10 Things Every Jew Should Know Before They Go to College: An Illustrated Guide

by Emily Schrader, Blake Flayton, Kimberly Brooks (Illustrator)

An essential reference guide for Jewish students navigating today’s college campuses. This fact-based book presents concise, easy-to-reference insights on Jewish history, Israel, and geopolitics, helping students engage confidently in complex discussions about their identity and heritage.

This illustrated guide covers key topics, including:

Jewish identity and history
Israel and its geopolitical landscape
The realities behind commonly misunderstood terms like "the occupation"
Common misconceptions and falsehoods about Jews and Israel
The role of media narratives and the campus environment
Written by Emily Schrader and Blake Flayton, who both encountered misinformation and hostility toward Jewish students during their university years, this book provides the knowledge and confidence students need to navigate campus life.

Featuring over 300 original illustrations by artist Kimberly Brooks, this engaging visual guide makes complex topics accessible, scannable, and easy to absorb, ensuring students feel prepared with historical context and essential facts.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Jewish, History

322 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2025

Reviews

[Ellie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good. Comprehensive but clear; intelligent but witty. One of my biggest issues when people (especially young people) try to engage in discussion about Israel is that they make claims without taking context into account. And with an issue this complex and nuanced, you simply can’t do that. This book gives that very context that I wish every person had before trying to argue about this issue. My biggest problem is the title, I think it should be called 10 Things EveryONE Should Know!

And though it was written with soon-to-be college students in mind, I think it’s an essential read for anyone of any age.

[Kate Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, especially learning more of the recent history of Israel and the Middle East. I think I understand things better now. I know for sure I'm not the same.

[Peter Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive and digestible guide that should be a staple at Hillels for years to come. It offers a thoughtful, restrained take on the political and cultural landscape of Jewish life, capturing the essence of the historical zeitgeist without feeling overwhelming. A true achievement in brevity.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book serves as a practical field guide for Jewish students preparing to navigate the complex world of college campuses. Each section focuses on a core theme: understanding Jewish identity, recognizing antisemitism, engaging in discussions about Israel, and learning how to handle activism and misinformation in the digital age. The structure is intentionally straightforward, with bite-sized sections that combine history, politics, and personal awareness, allowing students to reference it quickly during debates or when processing challenging campus experiences.

The blend of writing and visual cues makes tough topics, such as "the occupation" and UN bias, more approachable for conversation. The book acknowledges that Jewish students may face hostility, misinformation, or feelings of isolation, but it does so without indulging in alarmism. This resource is valuable not just for Jewish students preparing for college, but also for parents, educators, and even non-Jewish allies who wish to understand the current climate better. By the end of the book, the message is clear: it's important to be educated enough to stand your ground with honesty and integrity.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...

[Mannie Liscum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding primer for any Jew or non-Jew to get a clearer understanding of the most prescient issues of Jewish history, life in the diaspora, and Israel that face the world understanding and views on/towards Jews (and yes Israel) today. At just 301 pp, the two millennial American-Israeli authors, Emily Schrader and Blake Flayton (along with illustrator and editor Kimberly Brooks) have done an outstanding job generating a living informative read that pulls no punches. Yes it’s aimed primarily at young American Jews looking to enter college, but that should not be a deterrent to others (Jew and Gentile) reading it. 5 hearty stars!!

[Dakota Mckee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Treif

[Stephanie Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Jew and non-Jew should read this...even if you think you know the whole story...but this gives every college student the necessary ammunition needed to have an even fight against antisemitism

[Benjamin Delbick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would highly recommend to not only any Jewish student going to college these days but any person who wants to understand more about the Jewish faith, Jewish people and history of Israel.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy stuff but an important read for everyone

[Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 Things Every Jew Should Know arrived in my mailbox and I was surprised and excited to read it. I feel like this book would make a great graduation gift for my son’s classmates. In fact, he stole this book from me and I had to steal it back to read it!⁣ There are way more than 10 things explained in this book, but it is divided into 10 sections, from Jewish history to Israel, the Middle East, the current and past situations, and obstacles to peace. I thought this book was very balanced and shared a great variety of things Jewish kids should know before (or while) they confront life on college campuses now. I’m a grown up Jewish adult and I even learned from this book!⁣