Association of Jewish Libraries of Southern California




The Best New Jewish Kids' Books

 
[Just received this from Abigail Yasgur, Director, Jewish Community Library of Los Angeles:]

In celebration of Jewish Book Month (November 25- December 25, 2005) and with Hanukkah around the corner, here is a list of The Best New Jewish Kids' Books.  Abigail Yasgur, Jewish Community Library Director serves on the national board of the Association of Jewish Libraries with Heidi Estrin from Boca Raton, Florida. Yasgur and Estrin chair the AJL Public Relations Committee.  Estrin has compiled this list of favorites for children and older readers.  Enjoy!


Love Me Later by Julie Baer (Bollix Books, 2005) Preschool-Grade 2. This slice of life shows the joy, curiosity, and loving family relationships of a young boy who just happens to be Jewish.

Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow by Susan Bartoletti (Scholastic, 2005) Grades 5-12. A sensitively written chronicle describing how Germany's young people were used and abused by the Nazi regime.

Hanukkah, Shmanukkah! By Esme Raji Codell (Hyperion 2005) Grades 3-7. This Christmas Carol spin-off has a strong Jewish message about the importance of "l'dor vador" - of remembering history and passing it on to future generations.

A Shadow Life: a Portrait of Anne Frank and Her Family by Barry Denenberg (Scholastic 2005) Grades 7-12. A simply written history that provides context for Anne Frank's diary and helps readers understand why her story is important.

Understanding the Holy Land by Mitch Frank (Viking, 2005) Grades 6-Adult. An extremely even-handed and clear explanation of the complicated  history of Israel, very well done.

It's Purim Time by Latifa Berry Kropf (Kar Ben, 2005) Preschool-Kindergarten. The newest in a series of photographic picture books showing real children in a Jewish preschool celebrating various holidays.

Confessions of a Closet Catholic by Sarah Littman (Dutton, 2005) Grades 4-7. A heartfelt middle-grade novel about a young Jewish girl's search for the meaning of religion and for her own religious identity.

Ruth and Naomi by Jean Marzollo (Little Brown, 2005) Preschool-Grade 3. A delightful retelling of the Bible story, with child- friendly illustrations by the author.

Harry Houdini: A Magical Life by Elizabeth MacLeod (Kids Can Press, 2005) Grades 2-5. While Judaism was not a major factor in Houdini's life, this beautifully designed and well-written biography will be popular with kids, making it a good addition to a Jewish biography section.

Dreamer from the Village: the Story of Marc Chagall by Michelle Markel (Henry Holt, 2005) Grades 3-5 A picture book tribute to Chagall, illustrated (and even written) in a dreamy style reminiscent of the artist's work.

Hidden Child by Isaac Millman (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2005) Grades 3-7. This Holocaust-era memoir is sensitively written and is enhanced by beautiful sketches depicting the author's memories.

Zayde Was a Cowboy by June Nislick (Jewish Publication Society, 2005) Grades 4-7. A delightful chapter book about Grandpa's experiences in the Old West.

Shlemiel Crooks by Anna Olswanger (Junebug Books, 2005) Grades 3-7. Based on a true incident, this tall tale of bumbling robbers is told in a hilarious Yiddishe voice.

The Secret Seder by Doreen Rappaport (Hyperion, 2005) Grades 4-8. Lovingly painted, this picture book pays tribute to those who determinedly practiced Judaism despite the Nazis' edicts.

You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! By Fiona Rosenbloom (Hyperion, 2005) Grades 5-8 Light, fluffy chick lit, this will be enjoyed very much by young Jewish girls.

Before You Were Born by Howard Schwartz (Roaring Brook, 2005) Preschool-Grade 2. Gentle illustrations bring to life the legend of the angel who teaches us everything before we are born, and then makes us forget it again.

The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela by Uri Shulevitz (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2005) Grades 3-6. A stunningly illustrated picture book history of a medieval Jewish traveler, based on his own journals.

Matzo Ball Boy by Lisa Shulman (Penguin, 2005) Preschool-Grade 2. A hilarious send-up of the Gingerbread Boy, with a Yiddish flavor.

Sholom's Treasure: How Sholom Aleichem Became a Writer by Erica Silverman (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2005) Grades 2-5. A perfect combination of text and illustrations shows us how young Sholom became the person who would grow up to write Fiddler on the Roof.

Double Crossing: a Jewish Immigration Story by Eve Tal (Cinco Punto Press, 2005) Grades 4-7. Raizel accompanies her father on the boat to Ellis Island - twice!  In this unusual tale, we hear of how the family found a way to get around their initial rejection from America.

When I Was a Soldier: a Memoir by Valerie Zenatti (Bloomsbury, 2005) Grades 7-12. Valerie shares her thoughts on her time in the Israeli military.  A fascinating glimpse into a world seldom read about.

It's Tu B'Shevat by Edie Stoltz Zolkower (Kar Ben, 2005) Preschool. A simple board book for the "birthday of the trees," delightfully illustrated for toddlers.

Watch for these upcoming books, not yet reviewed but eagerly anticipated:

The Journey that Saved Curious George by Louise Borden (Houghton Mifflin, 2005);  In God's Hands by Lawrence Kushner (Jewish Lights, 2005);  The King of Mulberry Street by Donna Jo Napoli (Random House, 2005) (sequel to Stones in Water);  Jerusalem Sky by Mark Podwal  (Random House, 2005);  The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (Little Simon, 2005);  Dybbuk: a Version by Barbara Rogasky (Holiday House, 2005);  Always Remember Me: How One Family Survived WWII by Marisabina Russo (Atheneum, 2005);  Kibbitzers and Fools by Simms Taback (Viking, 2005)