2007 Noteworthy Jewish Books for Children & Teens

Presented by Heidi Estrin, Association of Jewish Libraries
August 30, 2007

Abraham’s Search for God by Jacqueline Jules, Kar-Ben 2007, Preschool-Grade 3
A picture book version of the midrash on how young Abraham rejects idol worship and realizes that there is One God who created the world.

The Bedtime Sh’ma: A Goodnight Book by Sarah Gershman, EKS 2007, Preschool-Grade 2
A gentle and sweet bedtime meditation on the sh’ma prayer and its meaning, with an accompanying CD of relaxing music.

The Castle on Hester Street by Linda Heller, Simon & Schuster 2007, Preschool-Grade 3
This classic Sydney Taylor Book Award winner has been reillustrated by Boris Kulikov. The new pictures are full-color and more zany than the old. Worth getting, but don’t throw out the old one – both are good in different ways.

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur by Deborah Heiligman, National Geographic 2007,
K-Grade 3
Part of a National Geographic nonfiction picture book series on holidays around the world, illustrated with amazing multicultural photos. Simple but meaningful explanation of the holidays. Series also includes Chanukah and Passover.

Cures for Heartbreak by Margot Rabb, Delacorte/Random 2007, Grades 8-adult
A poignant, funny, sad, hopeful novel about a teenage girl whose mother dies suddenly of cancer. The family is Jewish but not very observant, and the Jewish content is minimal, but it’s very well written, and it’s based on the author’s own life.

Ethan, Suspended by Pamela Ehrenberg, Eerdmans 2007, Grades 6-8
Ethan Oppenheimer gets in trouble and is sent to live with his grandparents and go to school in their inner city DC neighborhood for a while. His grandparents are the only Jews and the only white people left in the area, and the experience of being in the minority helps Ethan learn and grow. Jewish content in this chapter book is subtle but interesting.

Five Little Gefiltes by dave horowitz, Putnam 2007, Preschool-Grade 1
A hilarious picture book take-off of the “Five Little Ducks” song with strong Yiddishe flavor and a New York backdrop. A really fun way to introduce kids to Yiddish vocabulary and culture.

The Golden Dreydl by Ellen Kushner, Charlesbridge 2007, Grades 3-5
A Jewish version of the Nutcracker, in which a girl has a magical adventure in a dream. Honestly, I don’t like this book. I thought it was poorly written and silly. BUT, it came from a radio drama and you can get the CD “The Golden Dreydl: Klezmer Nutcracker for Chanukah” performed by the Shirim Klezmer Orchestra, and personally I think that is really fun.

Hanukkah Moon by Deborah da Costa, Kar Ben 2007, Preschool-Grade 2
Isobel spends Hanukkah at Aunt Luisa’s, and learns some things about her own Mexican-Jewish heritage as they welcome la luna nueva, the new moon that appears on Hanukkah. A quiet, pleasant picture book, especially nice for celebrating Hispanic Jewry.

Hitler’s Canary by Sandi Toksvig, Roaring Brook 2007, Grades 6-Adult
Beautifully written novel of the Danish Resistance during WWII. It feels like one of those old fashioned books that was not written for a specific age group, but was just written to tell an amazing story. Based on family experiences of the author.

Houdini the Handcuff King by Jason Lutes & Nick Bertozzi, Hyperion 2007, Grades 4-Adult
A tightly-told story in graphic novel format, depicting Houdini’s “Bridge Jump” escape. The story touches upon Houdini’s Jewish identity.

Light by Jane Breskin Zalben, Dutton 2007, K-Grade 3
One of the few picture books to address the concept of tikkun olam. Zalben uses semi-abstract art to show the midrash about a beginning-of-the-world vessel of light breaking, and how humans are continually gathering light and repairing the world. A bit vaguely told, but could be a good springboard for discussion with kids.

A Mezuzah on the Door by Amy Meltzer, Kar Ben 2007, Preschool-Grade 2
A young city boy feels lonely in his new suburban house until his family holds a Hanukkat Habayit, a dedication and mezuzah-hanging party for their new home. Sweet picture book, which does a good job of showing the significance of the mezuzah.

My Cousin Tamar Lives in Israel by Michelle Abraham, URJ Press 2007, Preschool-Grade 1
Disappointingly only available in softcover, but highly useful for early childhood lessons on Israel. A boy compares his own holiday celebrations in America with his cousin’s experiences of those same holidays in Israel.

Papa Jethro by Deborah Bodin Cohen, Kar Ben 2007, Preschool-Grade 2
A little Jewish girl whose grandfather is Christian asks him why they are different, and he tells her the story of Jethro, Moses’s non-Jewish father-in-law, and of Jethro’s loving relationship with his Jewish grandson Gershom. A sweet story that addresses interfaith issues sensitively.

The Secret of Preist’s Grotto: A Holocaust Survival Story by Peter Lane Taylor, Kar Ben 2007,
Grades 5-9
Excellent high-interest nonfiction profusely illustrated with photos about a group of Ukranian Jewish families who survived the Holocaust by hiding in a cold, dark, damp cave for more than 344 days.

Someone Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf, Clarion 2007, Grades 4-6
A novel about a little-known Nazi plan to mold conquered Aryan-looking children into model German citizens. Milada, a blond, blue-eyed Czech girl, struggles to remember her true identity when is taken from her family and renamed Eva. Not exactly Jewish content, but relevant within Holocaust fiction collections.

