book that has a pretty solid message for readers of all ages. :-)
This story of family, wishes, and delicious food (including tons and tons of recipes from their Jewish American deli throughout!) reminded me that maybe I should just feel this moment, and be thirty-nine. Thanks Lisa Greenwald for creating a middle grade book that has a pretty solid message for readers of all ages. :-)
July 10, 2024
Ellie is worried about losing her family's deli and being forced to move away from her friends. She takes it upon herself to find a way to revitalize the deli with the help of her best friend Ava. She has some great plans but worries that her family won't listen to her and all her efforts will be for nothing. She tries to calm her worries by taking time to act more like an eleven-year-old than being a worried adult.
Wishing on Matzo Ball Soup! shows how overwhelming yourself with worry doesn't help. It reminds readers to not put everything on their shoulders and to control what they can. It also shows how they can positively impact their family and community as a kid. Ellie's family is very supportive and kind to her. It's always nice to see a healthy family dynamic portrayed in a children's book. Her relationship with her Bubbie (grandmother) is the most prominent one. Bubbie facing health concerns so that adds to Ellie's anxiety. Bubbie is the primary owner of the Deli while Ellie wants to take it over when she becomes an adult. That connection with the Deli made Ellie's need to save it all the more real.
There's a new girl in town which brings on an extra level of conflict. Ellie starts feeling insecure in her current friendship group. The friendship group connects the plot together nicely although I couldn't believe how Ellie missed an important tidbit her friend was warning her about. However, this happens to be a first in the series so it makes sense. I still wish there was a little more drama since the story felt a little one-note. There was some positive messaging about anxiety and taking care of yourself which I enjoyed. I also appreciated all the Jewish recipes throughout the book. And boy are there a lot of recipes! I will check out the next book but I'll have different expectations going in since I expected a little more drama.
Wishing on Matzo Ball Soup! shows how overwhelming yourself with worry doesn't help. It reminds readers to not put everything on their shoulders and to control what they can. It also shows how they can positively impact their family and community as a kid. Ellie's family is very supportive and kind to her. It's always nice to see a healthy family dynamic portrayed in a children's book. Her relationship with her Bubbie (grandmother) is the most prominent one. Bubbie facing health concerns so that adds to Ellie's anxiety. Bubbie is the primary owner of the Deli while Ellie wants to take it over when she becomes an adult. That connection with the Deli made Ellie's need to save it all the more real.
There's a new girl in town which brings on an extra level of conflict. Ellie starts feeling insecure in her current friendship group. The friendship group connects the plot together nicely although I couldn't believe how Ellie missed an important tidbit her friend was warning her about. However, this happens to be a first in the series so it makes sense. I still wish there was a little more drama since the story felt a little one-note. There was some positive messaging about anxiety and taking care of yourself which I enjoyed. I also appreciated all the Jewish recipes throughout the book. And boy are there a lot of recipes! I will check out the next book but I'll have different expectations going in since I expected a little more drama.
May 11, 2023
Ellie's family owns a deli, but lately its not profiting anymore since there arr fewer and fewer costumers. One day she overheard her parents talked about selling the deli and move on. She's only a 11 y.o, her parents aren't even telling her about this important matter. But she loved the deli so much and determined to save it.
This is the type of story that I really loved when I was in elementary school. Ambitious kid trying to find solutions where even the adults seemed to give up. Combined with meaningful friendship and slight awareness about mental health. Not to mention the illustrations here and there and cool recipes at the end of almost every chapter. 3rd grade me would enjoy this soo much. But since I'm a adult, of course the reading experience became wholly different. Overall it's nice but not very impressive.
This is the type of story that I really loved when I was in elementary school. Ambitious kid trying to find solutions where even the adults seemed to give up. Combined with meaningful friendship and slight awareness about mental health. Not to mention the illustrations here and there and cool recipes at the end of almost every chapter. 3rd grade me would enjoy this soo much. But since I'm a adult, of course the reading experience became wholly different. Overall it's nice but not very impressive.
November 18, 2023
A sweet middle grade novel about friendship, family, and dealing with anxiety. Well written and entertaining.
