Honor Jewish tradition by studying Jewish books with Jewish important characters! These fictional children’s books fill a much-needed hole in youngsters’s literature as a result of there simply hasn’t been sufficient Jewish illustration…and I’m blissful to see this physique of literature rising in amount with high-quality books in regards to the Jewish tradition, faith, and heritage.
This listing of books with Jewish important characters will enable you to uncover distinctive picture books and middle grade books with compelling writing, intriguing tales, and memorable characters. When you’re not Jewish, you’ll be taught extra about your Jewish mates and neighbors. In case you are Jewish, you might even see your self represented in one in every of these Jewish books.
Jewish Books for Children with Jewish Major Characters
Image Books
Shabbat Shalom! by Douglas Florian, illustrated by Hannah Tolson
JEWISH RELIGION
Rhyming textual content reveals a household’s Shabbat traditions, together with lighting candles, praying, and sharing a meal. It’s a easy glimpse into this weekly Jewish spiritual celebration of Shabbat.
We Go to Shul by Douglas Florian, illustrated by Hannah Tolson
JEWISH RELIGION
When a Jewish household attends shul (temple) on Saturday, the Torah is learn and there may be singing and prayers. Illustrations present males sitting individually from ladies and the household strolling to and from shul.
Lilah Tov Good Night by Ben Gundersheimer (Mister G), illustrated by Noar Lee Naggan
IMMIGRATION
This light Hebrew lullaby that celebrates household, nature, and love reveals a household of three touring to a brand new residence. Lilah Tov, says the little lady, to the creatures and landscapes she passes together with roosters and hens, bears of their dens, bats of their caves and the seaside and the waves. Extraordinary. This may turn out to be a brand new bedtime favourite. Once they lastly arrive at their new, protected residence, the lady’s dad and mom tuck her into mattress. Lilah Tov, candy lady.
The Midnight Mitzvah written by Ruth Horowitz, illustrated by Jenny Meilihove
KINDNESS
You don’t wish to miss this good image e book about kindness towards others. A chipmunk named Hanina needs to assist others by doing a mitzvah. However one individual doesn’t need her assist, an older, proud squirrel named Mathilda. Can Hanina assist Mathilda with out embarrassing her? And what is going to she do when a predator owl sees her sneaking round at midnight?
Too Many Golems written by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Maya Shleifer
JEWISH MYTHOLOGY IN PRESENT DAY
Abi, the rabbi’s son, is just a little bit mischievous and at all times in bother. His newest antic is stealing a scroll from the synagogue basement. And he tries to say the phrases proper however little does he know that he’s summoning GOLEMS! Ten golems. The golems are often fighters, however for Abi, they assist Abit along with his Hebrew. By the point Abi has his bar mitzvah, his Hebrew is healthier than good! I LOVE this story for thus many causes– the infusion of Jewish faith and mythology, the mischievous Jewish important character, and the sweetness of useful monsters.
On Friday Afternoon A Shabbat Celebration written by Michal Babey, illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt
SHABBAT
Leelee and her canine Pickles race by way of the home consuming challah rolls whereas they “clear” the home for Shabbat. With three hours to go, they discover cash (and a sock) for Tzedakah, and so they make a specialbox for his or her loot. What else might they donate? However within the means of their search, they make a grape juice mess! Whoops. Now, there are solely two hours to go, in order that they mop, bathe, and costume. Then, they parade by way of the home and out the door, inviting neighbors over for Shabbat dinner. With ten minutes to go, everybody helps to choose up the home till lastly, it’s time to mild the candles. I really like this playful, festivity of Jewish religion and custom!
Challah Day! written by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Jason Kirschner
JEWISH FOOD
Make challah step-by-step with this little lady and her household. The illustrations, which I like SO MUCH, present each ingredient and step — from pouring flour to kneading, cleansing, braiding, and finally, lighting the candles for Shabbat and consuming the do-it-yourself challah. Yum! This can be a warmhearted, family-filled celebration of the Jewish custom of constructing challah bread. Again matter explains extra about challah, together with a recipe so you may make your personal.
Matzah Day! written by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Jason Kirschner
JEWISH HOLIDAY
With playful rhymes, this story reveals a household celebrating Pesach/Passover with matzah they bake after which eat at Sedar with completely different toppings. The illustrations are very cool — outsized components and small characters make you’re feeling such as you’re within the kitchen with the household. Again matter offers readers a matzah recipe and details about Passover and matzah.
