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I read quite a lot of children's literature and seek out Jewish and Holocaust works. Many child survivors of the Holocaust purposely wrote their stories for children and teenagers rather than for adults.Ida Vos & Uri Orlev's books are worth looking for. Orlev's Run, Boy, Run was made into a film.
Historical fiction I enjoyed of late includes A Ceiling Made of Eggshells which is set in Spain during the expulsion of 1492, A Boy of Old Prague (1963) by Sulamith Ish-Kishor set in medieval times & Code Name Kingfisher (2023) by Liz Kessler, a WW2 story. Uncle Misha's Partisans (1973) by Yuri Suhl is an older but very good read.
Jane Yolen has written many good novels for children, her latest is a picturebook, The Many Problems of Rochel-Leah which depicts a young shetl girl wanting to learn to read.
Kathy Kacer has written several WW2 novels for children including Masters of Silence which draws on the resistance work of Marcel Marceau & others.
Broken Strings (2019) is about the granddaughter of a survivor who has never told his story.
Janusz Korczak has two children's books translated to English including King Matt the First which was very popular in Israel at one time.
Valérie Zenatti is a French writer of YA books, she is also the translator to French of Aharon Appelfeld's work. When I Was a Soldier (2002) gives a good look into IDF service at the time.
Kerry wrote: "I read quite a lot of children's literature and seek out Jewish and Holocaust works. Many child survivors of the Holocaust purposely wrote their stories for children and teenagers rather than for a..."Thank you for this Kerry-
Jane Yolen is terrific. I read The Many Problems of...
Also read Broken Strings.
Thank you for this book suggestion Julie."On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration in 14 Stories"
Heres a thought. Im going to buy it and read one or two stories to the kids and those who act like them at the seder. :)
I read several children's-level Holocaust books as a child, although I don't know that any of them are still available, honestly. That being said, I think including children's literature here is a wonderful idea.
Deena wrote: "I read several children's-level Holocaust books as a child, although I don't know that any of them are still available, honestly. That being said, I think including children's literature here is a ..."Deena,
From your "moderators"-
Thank you for the compliment.
Many worthwhile genres for children's books.
Heres is another children's book that I was told about. Judah Maccabee Goes to the Doctor: A Story for Hanukkah
by Anne Kofsky
I know it's normally not acceptable for authors to promote their own work, but the June nominations specifically invite this, and have invited authors of kidlit to post here - so... heregoes!When I'm not writing screenplays or directing movies, I write comic books! All my comics are meant to be accessible enough for middle-grade (ages 8ish-12ish) readers, but sophisticated enough for adult readers to enjoy. My first book, a swashbuckler about Jewish pirates in the 16th century Caribbean, remains a fan favorite. José and the Pirate Captain Toledano
TODAY is the official 'book birthday' of my latest comic, The Tomb of the Broken Amulet: Festival of Forgotten Tales: Tale #2!
This one-shot short story comic tells a Passover mummy adventure, and is the second in a series of Jewish holiday genre stories that I'm working on called "Festival of Forgotten Tales".
The first book in that series, The Beast and the Booth: Festival of Forgotten Tales: Tale #1 came out this past November. The third book is already in the works.
The e-books are now available on Amazon (and "The Beast and the Booth" is even on sale today!)
There's no good way to sell physical "floppy" comics on Amazon, so for those of you who like to hold a book in your hands, these (and others) are available at my webstore - http://tinyurl.com/shorrstore
I'm a big fan of Jewish kidlit (particularly the kind that prioritizes entertainment!) So I'm really glad this section is here, and look forward to exploring the books that you're all recommending!
I just finished reading The Forbidden Book by Sacha Lamb. It's a book for teens but I felt it would also be enjoyed by adult readers. I found it quite satisfyingly rich in Jewish mysticism. A young Jewish girl runs away on the night of her wedding and disguised as a stable boy helps solve a mystery of death and a missing forbidden book.While the GR book description suggests 'a genderqueer lesbian with a knife,' this is not the case as it's more that the girl sometimes shares her body with a lost soul.