February 15, 2024
Ellie helps her parents and grandmother run a Jewish deli. Ellie over hears her parents talking and finds out that the deli is not doing so well. Then she finds out that a group wants to buy out the deli and other stores in the row. Can Ellie help to save her families business? Highly recommend this story.!
December 23, 2023
Ellie’s family has owned the Jewish deli in her small town for 4 generations and now it is in trouble. Customer numbers are dwindling, Bubbie (Ellie’s grandmother) is having health problems and is not able to add those personal touches she is known for and an offer from a restaurant group who wants to buy up several locally owned dining spots looks like the perfect answer for the family. But not for Ellie. Along with her best friend Ava, Ellie sets out to bring people back to the deli by getting a website up and running, adding delivery services and a customer loyalty program as well as begin having minyan services nightly for those who can’t make it the synagogue’s early morning memorial prayer service. Can an 11 year old six grade student really save the family business? Lisa Greenwald’s book weaves in Jewish foods (along with the recipes) and some traditions with Ellie’s determined struggle to not only save the deli from the impersonalization of a business group but to allow the new girl into her firmly established friend group, repair a cooling relationship with her older sister, and help her bestie deal with the intrusion of a girlfriend into her long-standing mom and daughter only family group. Lots of real life middle grade drama that is all resolved in a satisfying way by the end of just over 200 pages. The concept of gentrification and its possible negative results are gently inserted. Sketches by Galia Bernstein are sprinkled throughout the book, adding a nice touch. Great choice for libraries needing shorter novel choices for their 4th-6th grade readers, especially if there is high readership in realistic family dramas. Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence. Representation: Jewish culture, same sex couple without any commentary added to that relationship.
Favorite part of the book-Ellie has developed a superstition about the powers of wishing on her Bubbie’s chicken soup and addresses it with “oh, masterful brothy powers.”
For additional MG books with a significant Jewish presence, try Mari Lowe’s Aviva vs the Dybbuk and The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman plus Turtle Boy by M. Evan Wolkenstein.
Thanks for sending me a finished paperback copy Andrews McMeel.
Favorite part of the book-Ellie has developed a superstition about the powers of wishing on her Bubbie’s chicken soup and addresses it with “oh, masterful brothy powers.”
For additional MG books with a significant Jewish presence, try Mari Lowe’s Aviva vs the Dybbuk and The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman plus Turtle Boy by M. Evan Wolkenstein.
Thanks for sending me a finished paperback copy Andrews McMeel.
September 27, 2023
This was such a sweet book. Ellie is determined to save the family deli, and that starts by making a wish on the deli chicken soup. I has worked in the past, why shouldn't it now?
Just to be sure, she also comes up with plans to get more business & enlists her friends to help her save the deli. All while keeping up with her school work, helping her friend Ava work through family changes, getting to know a new friend, and trying not worry to much (she has anxiety.)
I really enjoyed the book. It is a clean read with no bad language. There is a lesbian adult couple. There are black & white illustrations throughout and 14 deli recipes for you to try.
Ellie is in 6th grade. I believe students in 5th - 8th grade would like this realistic fiction/humor book.
Just to be sure, she also comes up with plans to get more business & enlists her friends to help her save the deli. All while keeping up with her school work, helping her friend Ava work through family changes, getting to know a new friend, and trying not worry to much (she has anxiety.)
I really enjoyed the book. It is a clean read with no bad language. There is a lesbian adult couple. There are black & white illustrations throughout and 14 deli recipes for you to try.
Ellie is in 6th grade. I believe students in 5th - 8th grade would like this realistic fiction/humor book.