Big Dreams, Small Fish by Paula Cohen
ENTREPRENEUR
Shirley and her household are Jewish immigrants with a retailer. Shirley needs to promote gefilte fish, however her dad and mom don’t suppose anybody will need it — so when Shirley helps out, she thinks of an modern concept! She offers it away so clients will see how yummy it’s– and so they do, they return for extra the following day. I really like all of the Yiddish phrases on this story.
Rivka’s Presents written by Laurie Wallmark, illustrated by Adelina Lirius
HISTORICAL FICTION / JEWISH MAIN CHARACTER
On this historic fiction image e book, Rivka advocates for her personal studying of letters and numbers, studying and addition, however since she will be able to’t go to high school as a result of her papa is sick with a long-term flu, Rivka asks native shopkeepers to show her. In return, she works at their retailers. When her papa is now not sick, Rivka is studying and in a position to go to high school for extra studying. This can be a warm-hearted story about schooling, neighborhood, and household.
Sharing Shalom written by Danielle Sharkan, illustrated by Selina Alko
ANTISEMITISM
With the rise of antisemitism all over the world, we want books like this one which present a Jewish lady struggling to be as happy with her beloved heritage as she was after somebody vandalized her synagogue. When Leila’s mates and neighbors, who’re all completely different colours, shapes, and sizes, assist restore what was damaged, it additionally repairs her coronary heart and helps her be proud to be Jewish once more. For present and inform, she teaches her classmates methods to write “shalom” in Hebrew.
The Bagel King by Andrew Larsen
JEWISH CULTURAL TRADITIONS
Regardless of the season or climate, Zaida brings bagels from Merv’s Bakery to Eli’s home on Sundays. They usually have been one of the best factor about Sunday! However when Zaida falls, he can’t ship bagels to Eli or his mates. That’s okay. Eli is aware of simply what to do…he goes to the bakery himself. A glossary within the again defines the Yiddish phrases.
Chik Chak Shabbat by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Krysten Brooker
SHABBAT
Every week, Goldie cooks cholent for Shabbat and invitations her neighbors to share within the meal. However one week, she’s too sick to cook dinner, so her neighbors maintain the meals for the Shabbat meal. It’s a narrative of a loving neighborhood and hospitality.
Shoshi’s Shabbat by Caryn Yacowitz, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
JEWISH STORY
When her first proprietor retires, he sells his ox Shoshi. However Shoshi’s new proprietor doesn’t observe Shabbat, the day of relaxation, and might’t perceive why his cussed ox gained’t work. When he sees his neighbor and grandchildren resting on Shabbat, he realizes that his ox may be smarter than he’s. So as an alternative of working seven days every week, his ox teaches him that they each can take a day of relaxation.
The Melody by Oded Burla, illustrated by Assaf Benharroch
TRADITIONAL JEWISH STORY
As soon as there was a melody that searched the world for somebody to hearken to it. Ultimately, he finds a mom and child, and the melody turns into a lullaby. This can be a Jewish custom of educating the Torah to the following technology to maintain the melody alive.
Soosie The Horse that Saved Shabbat by Tami Lehman-Wilzig, illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt
SHABBAT
You’ll love this candy story of a horse that delivers the challah bread when the supply boy is sick. Jacob drives throughout city with Soosie the cart horse delivering challah bread for Shabat. However when Jacob arrives on the bakery for his deliveries too sick to work, Esther and Jacob know simply what to do — ship Soosie with the bread and a be aware. Will it work? Sure! Individuals pay for his or her bread into Soosie’s tin and he or she makes it again residence safely.
The Boston Chocolate Party by Tami Lehman-Wilzig and Rabbi Deborah R. Prinz, illustrated by Fede Combi
REVOLUTIONARY WAR / HANUKKAH
Joshua’s papa imports chocolate beans and introduces scorching chocolate to colonial Boston retailers, hoping it could possibly substitute the costly tea from England. And the Bostonians find it irresistible! Joshua proposes a scorching chocolate cafe to assist his buddy Issac’s household earn cash. Then, the 2 households rejoice Janucá, the Spanish phrase for Hanukkah, along with their very own Boston Chocolate Occasion. I really like this candy story, the completely different perspective of colonial life than we often learn, and the Jewish illustration! Again matter explains extra in regards to the Boston Tea Occasion, Hanukkah, the primary Jews within the Americas, and colonial scorching chocolate.
