Reviews
“While board covers, sturdy pages, and the picture-dictionary format may suggest early learning, do not be fooled: this conceptual compendium aims squarely at the elementary set with provocative delight.”—starred, The Horn Book Magazine View →
Drop by Drop: A Story of Rabbi Akiva
“A devoted wife is the inspiration behind a noted scholar of Judaism. Rachel, a rich man’s daughter, falls in love with a poor, illiterate shepherd named Akiva who works for her father. She recognizes that a man ‘with such goodness in his heart, who understood so much… View →
Stephen Curry
With NBA basketball playoffs in full swing, you may want to build on young fans’ excitement with these biographies of our local favorite star Steph Curry. When my students choose sports books for themselves, I really encourage them to look inside… View →
The Art Lesson: A Shavuot Story
“What could be better to bring home the meaning of a Jewish holiday, especially the spring harvest holiday of Shavuot, which shows God’s gift of Torah to the Jewish people, than a book about making art! Shavuot is usually celebrated either by staying up one night of Shavuot… View →
Auma's Long Run
“Whether the reader is looking to read a good story or learn something, Auma’s Long Run will satisfy.”—Jennifer Wills Geraedts, Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery View →
The Flower Girl Wore Celery
“Emma’s older cousin Hannah is getting married, and she wants Emma to be the flower girl and wear a celery (colored) dress. Emma also learns that she is going to walk down the aisle with someone named Jacob who is the ring bear[er]. In the spirit of Amelia Bedelia, Emma imagines… View →
Cat Litter Cake and Other Horrifying Desserts
“Kids will learn a variety of preparation techniques in this amusing series. An easy pick for Halloween programs.”—School Library Journal View →
A Different Kind of Passover
“A young girl practices the Four Questions in Hebrew and travels, as usual, to her grandparents’ house for the seder with her extended family. She loves the repetition of the yearly rituals, but this year her “heart hurts” because Grandpa was in the hospital recently and cannot… View →
Sammy Spider's First Bar Mitzvah
“Everyone’s favorite little spider is back with a new adventure and a new topic with which to educate young readers and listeners about Jewish life and culture. This latest escapade lands him at Josh’s cousin’s bar mitzvah where he watches the proceedings with… View →
A Concert in the Sand
“This warm, delicious, slim volume is bona fide historical fiction about the first concert by the orchestra that will become the Israel Philharmonic. Humor laced mobile illustrations support the story of a mysterious walk that Uri, a young boy, takes with his grandmother in Tel… View →
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe
“This Japanese import will charm beginning readers who enjoy a bit of witty humor with their animal adventures. . . . A highly amusing early chapter book for readers who may also be learning the art of letter writing.”—starred, School Library Journal View →
Primary-grade math concepts come into play when a club must decide the best way to sell their charity popcorn. The Community Champions are a varied cast of kids—an unobtrusive mix of genders, races, and one who uses a wheel-chair—who do good works around town. Occasionally… View →
With the school carnival approaching, why isn’t Spork excited about it? Galaxy Scout Spork has been learning about Earth and earthlings in Mrs. Buckle’s third-grade class for a while now. In this volume, the rest of the class is focused on planning the school carnival, but Spork… View →
What Girls Are Made Of
“The author presents a hopeful conclusion as Nina learns that self-love and fulfillment can be found through helping others. Because of its complex symbolism and graphic imagery, this well-written novel is best suited to mature YA readers.”—School Library Journal View →
Hanukkah Delight!
“In brief board-book form Newman revisits the familiar Hanukkah traditions she successfully introduced in Eight Nights of Chanukah, illustrated by Elivia Savadier (2005), and Here Is the World, illustrated by Susan Gal (2014). Here the holiday stands on its own without parodying a… View →
Maya Prays for Rain
“Shemini Atzeret may be the least likely holiday to be showcased in a picture book, but it’s about time for kids to learn a bit about this Jewish holiday that seems to be part of Sukkot, but actually falls after Sukkot is over. Because of the harvest and Israel’s rainy season, the… View →
Maya Prays for Rain
“It’s a warm fall day, and a spunky young girl greets her neighbors in her multicultural town. It seems like everyone is taking advantage of the sunny, dry weather by partaking in all kinds of outdoor activities. But when Maya learns that the evening’s synagogue service for the… View →
What Girls Are Made Of
“Finally, finally, a book that is fully girl, with all of the gore and grace of growing up female exposed. Arnold’s gorgeous prose takes us to all sorts of places to show us what girls are made of: a high-kill animal shelter, an abortion clinic, a bridge to nowhere that… View →
The Colors of Israel
“The author/photographer has taken a close look at Israel and has focused on the many vibrant colors found in the cities, towns, beaches and just about everywhere. Each page is devoted to a particular color and features several beautiful photographs, with the name of the… View →
Understanding Suicide: A National Epidemic
“Edifying and thorough, this title will prove useful for students doing research or those interested in learning about this tragic phenomenon.”—School Library Journal View →
Shalom Everybodeee!: Grover's Adventures in Israel
“Enjoy your visit to Israel – you’ll learn a lot and smile from cover to cover.” — AJL Reviews View →
The Executioner's Daughter
“Hardstaff weaves a coming-of-age story set in Tudor England with folklore about a Riverwitch. . . . The Riverwitch folklore and the suspense that it creates, along with the themes of love and family, strengthen Moss’s story. . . .®eaders who enjoy history and folklore… View →
Timber Creek Station
“British author Lewis’ debut is based on her time as the family helper on just such an outback [cattle station]. . . . It is the learning curve of Liz that will engage the reader who is open to understanding a variation of abject intolerance in a remote culture that is… View →
The Anatomy of Curiosity
“[A] prime example of good storytelling for aspiring writers . . . a kind of introductory writing workshop. . . . This may have the strongest audience with those looking to learn the craft of fantastic fiction.”—starred, VOYA View →