June 29, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Sixth grader Ellie Glantz's family runs the Lukshen Deli in Marlborough Lake, but the business is not doing well, partly because of the decline in numbers of the local Jewish Population. Her entire family, including her Bubbie and Zeyda, have worked at the deli, so if it closes, she's not sure what they will do. Since she wants to take over the deli when she grows up, Ellie has a vested interest in saving it. Her best friend is Ava, and the two work on solutions to bring the deli out of the 1990s. They think about things like social media, a web site, and delivery. Ellie continues to have more and more ideas for the deli, including having a nightly minyan at the store, and she even works with a customer, Norman, to approach local rabbis about it. Ava comes through with a friend of her mother's who might be able to do PR, and her father helps set up a web site. There's some drama with a new student, Nina, who has moved from Chicago and seems very posh (she throws a birthday party with a DJ) and seems to be very friendly with Ava. Bubbie has some health issues, and the entire family is stressed. Ellie feels like she has a double life, going to school but also trying to revitalize the deli. Sadly, it all might be for naught if a restaurant group that wants to revitalize the area offers enough money to buy the deli. Bubbie has some health issues, and when she ends up in the hospital, Ellie has the time she needs to launch the new website, loyalty program, and delivery service. When Nina starts acting a little strange about her birthday party, some family secrets come out that could impact the future of the deli. Will all of Ellie's plan coalesce into the best future for the Lukshen Deli?
Strengths: Changes in family situations are very stressful for tweens, especially since they usually only overhear half of the story. Ellie is told again and again that she doesn't need to worry about "adult matters", but of course she does. The family does have some straight forward conversations, but Ellie imagines bad things more quickly than her parents can address them. The fact that the school nurse gives her some pamphlets on how to manage her anxiety was great, although some of the methods work better than others. The page decorations were fantastic! I loved, loved, loved the happy ending, especially because it made sense and the problems were solved realistically.
Weaknesses: Joking here a little bit, but maybe the deli's problems with lagging sales are based on the food they serve? There is a recipe for mock liver than involved mushed up peas-- I had to look away. Blech. The Kasha Penya also looked suspect; brown rice and lima beans. And mock kishke, which looks to be ground up celery, crackers, and butter. Not sure how many tweens are going to try these, but they are an interesting representations of deli food.
What I really think: It's interesting how different this feels from Greenwald's 2009 My Life in Pink and Green, where Lucy helps her grandmother save the family pharmacy. There's a similar scenario, but Ellie is much more anxious than Lucy, but also more in charge. I'm always a fan of Children Doing Things, so I'm excited to add this new Greenwald title to my library shelf along with her TWENTY other titles including Absolutely, Positively Natty (2023, which also has themes of anxiety), Dear Friends (2022), 11 Before 12, Welcome to Dog Beach (2014), and Reel Life Starring Us (2011), Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes (2010).
Sixth grader Ellie Glantz's family runs the Lukshen Deli in Marlborough Lake, but the business is not doing well, partly because of the decline in numbers of the local Jewish Population. Her entire family, including her Bubbie and Zeyda, have worked at the deli, so if it closes, she's not sure what they will do. Since she wants to take over the deli when she grows up, Ellie has a vested interest in saving it. Her best friend is Ava, and the two work on solutions to bring the deli out of the 1990s. They think about things like social media, a web site, and delivery. Ellie continues to have more and more ideas for the deli, including having a nightly minyan at the store, and she even works with a customer, Norman, to approach local rabbis about it. Ava comes through with a friend of her mother's who might be able to do PR, and her father helps set up a web site. There's some drama with a new student, Nina, who has moved from Chicago and seems very posh (she throws a birthday party with a DJ) and seems to be very friendly with Ava. Bubbie has some health issues, and the entire family is stressed. Ellie feels like she has a double life, going to school but also trying to revitalize the deli. Sadly, it all might be for naught if a restaurant group that wants to revitalize the area offers enough money to buy the deli. Bubbie has some health issues, and when she ends up in the hospital, Ellie has the time she needs to launch the new website, loyalty program, and delivery service. When Nina starts acting a little strange about her birthday party, some family secrets come out that could impact the future of the deli. Will all of Ellie's plan coalesce into the best future for the Lukshen Deli?