Kerry wrote: "I just finished reading The Forbidden Book by Sacha Lamb. It's a book for teens but I felt it would also be enjoyed by adult readers. I found it quite satisfyingly rich in Jewish m..."That's the same author who wrote When the Angels Left the Old Country, a recent poll winner and remarkable book. Sometimes YA crosses over to books that adults enjoy as well. (There too I agree that the gender bending, if that's acceptable terminology, was done with grace and subtlety, and not in anybody's face. That's why it won all those mainstream awards!)
For middle grade (ages 8-12):Finn & Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop by Josh Levy (very fun and very funny)
Aviva vs. the Dybbuk & The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman by Mari Lowe (both masterclasses in writing and pacing, plus really authentic representations of Orthodox Jewish girls)
Leah wrote: "For middle grade (ages 8-12):Finn & Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop by Josh Levy (very fun and very funny)
Aviva vs. the Dybbuk & The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman by Mari Lowe (both masterclas..."
Good pick Leah. Josh S Levy won the Sydney Taylor Award and National Jewish Book Award for this book in March.
"Made in Palestine" by Zoe Judith for sure! It's a charming history of the term from antiquity forward that both my parents and my kids (8 and 10) enjoyed. It isn't often these days that grandma and the grandkids both like story time so that was awesome. Made in Palestine
We usually don't post the discussion topics for poll winners and Mod Choices this early.Just as an FYI, we have received requests from members asking for some "Kid Lit, Y/A etc".
The Mod Choice for September of 25 is "The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman by Mari Lowe.
This book along with its topic references Rosh Hashanah as well.
Perfect for the upcoming holidays.
Have a great August!!!!
I appreciate this thread. I'm working on a sequel to Just a Hat, and I keep an eye on what's new in YA and/or what readers actually like to read versus what adult reviewers post (Does anyone know of a peer-review study that's analyzed who is most likely to post a review and whether that's an accurate sample of readers?). My hope is there might be some classroom teachers who will post on what books their students are loving. It's more than helping to make the pitch; it's wanting to write something teens actually like instead of what they're told they should like. I'm interested in understanding the correlation.
Stacey B wrote: "We usually don't post the discussion topics for poll winners and Mod Choices this early.Just as an FYI, we have received requests from members asking for some "Kid Lit, Y/A etc".
The Mod Choice f..."
I need to check that one out.
Shanah wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "We usually don't post the discussion topics for poll winners and Mod Choices this early.Just as an FYI, we have received requests from members asking for some "Kid Lit, Y/A etc".
..."
Hi Shanah,
Hope you are well. Happy to see you writing a sequel.
I cant help you on this one-
I wish you asked for something easier :)
The Ghosts of Rose Hill by RM Romero was one of my favorite reads last year, and it's perfect for fall. It's a lovely Jewish coming-of-age/romance/ghost story, and it's beautifully written in verse, too. Highly recommend!
Lenny wrote: "The Ghosts of Rose Hill by RM Romero was one of my favorite reads last year, and it's perfect for fall. It's a lovely Jewish coming-of-age/romance/ghost story, and it's beautifully ..."Thank you for the input Lenny.
Sounds like should be very popular- Im going to mark it to read. Thank you.
Brina wrote: "To all our members. Recently a number of members and authors have nominated a number of children’s books as our group read. These nominations have been met with mixed opinions. At this time, the Je..."Brina, I can't thank you enough for starting this thread and for highlighting the importance of Jewish children's literature. You are a blessing!
Well, Liza , (blushing), this was a Stacey and Brina collaboration. I just post the threads. The reality though is that a lot of us did not have a lot of books with Jewish protagonists growing up. Other than All of a Kind Family and Judy Blume, I can’t think of many books I read that featured Jews. This thread is to get the word out. Any book for any age kid that you think might be of interest, please post it here.
