Books of Jewish Interest
Around the Shabbos Table
Seryl Berman
Illustrated by Ari Binus
Tova Leiba is everything her name implies. Excited by her father’s return from synagogue Friday night, she good-heartedly accommodates each of her siblings’ complaints about his or her chair at the table and switches with them. As she moves around the Shabbos table, she discovers how each new seat is the best place for her. Her positivity and optimism convey the warmth and spirituality she feels for her family and for Shabbat. Berman moves Tova Leiba around the table through the various traditional courses of a Shabbat dinner. From Kiddush, handwashing and challah, through gefilte fish, chicken soup, chicken, and kugel, Tova Leiba enjoys the cool air from the air conditioner, holding hands with her father as he sings, feeding her baby sister, and looking out the window. Her repeated refrain--“Here or there, in any chair, I’ll be happy anywhere!”--draws young listeners and readers into the rhythm of the text and the values of the story. Sibling rivalry, family time, good-natured cooperation, and showing hospitality to guests are themes to which children of diverse backgrounds can relate. The names in the story (Tova Leiba, Bentzie, Yaakov), the reference to Shabbos (rather than Sabbath or Shabbat) and the details of Shabbat depicted in the pictures reflect the Orthodox background from whence the book is published. The pictures are bright, colorful, and full of rich, realistic details, and they communicate the bustle of activity (chaos?) at mealtime in a large family. Around the Shabbos Table has many elements to engage young readers and listeners ages 4-8, and is recommended for all Jewish libraries. 2009, Hachai, Ages 2 to 8, $10.95. Reviewer: Deborah Abecassis (Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter, February/March 2009 (Vol. 28, No. 3)).
ISBN: 978-1-92962-844-5
ISBN: 1-92962-844-7
After the Train
Gloria Whelan
It has been years since the end of the war, and Peter cannot understand why his teacher keeps talking about it. After all, he and his friends were little children during the Holocaust--why must they hear about it over and over? All around Peter are reminders of the war and its aftermath, including the wall that separates them from East Germany and the soldiers with guns who patrol the wall. Even more troublesome are comments from people about how “they” should never have been let back into Germany. Still, Peter considers the war to be far removed from the center of his life. However, reading through letters of his mother, he comes across a letter and a photograph he was never meant to see, a letter that places him in the center of the Holocaust. His parents are not who he thought they were, and he is not who he thought he was. Can Peter manage to redefine himself and his faith while maintaining his relationship with the family and friends he has loved all his life? The theme makes this best for readers 12 and up. 2009, HarperCollins Children’s, Ages 12 up, $15.99. Reviewer: Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-029596-7
ISBN: 978-0-06-029597-4
ISBN: 0-06-029596-1
ISBN: 0-06-029597-X
Candlelight for Rebecca
Jacqueline Dembar Greene
Illustrations by Robert Hunt
Rebecca Rubin, a Jewish-American girl living in New York City in 1914, loves celebrating Hanukah with her family, but her teacher, Miss Malone, assigns the class to make Christmas decorations. Even though Miss Malone tells Rebecca that Christmas is a national holiday, Rebecca wonders whether it is wrong to make Christmas decorations. What will her family think? Will her grandmother, Bubba, disapprove of the centerpiece that Rebecca worked so hard to create, and does Rebecca’s Jewish faith really make her less American than her classmates? Just when Rebecca begins to doubt the strength of her own patriotism, she realizes the true spirit of the holiday season is caring and loving family and friends. Rebecca takes pride in creating Hanukah presents for her family. In this heart-warming story from the “American Girl” series, Rebecca comes to terms with her Jewish faith and learns how to celebrate the holiday season by reaching out to neighbors and friends in need. 2009, Pleasant Company, Ages 8 to 12, $6.99. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-5936-9582-8
ISBN: 1-5936-9582-9
Elvina's Mirror
Sylvie Weil
We first met Elvina, Rashi’s granddaughter, in My Guardian Angel (Scholastic, 2001, translated 2004). In this second part of the trilogy, originally published in France, our heroine is fourteen years old and has new challenges to face. The Jews of the community of Troyes, France, are busy preparing for Passover, but ever-present is their fear of Crusaders who have recently terrorized Jewish communities in Germany. In addition, Jewish children in the town are becoming ill from an unknown disease. Finally, a family that was forcibly baptized in Germany has sought refuge in Troyes under the protection of Elvina’s illustrious grandfather. Elvina befriends Columba, a Jewish girl from the family that is being ostracized by the community. Medieval superstitions and healing are woven into the novel. But most of all, we learn how one person can make a difference through her courage and determination. With a varied cast of characters and an action-packed plot, Elvina’s Mirror will keep the young reader’s interest from beginning to end. 2009, Jewish Publication Society, Ages 11 to 16, $14.00. Reviewer: Anne Dublin (Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter, May/June 2009 (Vol. 28, No. 4)).