Strengths: Changes in family situations are very stressful for tweens, especially since they usually only overhear half of the story. Ellie is told again and again that she doesn't need to worry about "adult matters", but of course she does. The family does have some straight forward conversations, but Ellie imagines bad things more quickly than her parents can address them. The fact that the school nurse gives her some pamphlets on how to manage her anxiety was great, although some of the methods work better than others. The page decorations were fantastic! I loved, loved, loved the happy ending, especially because it made sense and the problems were solved realistically.
Weaknesses: Joking here a little bit, but maybe the deli's problems with lagging sales are based on the food they serve? There is a recipe for mock liver than involved mushed up peas-- I had to look away. Blech. The Kasha Penya also looked suspect; brown rice and lima beans. And mock kishke, which looks to be ground up celery, crackers, and butter. Not sure how many tweens are going to try these, but they are an interesting representations of deli food.
What I really think: It's interesting how different this feels from Greenwald's 2009 My Life in Pink and Green, where Lucy helps her grandmother save the family pharmacy. There's a similar scenario, but Ellie is much more anxious than Lucy, but also more in charge. I'm always a fan of Children Doing Things, so I'm excited to add this new Greenwald title to my library shelf along with her TWENTY other titles including Absolutely, Positively Natty (2023, which also has themes of anxiety), Dear Friends (2022), 11 Before 12, Welcome to Dog Beach (2014), and Reel Life Starring Us (2011), Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes (2010).
December 19, 2023
Ellie Glantz may only be 11, but she knows how important it is to keep her family deli open. Lukshen Deli has been in her family for generations. Now it belongs to her grandparents and her parents, and Ellie is hoping to take it over one day. But there is talk that the deli may not last that long. Business is down, and her parents are having closed-door meetings about the future of the deli, the future of their home, and the future of the family.
But Ellie has a secret power. She can make wishes on her Bubbie’s Chicken and Matzo Ball Soup. When the soup is simmering on the stove, Ellie can stand over it and whisper wishes into its warm deliciousness. It’s worked before, so when Ellie tries it again, wishing to keep the deli open, she hopes it will work again.
Ellie has ideas about how to bring more people into the restaurant, but she’s just a kid. Will anyone really listen to her ideas? Will they try the delivery, the rewards program, and the idea of making the deli a place where Jews could come in the evening to pray and connect, when the synagogue can no longer offer an evening prayer?
And while Ellie is worrying about the restaurant and her family, things are changing with her friends too. A new girl at school moves from Chicago, and she makes friends with Ellie’s friends, making Ellie feel a little left out. Her best friend Ava is struggling with her mother’s new relationship status, and Ellie is trying to support her through that. But again, she’s just 11. When she has a panic attack at school, the nurse gives Ellie some advice about taking deep breaths and remembering that she is just 11.
Will Ellie’s new mental tools be enough to help her through a family illness, an important business meeting about the deli, and whatever else the future holds? Will her wishes on the soup protect her and the deli from the worst? And can she figure out how to be 11 and let go of some of her worries?
Ellie’s Deli is a charming story about family connections, dealing with worry, and figuring out how to live your best life, even if you’re just a kid. Ellie and her family deal with a lot of serious issues, and they do that with intelligence and compassion. The issues with Ellie’s mental health can offer kids support and encouragement for the worries they carry as well as ideas for facing their worries head on and communicating with those around them about what they’re thinking and feeling.
But Ellie’s Deli offers more than just a compelling story and charming characters. Every chapter also has a recipe for a popular Jewish American food, like the Matzo Balls, chicken soup, challah, and rugelach.
Ellie’s Deli is a sweet story of being 11 and wanting to make a difference, and it delivers on so many levels. It would make a great gift for your favorite young reader or young cook wanting to know more about Jewish American dishes.
Egalleys for Ellie’s Deli were provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
But Ellie has a secret power. She can make wishes on her Bubbie’s Chicken and Matzo Ball Soup. When the soup is simmering on the stove, Ellie can stand over it and whisper wishes into its warm deliciousness. It’s worked before, so when Ellie tries it again, wishing to keep the deli open, she hopes it will work again.
Ellie has ideas about how to bring more people into the restaurant, but she’s just a kid. Will anyone really listen to her ideas? Will they try the delivery, the rewards program, and the idea of making the deli a place where Jews could come in the evening to pray and connect, when the synagogue can no longer offer an evening prayer?