Center Grade Jewish Books with Jewish Major Characters
Lola Levine Is Not Mean by Monica Brown
REALISTIC (CHAPTER BOOK, ages 7 – 10)
Second-grade soccer-loving Lola, daughter of a Peruvian mother and Jewish dad, is misunderstood. I beloved the range and the life like subjects of life and taking part in sports activities –so many youngsters will be capable of relate to this charming story. See additionally: Lola Levine: Drama Queen.
Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz
REALISTIC
On a tenting journey, the camper catches fireplace, confining Dani to a wheelchair with months of PT appointments forward. She’s indignant that she gained’t get to play on the boys’ baseball workforce. Her greatest buddy Eric worries that the hearth is his fault if he forgot to show off the range. When he confesses to Dani his worries, it ruins their friendship. Dani’s new buddy calls Eric a loser and bullies him on social media whereas Eric tries to sort things. I beloved this distinctive plot of relatable friendship woes! This can be a memorable story of friendship, rising up, and forgiveness.
All of Me by Chris Baron
REALISTIC / BODY IMAGE
Ari is bullied for being fats and Jewish. He hates being fats a lot that at some point, he hurts himself. After that day, his mother helps him begin a weight loss program. It really works to assist him drop a few pounds –but it surely doesn’t repair all the pieces. As Ari grows into himself, he’s supported by a sort rabbi who accepts him unconditionally, providing persistence and knowledge. Quickly, Ari realizes that he’s greater than his weight. This can be a transferring and highly effective story with coronary heart and hope.
Not Your All America Girl by Wendy Wan-Lengthy Shang and Madelyn Rosenberg
COMING OF AGE / RACISM / THEATER
Lauren, a lady with Jewish and Chinese language heritage, tries out for the college play however regardless of her expertise, she doesn’t get forged because the lead since she doesn’t look the a part of somebody all-American. Her greatest buddy Tara, who will not be as proficient, will get the main position as a result of she matches the look of a so-called American lady. The story is stuffed with each micro-aggressions and overt racism. Tara finds solace within the music of Patsy Cline and finds her voice.
Get a Grip Vivy Cohen by Sarah Kapit
REALISTIC
Vivy is a lady on the autism spectrum who loves baseball, significantly pitching knuckleballs. The e book is written as letters (epistolary) and emails between Vivy and her favourite baseball participant, VJ Capello. Vivy writes to VJ all about attending to play on a workforce in addition to making her first buddy, pitching, and getting bullied by the coach’s son. When she will get hit within the head with a ball and her mother gained’t let her play anymore. How can she persuade her mother to vary her thoughts when her mother gained’t pay attention and Vivy will get overwhelmed with communication simply?
How To Find What You’re Not Looking For by Veera Hiranandani
HISTORICAL FICTION
Written in the second person, this story places you within the middle of a historic fiction e book a few Jewish lady named Ariel whose older sister falls in love and runs away to marry a Hindu boy after the Loving vs. Virginia verdict. Ariel misses her sister terribly however her dad and mom refuse to speak about her or let Ariel have her sister’s contact data. In the meantime, Ariel’s trainer thinks she has a learning disability known as dysgraphia. Ariel’s mother refuses to hearken to the trainer, triggered by her personal experiences of a particular ed classroom. Although Ariel struggles with writing, her trainer encourages her to write down poetry to specific her emotions and to strive the typewriter. As she learns to do each, Ariel finds the braveness to search for her sister and assist reunite her household. It’s a stupendous story impressed by the writer’s household historical past of affection, household, forgiveness, and rising up — you’ll find it irresistible.
Across So Many Seas written by Ruth Behar
HISTORICAL FICTION
I really like this profoundly transferring, attractive generational story that begins with a 12-year-old lady’s Sephardic Jewish household forcibly leaving Spain. It continues with one other technology in Turkey, the place this 12-year-old lady is disowned and despatched to Cuba for an organized marriage. When the following technology of 12-year-old women faces Fidel’s revolutionary violence, the daughter is shipped to the USA for security. The thread uniting this household is one in every of religion, music, Ladino language, and love. Don’t miss this gem!
Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II written by Adam Gitwitz
HISTORICAL FICTION
Max is a super-smart Jewish boy dwelling in Germany throughout World Struggle II. He loves his household and tinkering with radios. Then, his dad and mom ship Max to security on the Kindertransport. He’s joined by two personality-filled (grumpy) legendary creatures, a dybbuk and a kobold, dwelling on his shoulders. As soon as in England, Max’s sole focus is returning to Germany to assist his dad and mom. His intelligent techniques impress the British spies, and the federal government agrees to recruit Max if he can go their rigorous spy coaching. Good, thrilling, and humorous!