ISBN: 978-0-8276-0885-6
ISBN: 0-8276-0885-3
Naomi's Song
Selma Silverberg
Life in ancient Judea is precarious for women, widows, slaves, foreigners, and anyone who lacks property or family protection. In addition, there are the dangers of drought, famine, stoning, wild animals, childbirth, child sacrifice, severe weather, and attacks by Amalakites. A midrash based on the Book of Ruth, this work of historical fiction adds depth and personality to the story of Naomi, her husband Elimelek, and their Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth. Naomi and Ruth are models of great character, courage, loyalty, and intelligence as they make their way following their husbands’ deaths through a “beautiful yet hostile world” several generations after the Exodus from Egypt. The story raises many questions about the legal status of women in their situation. For example, why is Naomi not protected by a ketubah? Why will Naomi be destitute even though she can inherit her father’s land? Why is a Moabite woman who “converts” to Judaism treated so poorly by her fellow Jews? Despite this possible confusion in the mind of the reader, Naomi’s Song is an enjoyable novel that includes adventure, history, and romance. According to the publisher, the book “contains some mature content.” 2009, The Jewish Publication Society, Ages 11 to 16, $14.00. Reviewer: Susan Berson (Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter, May/June 2009 (Vol. 28, No. 4)).
ISBN: 978-0-8276-0886-3
ISBN: 0-8276-0886-1
The Other Half of Life: A Novel Based on the True Story of the MS St. Louis
Kim Ablon Whitney
Kim Whitney has written a valuable and engaging story of events as they may have occurred aboard a ship filled with Jews fleeing from Nazi Germany. Based upon the true story of the MS St. Louis, the story takes place after Kristallnacht and follows closely the fateful voyage of over 900 passengers who are bound for Cuba. The ship is eventually turned away at several countries’ ports, and forced to return to a few European cities that will shortly be under Nazi domination. We follow fifteen-year-old Thomas, whose father has been sent to Dachau, and whose non-Jewish mother places him on the ship for safety. During the voyage, Thomas meets many interesting characters, including the German crew members and an official in the Nazi party. The characters and plot are very believable. The reader is at once sympathetic with the situation and drawn into the plot. Thomas’s personality is driven by curiosity, distrust, and perception, and he uses these traits to survive. I recommend this book to synagogue and day school libraries, for it adds to the understanding of one tragic event of the Holocaust. 2009, Alfred A Knopf/Random House, Ages 10 up, $16.99. Reviewer: Tammy Gerson (Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter, May/June 2009 (Vol. 28, No. 4)).
ISBN: 978-0-3758-5219-0
So Punk Rock (and Other Ways to Disappoint Your Mother)
Micol Ostow
Ari Abramson dreams of being in a punk rock band because guys in bands get girls like Sari Horowitz. At least that is what Ari hopes. He recruits his musically challenged but charismatic best friend, Jonas, to play bass and manages to convince two siblings who actually have some musical talent--drummer Yossi and singer Reena--to join as well. All four teens go to Leo R. Gittleman Jewish Day School together. The setting is key, as Ari and his friends define themselves by their culture. The band actually has a few semi-successful gigs before internal conflicts wreak havoc, someone else gets Sari, and the band breaks up. In the aftermath, Ari finds real love, starts to open up to his parents, and gains some direction in his life. The characters are stock--self-absorbed Jonas, smart-cookie-who-Ari-should-like Reena, heart-and-soul-of-the-group Yossi, looking-for-his-way Ari. The story is simple, predictable, and mildly fun. There are a few pages of comic art interspersed throughout the book. The art is charming, simple black-and-white line drawings, but the reasons for inclusion are curious because they do nothing to move the story along. Still for teens who love music and dream of being in a band, this novel might be a pleasant way to pass a rainy afternoon. VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P J S G (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Graphic Novel Format). 2009, Flux/Llewellyn, 264p., $9.95 Trade pb. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Geri Diorio (VOYA, August 2009 (Vol. 32, No. 3)).