And while Ellie is worrying about the restaurant and her family, things are changing with her friends too. A new girl at school moves from Chicago, and she makes friends with Ellie’s friends, making Ellie feel a little left out. Her best friend Ava is struggling with her mother’s new relationship status, and Ellie is trying to support her through that. But again, she’s just 11. When she has a panic attack at school, the nurse gives Ellie some advice about taking deep breaths and remembering that she is just 11.
Will Ellie’s new mental tools be enough to help her through a family illness, an important business meeting about the deli, and whatever else the future holds? Will her wishes on the soup protect her and the deli from the worst? And can she figure out how to be 11 and let go of some of her worries?
Ellie’s Deli is a charming story about family connections, dealing with worry, and figuring out how to live your best life, even if you’re just a kid. Ellie and her family deal with a lot of serious issues, and they do that with intelligence and compassion. The issues with Ellie’s mental health can offer kids support and encouragement for the worries they carry as well as ideas for facing their worries head on and communicating with those around them about what they’re thinking and feeling.
But Ellie’s Deli offers more than just a compelling story and charming characters. Every chapter also has a recipe for a popular Jewish American food, like the Matzo Balls, chicken soup, challah, and rugelach.
Ellie’s Deli is a sweet story of being 11 and wanting to make a difference, and it delivers on so many levels. It would make a great gift for your favorite young reader or young cook wanting to know more about Jewish American dishes.
Egalleys for Ellie’s Deli were provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
June 28, 2023
While determination, friendship, and dreams create a girl to root for, the yummy food has the reader wishing they could visit the deli themselves.
Eleven-year-old Ellie has a great family, wonderful friends, and, best of all, delicious food whenever she wants thanks to the family's deli. Unfortunately, the deli's business has been going down hill. When she overhears her parents mentioning they might have to close for good, Ellie's world crashes around her. Not ready to ever give up the deli, she decides to see what she can do to save it. Luckily, she has amazing friends on her side...or maybe not. A new girl throws a wrench into her friendships, and she's learning that there's more problems to the deli than just the declining customer base. Even a wish on the special chicken soup might not be enough to save everything.
This is a charming read from beginning to end. Ellie is a character with a big heart, lots of love, and enough spunk to ensure she can't be underestimated. The dedication she has to her family and friends sets a wonderful foundation, which gives that extra sense of warmth. Friendship drama and family health issues bring all-to-familiar problems, which many readers can identify with in some way or another. While these add depth and heart, they also are handled in wholesome ways, which make Ellie that much more likeable as she does her best to stay afloat and still make a difference.
Ellie's personality drives this tale and inspires. Readers will enjoy watching how she and her friends find solutions where the adults cannot...and none of these stretch beyond the realm of reality. Instead, kids get the message that they can make a difference if they put forth the effort.
To top things off, there are simple but fun illustrations sprinkled throughout the book. There is also a recipe at the beginning of each chapter. These vary greatly not only in types of food (hearty to sweet), but also span a somewhat wide span of cooking skills, making sure that there are some recipes for the younger end of the age group as well as the upper. If nothing else, parents can lend a hand...which fits to the family togetherness of Ellie's deli. Also, the author has naturally worked in various facets of the Jewish culture and traditions. So, there's more than just a lovely story involved, and I can't wait to see what other adventures Ellie and the deli will bring in the future.
I received a DRC, enjoyed meeting Ellie quite a bit, and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Eleven-year-old Ellie has a great family, wonderful friends, and, best of all, delicious food whenever she wants thanks to the family's deli. Unfortunately, the deli's business has been going down hill. When she overhears her parents mentioning they might have to close for good, Ellie's world crashes around her. Not ready to ever give up the deli, she decides to see what she can do to save it. Luckily, she has amazing friends on her side...or maybe not. A new girl throws a wrench into her friendships, and she's learning that there's more problems to the deli than just the declining customer base. Even a wish on the special chicken soup might not be enough to save everything.
