Reviews
Nathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles
“The traditional family Hanukkah celebration is here adjusted to include an autistic boy’s interpretation. Jacob’s brother, Nathan, can be quite vexing, especially when he repeats himself constantly. Jacob’s mother has explained that Nathan’s ‘mind is wired… View →
Engineer Ari and the Hanukkah Mishap
“A camel, a train mishap and the holiday of Hanukkah bring together a Bedouin and a Jew in acts of kindness and camaraderie. Eager to celebrate with friends in Jaffa, Ari balances an armload of sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), dreidels, menorah, bottle of oil and… View →
“Campers Carly and Sara become fast friends. Carly volunteers to bring Sara her mail, and she is very excited to learn that Sara’s last name is ‘Frankfurter.’ But when she says ‘like the hot dog,’ Sara is insulted and does not want to be friends. As… View →
The Queen Who Saved Her People
“Gentle humor, clever rhyme, dynamic illustrations, and biblical accuracy deliver an energetic, age-appropriate holiday story through a dexterous narrative that converts to a drama script. Author Tilda Balsley gifts the picture book crowd, their teachers, and parents with an… View →
“The Chumash tribe thrived on the Pacific’s bounty in California’s mild climate, but its people were decimated by European diseases and forced labor in Spanish missions. Sonneborn describes the origins, traditions, and culture of the Chumash, who still survive and are… View →
“In this sequel to the Sydney Taylor Honor Award winner Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride, Engineer Ari drives his train from Jerusalem to Jaffa, stopping along the way to collect fruit, branches, and a lulav and etrog from the friends he has made along his new… View →
The Shabbat Princess
“Meltzer (Mezuzah on the Door) illuminates the concept of hiddur mitzvah, the idea that using objects of beauty during religious observances enhances religious practice. Young Rosie wants to make her family’s weekly observance of Shabbat extra special by doing… View →
The Lonely Beast
“Judge, based in Dublin, tells a familiar tale but illustrates it with uncommon style and verve. Readers will want to know where the Beast ends up next. Friends, after all, like to keep in touch.” —The New York Times Book Review View →
Tricky Coyote Tales: Book 1
“These 64 pages give readers an entertaining and even well-rounded look at Coyote’s personality: the trickster, fool and occasional wise man of tradition…. So what if the tone isn’t completely authentic—who doesn’t like to see a coyote fall off a cliff?”… View →
My Boyfriend Bites: Book 3
“Fine fare for Buffy fans of all…types. Hip, steamy fun.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Seaside Shenanigans
“Monroe’s breezy, detailed illustrations match the energy and enthusiasm of her tale. Fact-filled fun for the curious fixer-in-training.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
Brooklyn, Burning
“A lyrical, understated punk-kid love song to Brooklyn and to chosen family…. The tone is as raw, down-to-earth and transcendent as the music Scout and Kid ultimately make together.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
“Ofanansky and Alpern offer a fresh take on Rosh Hashanah with this picture book tour of a bee farm. Readers follow a children’s class as students are shown how bees make honey. Color photographs and a running narrative combine to produce an easy-to-grasp book that is about science View →
Ultraviolet
“Anderson, a Canadian author of fantasy, is an assured storyteller with a knack for creating memorable characters. The barren, northern Ontario setting—where NASA astronauts once trained for moon landings—slyly accents a twisty plot refreshingly free of YA View →
Green Bible Stories for Children
“From Noah’s Ark and the flood, illustrating the beauty of the planet’s biodiversity, to Joshua’s need for sunlight to successfully defend the people of Gibeon with solar power, each scene is connected to a contemporary interpretation through introductory paragraphs and… View →
In Trouble
“Setting the novel in 1956 allows young readers to see how differently society views unwed teenagers today. For instance, Elaine is forced to live at the Catholic Home and give her baby up for adoption. Levine’s novel also, unfortunately, shows us how much has stayed the… View →
The Shabbat Princess
“Meltzer’s child-oriented tale presents a lovely way to honor the Sabbath with a bit of respectful festivity.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
Ultraviolet
“Anderson blends paranormal, science fiction, and scientific elements in an intriguing story about a teenager who is convinced that she’s crazy—and a murderer—though reality is even more unpredictable.” —Publishers Weekly View →
In Trouble
“A gripping, relevant read.” —Publishers Weekly View →
“Helena’s dilemma is one that might more commonly be found in books for older readers, making this gentle, measured treatment a noteworthy achievement.” —Publishers Weekly View →
“Terrific photos of Marceau on stage close out this well-rounded biography and complement Gauthier’s more abstract portraits of the man who took Chaplin’s flair a step further to revive ‘the ancient and almost forgotten art of silence.’” —Publishers… View →
Ticks: Dangerous Hitchhikers
“These books are very well done, with phenomenally great photographs…. Anyone interested in spiders and arachnids is going to love these books.” —Library Media Connection View →
Brooklyn, Burning
“Brooklyn, Burning, an edgy tale of star-crossed street kids unified by music and a desire to catch a break, speaks clearly to the urgency of adolescence.” —Mpls.St.Paul View →
“Throughout this fast-paced and unique story, Wignall maintains a suspenseful, spooky mood with elegant, evocative prose. Enough loose ends are tied up to make for a satisfying conclusion, but a few tantalizing threads remain.” —starred, School Library Journal View →