Stacey B wrote: "Shanah wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "We usually don't post the discussion topics for poll winners and Mod Choices this early.Just as an FYI, we have received requests from members asking for some "Kid ..."
We're doing well, Stacey. A little worried about the future of Jewish books with the major publishers. Worrying is what we do best, right?
Shanah wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "Shanah wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "We usually don't post the discussion topics for poll winners and Mod Choices this early.Just as an FYI, we have received requests from members aski..."
Shanah,
YES- its very apparent. I will write you a pm over the weekend.
Brina wrote: "Well, Liza , (blushing), this was a Stacey and Brina collaboration. I just post the threads. The reality though is that a lot of us did not have a lot of books with Jewish protagonists growing up. ..."So right! We need Jewish children's books more than ever. I recently finished Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II and the second book in the duology, Max in the Land of Lies: A Tale of World War II - I highly recommend both!
Thank you and Stacey for all that you do to uplift Jewish kidlit!
They sound good Liza.The Pranks of....' was one of the few kidlit books we could find that related to the HH this month. I didnt know this was published by Levine-Querido. He needs to do more of these.
Arnon's comics are great! I have read and reviewed several of them.
I started book blogging about 2 years ago and a large percentage of the books that I review are Jewish children's books. For reviews or simply to see what is new you can check out Bubbe's Bookshelf.
Julie wrote: "I started book blogging about 2 years ago and a large percentage of the books that I review are Jewish children's books. For reviews or simply to see what is new you can check out Bubbe's Bookshelf."You are a blessing, Julie!
I was looking for a book to bring my new grandchildren into the Seder and came up with Let My People Go! by Tilda Balsley, illustrated by Ilene Richard. We used it to tell the story of Moses, Pharaoh, and the Israelites when the children were beginning readers. Now even the youngest is reading, but the book has become part of our tradition. So we're keeping it and adding to it. 🩵
Shalom chaverim,I'm a volunteer reviewer whose job it is to read books and decide if/whether/in what grade they should be used in schools.
A friend and I read the books together, but I've just discovered she's not...um, on Israel's side. To keep our friendship, I can't talk about Israel/Jews/Zionism.
To avoid a falling-out with said friend, I've decided I need a special person to buddy-read/discuss Jewish books [kids, MG, and YA] with. I thought I'd ask if anyone here [especially Julie Ditton] is willing.
CROSS POSTED
Hi All, I just wanted to recommend this fabulous YA book, Night Owls. I listened to the audiobook, and it was fantastic. It won a Sydney Taylor Award and the National Jewish Book Award!!!
Liza wrote: "Hi All, I just wanted to recommend this fabulous YA book, Night Owls. I listened to the audiobook, and it was fantastic. It won a Sydney Taylor Award and the National Jewish Book A..."I read that. It also won The National Jewish Book Award.
There are some fabulous books that can help parents navigate the mourning process with children after the passing of a loved one. Read these books first to be prepared to answer questions, then share them with your kids.These are the ones I recommend:
Something Sweet: A Sitting Shiva Story
A Flame Burns On: Lighting the Yahrzeit Candle
The Remembering Candle
I Wish That You Knew
Liza wrote: "There are some fabulous books that can help parents navigate the mourning process with children after the passing of a loved one. Read these books first to be prepared to answer questions, then sha..."Thank you Liza for these titles.
Does anyone know of a children's book that has to dowith the High Holidays??
Stacey B wrote: "Does anyone know of a children's book that has to dowith the High Holidays??"
Board Book:
My Shofar: A Rosh Hashanah Board Book
Picture Books:
Two New Years
A Turkish Rosh Hashanah
Kayla and Kugel's Super Sweet Rosh Hashanah
A Persian Passover
Not So Fast, Max: A Rosh Hashanah Visit With Grandma
Finding Forgiveness
Middle Grade
The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman
Honey and Me - this one includes the holiday
Liza wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "Does anyone know of a children's book that has to dowith the High Holidays??"