This is a charming read from beginning to end. Ellie is a character with a big heart, lots of love, and enough spunk to ensure she can't be underestimated. The dedication she has to her family and friends sets a wonderful foundation, which gives that extra sense of warmth. Friendship drama and family health issues bring all-to-familiar problems, which many readers can identify with in some way or another. While these add depth and heart, they also are handled in wholesome ways, which make Ellie that much more likeable as she does her best to stay afloat and still make a difference.
Ellie's personality drives this tale and inspires. Readers will enjoy watching how she and her friends find solutions where the adults cannot...and none of these stretch beyond the realm of reality. Instead, kids get the message that they can make a difference if they put forth the effort.
To top things off, there are simple but fun illustrations sprinkled throughout the book. There is also a recipe at the beginning of each chapter. These vary greatly not only in types of food (hearty to sweet), but also span a somewhat wide span of cooking skills, making sure that there are some recipes for the younger end of the age group as well as the upper. If nothing else, parents can lend a hand...which fits to the family togetherness of Ellie's deli. Also, the author has naturally worked in various facets of the Jewish culture and traditions. So, there's more than just a lovely story involved, and I can't wait to see what other adventures Ellie and the deli will bring in the future.
I received a DRC, enjoyed meeting Ellie quite a bit, and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 28, 2025
Ellie’s Deli: Wishing on Matzo Ball Soup is a heartwarming and flavorful story that blends themes of family, friendship, and resilience with a dash of humor and a generous serving of Jewish culture. Eleven-year-old Ellie’s determination to save her family’s four-generation deli, Lukshen Deli, is both inspiring and relatable, especially as she learns that preserving tradition doesn’t mean resisting change.
Ellie is a spunky protagonist, full of heart and determination, who learns the value of teamwork with the help of her supportive sisters, her diverse group of friends, and her loving grandparents, Bubbie and Zeyda. The creative idea of wishing on matzo ball soup adds a sprinkle of whimsy to the story, making it accessible and fun for middle-grade readers.
The book’s charm is amplified by its inclusion of over 30 delightful black-and-white illustrations and 14 mouthwatering recipes, allowing readers to not only imagine Ellie’s world but taste it, too. From challah to blintz soufflé, these recipes are a wonderful addition, offering a fun and interactive way to engage with Jewish deli culture.
One notable subplot involves Ellie’s best friend, Ava, who is struggling with her mom dating a woman. Ellie is very confused and not sure what to think about Ava’s mom dating a woman.
Ellie is a spunky protagonist, full of heart and determination, who learns the value of teamwork with the help of her supportive sisters, her diverse group of friends, and her loving grandparents, Bubbie and Zeyda. The creative idea of wishing on matzo ball soup adds a sprinkle of whimsy to the story, making it accessible and fun for middle-grade readers.
The book’s charm is amplified by its inclusion of over 30 delightful black-and-white illustrations and 14 mouthwatering recipes, allowing readers to not only imagine Ellie’s world but taste it, too. From challah to blintz soufflé, these recipes are a wonderful addition, offering a fun and interactive way to engage with Jewish deli culture.
One notable subplot involves Ellie’s best friend, Ava, who is struggling with her mom dating a woman. Ellie is very confused and not sure what to think about Ava’s mom dating a woman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2024
Book 079 of 300 ~ 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow, for an 11 year old, Ellie is one intense kid. Is it cos she is the middle child? I don't know.
But she is definitely passionate about saving her family business, and she comes up with some pretty creative ideas.
I love how dishes mentioned are listed as recipes. I screenshot some interesting ones :)
Took a while with this not because it was draggy, but it just felt like it needed to be read spread out.
I am glad I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book79of300 #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2024 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow, for an 11 year old, Ellie is one intense kid. Is it cos she is the middle child? I don't know.
But she is definitely passionate about saving her family business, and she comes up with some pretty creative ideas.
I love how dishes mentioned are listed as recipes. I screenshot some interesting ones :)
Took a while with this not because it was draggy, but it just felt like it needed to be read spread out.