Sky Full of Song by Susan Lynn Meyer
HISTORICAL FICTION
Following her father and brother, Shoshana, her mother, and her siblings flee Jewish persecution in Ukraine for North Dakota in 1905. They transfer right into a mud home on the plains. Being Jewish isn’t at all times accepted, even on this new land…the shop house owners gained’t give them credit score and their neighbors can’t think about why the household isn’t Christian. At college, Shoshana needs to slot in a lot that she agrees to take part within the Christmas actions. Her sister Libke is livid at Shoshana’s habits and insists they worth their language, Yiddish, and keep in mind their heritage. Shoshana sees that she should settle for herself as a Jewish lady, even when others don’t. Good writing and vital historical past.
Recipe for Disaster by Aimee Lucido
REALISTIC
A heart-warming story about household, religion, forgiveness, and studying to outline your self as an alternative of letting others outline you. Hannah, a lady who loves cooking and food, needs to determine what being Jewish means…and have her bat mitzvah. Since her mother forbids her to be Jewish, her Grandma helps her secretly research the Torah along with her Aunt Yael, a rabbi and the estranged sister of Hannah’s mom. As she pursues her classes, different issues aren’t going nicely in her life…her dad and brother argue on a regular basis, her BFF dumps her, and her new buddy Vee experiences anti-Semitism graffiti on her home. Finally, Hannah will use all of those experiences to find who she is and who she needs to be on the planet. And also you’ll love Hannah’s insights into relationships along with her distinctive recipes equivalent to “Recipe for a She-ra” and “Recipe for a Finest Friendship.”
Sweep by Jonathan Auxier
MAGICAL REALISM
Set in Victorian London, it is a lovely, bittersweet story a few plucky lady and her protector golem. Nan works for a merciless chimney sweep. When one other sweep tries to burn Nan alive, a charcoal golem emerges to save lots of her. She and her protector golem, Char, discover a new place to stay however should keep vigilant so her previous grasp doesn’t discover them. On their very own, they’re helped by a avenue boy and a sort Jewish trainer with belief, love, and friendship rising slowly.
The Gray by Chris Baron
REALISTIC / ANXIETY / MENTAL HEALTH
Chris Baron packs numerous significant themes and subjects into this hopeful, complicated story about psychological well being, abuse, loss of life, Jewish knowledge, friendship, bullying, and household. Sasha is a Jewish boy with extreme anxiousness, “the Grey” who’s staying at his aunt’s for the summer season. He’s bullied by a bunch of small-town youngsters however hires the city’s outcast, a child named Eli, as his bodyguard. Sasha practices his methods for the Grey, spends time along with his aunt and his two mates, and learns Krav Maga. Then, Sasha dangers a visit to the Grey when he searches for his lacking buddy Eli on horseback. This can be a hopeful, sophisticated story about self-love and acceptance.
Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack
HISTORICAL FANTASY
Set within the historic Turkic Jewish empire of Khazaria, Ziva’s beloved twin brother with leprosy continues to deteriorate. When she learns he’ll be taken away by her uncle to die elsewhere, she steals him away to seek for a remedy. Alongside their journey, they meet a half-demon boy who tells them a few legendary metropolis the place the Angel of Dying cannot enter. They journey towards town, and Ziva clings to the hope that town would be the reply to all the pieces. She’ll cut price and beg with Dying, however finally, she’ll have to just accept that in life, there at all times is loss of life.
When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler (ages 9 – 12)
HISTORICAL FICTION / WWII
Impressed by the writer’s household historical past, three mates from Vienna, Leo, Max, and Elsa, can’t think about the route their lives will take, separating them by battle, location, and beliefs. Leo and Elsa are Jewish, so their path consists of ghetto housing, escape for one in every of them and jail camp for the opposite. However Max will not be Jewish and his important purpose is to get the approval of his brutal Nazi father. To take action, he gladly pursues Nazi beliefs and actions, regardless of the nagging voice that reminds him that his mates aren’t “canine” or lower than human. The conclusion weaves collectively their tales in a heartbreaking, lovely ending that may go away you with quite a bit to debate about humanity, morality, hope, and love.
Aviva and the Dybbuk by Mari Lowe
REALISTIC
Of their Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, Aviva and her shut-in mother are struggling 5 years after the loss of life of her father. Her mother hardly ever will get off the bed, and there’s a mischievous dybbuk (spirit) inflicting bother –for which Aviva should at all times clear up. After a battle along with her former buddy at college, the women’ punishment is to work collectively to create a enjoyable Mitzvah exercise for moms and daughters. Fantastically written, it is a heartfelt story about grief and therapeutic.
Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar
HISTORICAL MEMOIR
After a horrible automotive accident, Ruthie’s whole physique is in a forged. She’s caught in mattress for months, then extra months, then over a 12 months with no tv (it’s 1960). In a narrative based mostly on the writer’s childhood, we see this hardship punctuated by a vibrant, caring neighbor, a loving college tutor, and a decided bodily therapist. Total, Ruthie feels gratitude that she didn’t die, even on her hardest days, but it surely’s a difficult time, to say the least, and one which I related to due to my daughter’s long-term sickness.
The Many Mysteries of the Finkle Family by Sarah Kapit
REALISTIC
Written in alternating views, autistic sisters Lara and Caroline share their experiences in center college and residential. Lara begins a detective company to analyze her dad’s dangerous meals and lack of ability to maintain a job. And her snooping goes a bit too far. In the meantime, her little sister, who’s non-verbal and makes use of a pc, makes a buddy in center college who encourages her to drag pranks. She feels horrible about doing them. Each women’ notice that for Yom Kippor, they’ll ask for atonement and make higher selections.
Magical Imperfect by Chris Baron
REALISTIC
After his mother leaves for a psychological hospital keep, Etan stops speaking. After college, he runs errands for a grocery retailer, and on one supply, he meets a lady named Malia, who has a pores and skin situation. She homeschools as a result of different youngsters name her “Creature.” Etan shares his immigrant grandfather’s particular clay from the Useless Sea with Malia, and it appears to assist her pores and skin. Etan encourages his new buddy Malia to carry out in a expertise present, however a devastating earthquake modifications their best-laid plans with ruinous plans of its personal. This heartfelt e book is a few friendship, religion, Jewish heritage, psychological well being, household, and variations, and it’s fantastically narrated in verse.
Golemcrafters written by Emi Watanabe Cohen
MAGICAL REALISM / HISTORICAL FICTION
Siblings Faye and Shiloh go to their grandfather, who teaches them to craft a Jewish protector golem out of clay and Hebrew letters. Shiloh is particularly gifted which makes her blissful at first. However when she and her brother journey into the previous, she experiences persecution of her ancestors time after time, experiencing harmful antisemitism. After Faye crafts a golem and he or she’s persecuted herself, she decides that she and her brother ought to keep quiet and good so they are going to be left alone. However her brother Shiloh needs to battle. Faye struggles with sufferer blaming (of herself) and understanding that she is going to at all times have her ancestors along with her irrespective of the struggles she faces. The pacing isn’t zippy however the story is price it.
All Three Stooges by Erica S. Perl
REALISTIC
I beloved the richness of this cultural perspective, particularly how the primary character interacts along with his Rabbi. Noah and Sprint have at all times beloved comedy — however when Sprint’s dad commits suicide, their friendship is shattered. The writer contrasts comedy with grief as Noah tries to make sense of what occurred.
Prince of Steel Pier by Stacy Nockowitz
HISTORICAL FICTION
It’s 1975, and Joey is a Jewish boy whose household owns a lodge in Atlantic Metropolis. He’s a bit sheltered and by accident will get concerned with some shady gangsters. The mob boss tells Joey to hang around along with his daughter whereas she visits for the summer season. However he’s requested to cover one thing precious, and as occasions unfold, he thinks about his Jewish religion, mendacity, legacy, and household. It’s a coming-of-age story with a robust atmospheric (New Jersey) setting.
A Ceiling Made of Eggshells by Gail Carson Levine
HISTORICAL FICTION
There aren’t many (any?) youngsters’s books written about this time interval in Spain through the Spanish flu and the Spanish Inquisition when Jews have been persecuted and compelled in a foreign country or killed. Loma is a tremendous good Jewish lady and a favourite of her abuelo, who advises the monarchy, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Set on this harmful time, we see Loma rising into herself whereas she’s abuelo’s touring companion. The pacing was a bit sluggishM however the historic data was very attention-grabbing.
Genius Under the Table by Eugene Yelchin
HISTORICAL MEMOIR
Rising up in Chilly Struggle Russia, Yevgeny’s Jewish household is crowded into one room of an condo housing many different households and a KBG spy, so he sleeps underneath the desk –and attracts underneath it, too. His mom works on the ballet and is obsessive about Baryshnikov and discovering Yevgeny’s expertise — which they uncover is artwork. Although their lives are stuffed with secrets and techniques and loss, Yevgeny finds happiness along with his household and his artwork.
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