ISBN: 978-0-7387-1471-4
ISBN: 0-7387-1471-2
Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba
Margarita Engle
This novel in verse is told primarily in two voices: that of thirteen-year old Daniel, a Jewish refugee who flees Germany on a boat to Cuba in 1939, and of Paloma, a local Cuban girl who is eager to help Daniel and other refugees. Despite their differences, Daniel and Paloma become friends, each with their own secrets, which they eventually trust one another enough to share. Daniel dares to hope he will see his parents again. His new discoveries: the Spanish language, tropical fruit, dancing, Carnival music, are juxtaposed against his longing for the life and family he was forced to leave behind. Paloma dares to dream of one day being a dancer like the mother who abandoned her. She also longs to confront her father about getting rich selling visas to refugees and working as an agent for the Cuban authorities. Just when Daniel is starting to feel safe in Cuba, a campaign is launched to arrest all Christian refugees under suspicion of being Nazi spies. Paloma and Daniel hide one such refugee, Mark, and his Jewish wife Miriam. Daniel finds solace in helping this couple, as well as in mentoring a young refugee with his same name and shared interest in music. By the end of this beautifully written story, the reader is filled with hope for a brighter future for Daniel and the others who escaped the Nazi regime. 2009, Henry Holt and Company, Ages 9 to 12, $16.99. Reviewer: Miriam Chernick (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8936-3
ISBN: 0-8050-8936-5
Whispers from the Ghettos
Kathy Kacer and Sharon McKay
Just when you thought there was not much more compelling information about the Holocaust, there comes this book; a series of short vignettes detailing children’s and young adult’s experiences during that brief period of time between the assignment of a ghetto and actual deportation to one of the concentration camps. For all of these children, the grim realization that their parents could not effect a stop to the shocking march of deprivation and the threat of ugly death seems to have brought out a kind of fierce protectiveness at once profoundly admirable and deeply touching. The astonishing acts of courage and self--preservation consequent to the untenable situations into which these children were forced are all the more remarkable because these children were unarmed, ill-fed, senselessly betrayed and acting entirely on their own. Some chose to accompany their parents to the camps even when they could have saved themselves. Some did save themselves, on their parents’ orders. Others did what they could, like the young mechanic’s apprentice who secretly poured just enough acid into Nazi vehicle motors to guarantee their failure. All of those whose stories appear in this volume survived the war and went on to live their lives as best they could. A number of them wrote of their individual experiences and were published. However, the attraction of this collection is its breadth of geographic and national contexts. These youths were from different countries and different backgrounds. The one unifying factor is that they were singled out for being Jewish; nothing else. The one thing over which they had no control was what condemned them to the camps, and it condemned them regardless of their faith, their philosophy, and in many cases, even their parents. As a personal follow-up to the story of the confiscation and destruction of Chava Rosenfarb’s early writings by a Kapo at Auschwitz, Ms. Rosenfarb was granted a Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Lethbridge in 2006. She was also the keynote speaker for the same graduation ceremony. The day happened to be my daughter’s graduation and I sat in the audience as Chava told her story. When she finished, there was not a dry eye in the house and she was given three standing ovations. After the ceremony, I introduced myself to her and said my daughter was graduating, to which she responded with genuine warmth and kindness that it must be wonderful to have one’s daughter graduate from University. For Chava, her university was the Lodz ghetto and Auschwitz. 2009, Puffin Books/Penguin Group, Ages 11 up, $13.99. Reviewer: Lesley Little (Resource Links, February 2009 (Vol. 14, No. 3)).
ISBN: 978-0-14-331251-2
ISBN: 0-14-331251-0
Who Was Sandy Koufax?
Jonah Winter
Illustrated by André Carrilho
Koufax was “the greatest lefty who ever pitched in the game of baseball.” In a breezy, conversational style, Winter begins his story with Koufax’s youth as “a whiz at every sport he ever played.” Growing up Jewish in Brooklyn, however, he was supposed to be a doctor or lawyer. Invited to pitch for the Dodgers, Koufax proves himself to be unfortunately unpredictable. The Dodgers move to Los Angeles; Koufax leaves, returns, and finally becomes an ace. From 1961-1966, although his elbow swells painfully, he keeps throwing strikes. He becomes a hero to American Jews when he refuses to pitch on a High Holy Day. Then, he surprises everyone by retiring “at the peak of his game.” Winter celebrates Koufax as both a private person and baseball legend. Carrilho uses chiefly black and white colors, accented with some blue and splashes of gold, to illustrate the dramatic events in Koufax’s evolution. The not-completely-naturalistic illustrations were created in graphite on paper with color and texture added in Adobe Photoshop are as anecdotal as the text. For example, the single image of a baseball uniform shirt fills the page facing an illustration of Koufax surrounded by microphones as he announced his retirement. Or we are shown a double-page spread resembling a set of “how-he-does-it” illustrations about his style of pitching, using multiple images and lines representing the path of pitched balls. The lenticular cover is created with a plastic sheet using ridges. Three images are digitally sliced and printed on the sheet, with lenses allowing you to see only one at a time, so they move as the cover is manipulated. Additional facts are included in boxes throughout the text. There is also a glossary and a list of online resources. 2009, Schwartz & Wade/Random House Children’s Books, Ages 5 to 9, $17.99. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-375-83738-8
ISBN: 978-0-375-93738-5
ISBN: 0-375-93738-2
The Yankee at the Seder
Elka Webe
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Elka Weber recounts an intriguing true tale about connecting despite differences. When the Civil War ends, 10-year-old Jacob is angry with the Yankees that now patrol the Virginia streets. In fact, one even stops at his porch and asks for a bit of matzoh. Jacob’s mother quickly invites the young corporal, named Myer Levy, to their seder. Amidst the shared rituals and recounting of the story of Moses and the captive Israelites, Myer explains his view of Passover as a holiday based on “how no man wants to be a slave and about how wonderful it is to be free.” The former Confederate family reflects on his words. A year later, they resonate even more powerfully with young Jacob when the soldier, returned home to Philadelphia, sends a special gift. Rich in period detail, the accompanying oil paintings by Adam Gustavson portray the characters trying to respect differences, celebrate similarities and honor their common humanity. 2009, Tricycle Press/Random House, Ages 7 to 10, $16.99. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-5824-6256-1
ISBN: 1-5824-6256-9
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Updated 08/24/2009.
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