I am glad I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book79of300 #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2024 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
May 14, 2023
I really loved this story. The summary is perfect, it's truly "charming." I loved how Ellie and her friends were able to make a real difference with practical and creative solutions, even when it seemed impossible at first. There was some interesting side plot with Nina and I absolutely adored Bubbie. The recipes were a nice addition as well.
I'd certainly recommend Ellie's Deli: Wishing on Matzo Ball Soup! to readers young and old.
Also, I remember reading and loving My Life in Pink & Green by Lisa Greenwald when I was younger, so being able to now read her upcoming book is extra special.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I'd certainly recommend Ellie's Deli: Wishing on Matzo Ball Soup! to readers young and old.
Also, I remember reading and loving My Life in Pink & Green by Lisa Greenwald when I was younger, so being able to now read her upcoming book is extra special.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 19, 2023
(3.5 stars rounded up)
Ellie has so much anxiety. So much. She is worried about her family deli closing, her grandmother's health, the new girl at school that joined her friend group, mean teachers, and if her older sister hates her. With the help of her best friend Ava, she sets about doing what she can to save the deli that she loves. She also works on getting a handle on her anxiety and enjoying life instead of worrying about everything so much. While Ellie is in sixth grade, she reads a little younger and 4th & 5th grades will definitely be able to relate. I am so glad that the author chose to include recipes! One of my pet peeves is books about cooking that don't. For grades 3 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
Ellie has so much anxiety. So much. She is worried about her family deli closing, her grandmother's health, the new girl at school that joined her friend group, mean teachers, and if her older sister hates her. With the help of her best friend Ava, she sets about doing what she can to save the deli that she loves. She also works on getting a handle on her anxiety and enjoying life instead of worrying about everything so much. While Ellie is in sixth grade, she reads a little younger and 4th & 5th grades will definitely be able to relate. I am so glad that the author chose to include recipes! One of my pet peeves is books about cooking that don't. For grades 3 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
September 20, 2023
This is a good read about Ellie trying to save her family's deli. I liked the friendships throughout too and how they wanted to work to help save the deli too. I liked that Ava always had her back and the new friendship she creates with Nina.
The struggle with the developers and trying to update the deli at the same time was very realistic and showed our characters leaning on each other for new possibilities.
I did feel like it was a little long. And I think some of the recipes needed more instructions and some seemed a little too complicated for a child to do by themselves. But I did really like the look into making these Jewish foods. Some of which I make at home!
Good middle grade read.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.
The struggle with the developers and trying to update the deli at the same time was very realistic and showed our characters leaning on each other for new possibilities.
I did feel like it was a little long. And I think some of the recipes needed more instructions and some seemed a little too complicated for a child to do by themselves. But I did really like the look into making these Jewish foods. Some of which I make at home!
Good middle grade read.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.
August 1, 2023
This is a delightful book, perfect for Middle Schooler’s. Ellie’s family owns a deli and it in in danger of getting shut down. She makes a wish to save the deli on a bowl of matzoh ball soup. Don’t worry if you you start craving some deli favorites. There are fourteen recipes in the book to satisfy your appetite.
This is a great book about family and working together. I am looking forward to more adventures with Ellie and her family and friends. Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This is a great book about family and working together. I am looking forward to more adventures with Ellie and her family and friends. Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
July 25, 2023
I got an ARC of this book.
It is a middle grade book, why is it taking me days to read? Nothing is happening. There is so much going to and from school. There isn't anything to make me get invested in this story and I really wanted to like it.
The recipes were pretty mild. I didn't feel a need to make them.
Overall, I am just sad that this one didn't become an instant favorite of mine. Magic wishing soup in a Jewish deli sounds like my story, but it just wasn't.
It is a middle grade book, why is it taking me days to read? Nothing is happening. There is so much going to and from school. There isn't anything to make me get invested in this story and I really wanted to like it.
The recipes were pretty mild. I didn't feel a need to make them.
Overall, I am just sad that this one didn't become an instant favorite of mine. Magic wishing soup in a Jewish deli sounds like my story, but it just wasn't.