Board Book:
My Shofar: A Rosh Hashanah Board Book
Picture Books:
[book:Two New Years..."
Thank you Liza. If Im not mistaken, "The Dubious Pranks of Shandy Goodman" was Moderators Choice on our site.
I am going to buy a few of your recommendations and donate them to our library. Seems they have none. :(
A book with cardboard pages, typically for babies because of being very easy to physically handle.
may be repeats - for younger children up to 5-6 depending on the childYom Kippur: The Day to Say Sorry: A Jewish Childrens Book About Doing Better, Forgiveness, and Prayer
Rosh Hashana / Yom Kippur Guess Who? (A Lift-the-Flap Book)
by Ariella Stern and Patti Argoff
board book - What Do You See on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?
What Do You See on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?
by Bracha Goetz
Sammy Spider's First Yom Kippur
by Sylvia A. Rouss
Sammy Spider's First Rosh Hashanah
Measuring a Year: A Rosh Hashanah Story: A Picture Book
by Linda Elovitz Marshall
Rosh Hashanah Is Coming!
by Tracy Newman and Viviana Garofoli
Denise S wrote: "may be repeats - for younger children up to 5-6 depending on the childYom Kippur: The Day to Say Sorry: A Jewish Childrens Book About Doing Better, Forgiveness, and Prayer
Rosh Hashana / Yom Kip..."
Thank you Denise. Love the first one.
Hello everyone in the community!I'm reaching out with great excitement to share a special milestone and introduce my latest work. I’m Darío A. Levin, an Argentine author with several published children’s books, dedicated to creating engaging stories that help young readers connect with culture and family values.
I would love to present my book "JAG SAMEAJ: FELICES FIESTAS", a collection of beautifully illustrated tales designed to guide families through the Jewish holidays all year round.
📖 Available on Amazon:
You can find it both as an eBook (Kindle) and in print (paperback) using the following link:
👉 https://a.co/d/062kYQGw
I would truly appreciate your vote to support this nomination, as well as an honest review or rating on Amazon. Your support as readers means the world to independent authors and helps us keep creating.
Thank you so much for your time and for this space!
Dario wrote: "Hello everyone in the community!I'm reaching out with great excitement to share a special milestone and introduce my latest work. I’m Darío A. Levin, an Argentine author with several published ch..."
Dario, thanks for nominating your book.
As I wrote on the nominations page, your book is not accepted for this month's poll, the reason being that as a children's book about the holidays it's so different from the other nominations that its inclusion would distort the poll.
We'll consider having a month where children's authors are invited to nominate their books, so keep your eyes open.
P.S. Your book's title transliterated into English is Chag Sameach – Happy Holidays: Jewish Holiday Stories and Tales for Boys and Girls: Tender, Funny, Exciting Stories and Biblical Tales to Learn About Our Roots. I venture to mention that in case the transliteration with a "J" might interfere with finding it.
Congratulations and best of luck with your book.
Jan wrote: "Dario wrote: "Hello everyone in the community!I'm reaching out with great excitement to share a special milestone and introduce my latest work. I’m Darío A. Levin, an Argentine author with severa..."
Jan, thank you for your response.
I understand it's not accepted for the reason you mentioned.
Regarding the correction for Chag Sameach, you're correct. While the book has the correct translation in the title, when writing this post, I left it in Spanish and forgot to correct it. My apologies.
https://a.co/d/0ahYPSKF
Those interested in learning more about the book Chag Sameach, Kindle Unlimited members can download it for free and share their opinions or reviews.
It would help me a lot.
Thank you all for making this community amazing.
I can’t stress enough the importance of Jewish children’s books during our present climate. I can count on one hand the books I read (not counting series) with Jewish protagonists when I was growing up. Thankfully there are more choices for kids now and here is the place to discuss and read them.
Respectfully, your JBC moderators