September 5, 2023
We are two 10 year olds, so the target audience, and we really enjoyed the book.
It's a pretty quick read as the pages aren't too long, there are some pictures in it and 14 (kid friendly) recipes too.
Definitely a great book for Jewish families, but because it's a good story, also a good window book for kids who aren't Jewish.
We give it a 4.5/5. We recommend! Click here for our full review: https://youtu.be/bfLSEzXfvmE?si=7Hwb1...
It's a pretty quick read as the pages aren't too long, there are some pictures in it and 14 (kid friendly) recipes too.
Definitely a great book for Jewish families, but because it's a good story, also a good window book for kids who aren't Jewish.
We give it a 4.5/5. We recommend! Click here for our full review: https://youtu.be/bfLSEzXfvmE?si=7Hwb1...
September 12, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I found Ellie's Deli to be a cute book that reminds me of being a child and concerning myself with adult problems like Ellie, Ava, and their friends. I did find the book a bit long at times, but then another yummy recipe popped up and I was invested again.
I think Lisa Greenwald wrote all the Characters relatable and true to their age. Mabel, however, should do some chores.
I found Ellie's Deli to be a cute book that reminds me of being a child and concerning myself with adult problems like Ellie, Ava, and their friends. I did find the book a bit long at times, but then another yummy recipe popped up and I was invested again.
I think Lisa Greenwald wrote all the Characters relatable and true to their age. Mabel, however, should do some chores.
October 9, 2023
I love all of Lisa Greenwald's books, and this was no exception. Protagonist Ellie represents a love of family, food and tradition that is incredibly endearing, as well as her realistic friendship struggles and up and down relationship with her older sister. This read is as comforting as the soup Ellie makes her wishes on. I can see middle grade kids going back to this one again and again as a soothing reread.
May 31, 2023
This was a very cute book! I loved all the ways Jewish culture and religion were woven throughout the story, and I appreciated 11-year-old Ellie's persistence in working to save her family's deli. I did find the placement of recipes between each chapter a bit jarring—I think they would be less distracting if they were included at the end, rather than throughout the book. Plus some of the recipes looked much too difficult for a middle-grade reader to make, and the instructions for some were too sparse. I think, in a book for middle-grade readers, the recipes should be tailored for those readers to be able to make them. Other than that, the story was delightful, and I definitely recommend! Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2023
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was a good read. I liked how Ellie thought up ideas how to help her family’s deli. Even when she wasn’t sure; she still hoped everything would turn out ok. I liked the various recipes throughout the book.
September 24, 2023
5 stars
Four generations of family have run Lushken's Deli and now it's in danger of closing and being bought out by a restaurant group. Eleven-Year Old Ellie has a plan to save the Deli but is it worth her Bubbie's health and ruining her friendships.
Four generations of family have run Lushken's Deli and now it's in danger of closing and being bought out by a restaurant group. Eleven-Year Old Ellie has a plan to save the Deli but is it worth her Bubbie's health and ruining her friendships.
January 1, 2024
2.75 ⭐️
Cute… but for a kids’ book, there was way too much information about running a restaurant and all the revitalization efforts. I did appreciate the focus on family and dealing with anxious thoughts, because even 11 year olds have them!
Cute… but for a kids’ book, there was way too much information about running a restaurant and all the revitalization efforts. I did appreciate the focus on family and dealing with anxious thoughts, because even 11 year olds have them!
January 11, 2024
What I liked: A clever story of how a young girl saves her family’s deli. Lots of references to Jewish traditions too.
What I disliked: From the title, the reader is led to incorrectly assume the plot will involve magic.
What I disliked: From the title, the reader is led to incorrectly assume the plot will involve magic.
July 10, 2025
This is a great book that contains over 30 black & white illustrations & 14 recipes for quintessential Jewish American deli food sticking up for what you believe in business ownership, friendship, & family.
June 1, 2023
I loved the main character and how they put recipes in the books. The ending fell flat.
August 10, 2023
Great book for young middle schoolers. The family dynamic and culture and those beautiful recipes for each chapter make it worth a classroom purchase.
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