Strange Relations by Sonya Levitin, Knopf 2007, Grades 7-12
Teenaged Marne travels to Hawaii to spend the summer with her mother’s semi-estranged sister. Aunt Chaya (formerly Carole) has married a Chabad rabbi and become very observant while Marne’s family is very assimilated. An unusual and interesting novel about identity, growth, and acceptance.

Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood by Ibtisam Barakat, FSG 2007, Grades 7-12
A sensitive memoir of the author’s childhood during the Six Day War and its aftermath. The child’s-eye view makes the events more personal than political, and the dedication shows an open attitude: “To Alef, the letter that begins the alphabets of both Arabic and Hebrew—two Semitic languages, sisters for centuries. May we find the language that takes us to the only home there is—one another’s hearts.” Beautifully written.

Ten Good Rules: A Counting Book by Susan Remick Topeck, Kar Ben 2007, Preschool
This classic picture book of the ten commandments has been reillustrated with photographs of real preschool children enacting scenes that illustrate each rule. Lively and colorful, a great update.

What Makes Someone a Jew? By Lauren Seidman, Jewish Lights 2007, Preschool-Grade 2
Simple statements and colorful multicultural photographs help children to understand that Jewish identity is diverse. This picture book is a good starting point for discussion.

Meeting Minutes: August 30, 2007

Minutes of August 30, 2007 meeting, David Posnack Hebrew High School, Plantation. I) Heidi called the meeting to order at 12:30pm. Judith Jagoda was thanked for hosting the meeting and lunch.

II) Heidi introduced the guest editor program for the chapter newsletter. She explained that the editor selects the content and photos to be included in each issue. Microsoft Publisher or Word may be used then saved as a PDF. The deadline for the next four issues are September 30, 2007; December 31, 2007; February 4, 2008; March 31, 2008. Members present suggested sections on new authors, highlights of new members, book reviews and programs. The next issue will be guest edited jointly by Judith Jagoda and Edith Sherman. Please email heidi@cbiboca.org if you are interested in guest editing a future issue!

III) Heidi then spoke of the AJL convention this past June in Scottsdale, AZ. She distributed photos of SFAJL members who attended and of members of the Sydney Taylor Book Award committee, as well as some featured authors. Other members shared their impression of convention. At the convention, Heidi did a presentation about her podcast, “The Book of Life,” which can be accessed by Internet http://www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com or by telephone 916-313-3820.

IV) Arlene Ritholtz, Judaica book dealer, spoke of her used book exchange program which she calls Book Bubbe. She buys, sells and trades used Jewish books. You can contact her at bookbubbe@att.net or 561-369-7666 if you have books to get rid of. Heidi also distributed information on Better World Books which accepts discards, sells them, and provides money back to the donor as well as to literary charities. More info at www.betterworldbooks.com.

V) Heidi then discussed a number of new Jewish children's books. See the list here. She added that JPS now has a speaker’s bureau. Contact Arielle Levites for info at ALevites@Jewishpub.org.

VI) Lee Wixman suggested having a regional AJL meeting for all Florida members. Orlando would be a central location so members from northern, central and west Florida could meet with members of SFAJL and the Sarasota chapter.

The next meeting will be at Touro College South in Miami Beach. Heidi is planning a museum tour at 10:15 that morning before the meeting which is close to the museum. She reminded members to renew for the current year ($15) and that the group address is

Meeting Minutes: April 23, 2007

Minutes of April 23, 2007 meeting, Donnal Klein Jewish Academy, Boca Raton.

Present: Sandy Birch, Rita Cimbal, Barbara Cooper, Paula Dropkin, Lorelei Ennis, Heidi Estrin, Jackie Fine, Etta Gold, Phyllis Gutmann, Sue Kirschner, Diane Malakoff, Laurie Mitrani, Lillian Nadler, Kassie Okularczyk, Sheree Pollock, Art Quinn, Annette Rindner, Arlene Robert, Rabbi Tobias Rothenberg, Sara Schandelson, Stephanie Schoenberger, Brenda & Jeff Serotte, Walter Spielman, Arlene & Harry Stein, Ruth Weiner, Lee Wixman

I) Heidi called the meeting to order at 12:30pm. Phyllis Gutmann and Stephanie Schoenberger were thanked for hosting the meeting and lunch.

II) Heidi distributed flyers for an April 27 event at Nova Southeastern University, the 20th Conference on Children's Literature. The event is free and sponsored by Broward County Library. Eric Kimmel, author of many Jewish books, is one of the featured speakers. Heidi also said that the chapter has T-shirts for sale through printfection.com/sfajl for $12 plus shipping.

III) Etta spoke about AJL convention networking opportunities with other librarians. Jonathan Kirsch will be keynote speaker. Heidi interviewed Mr. Kirsch and the interview is available on The Book of Life podcast, April 2007 episode, at www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com.

IV) Heidi asked for feedback and possible hosts for the next year's meetings. Some members expressed interest in hosting and made suggestions for future programs. Also, support for another joint meeting with the AJL chapter on the Gulf coast of Florida was expressed.

V) Heidi introduced the speaker, Brenda Serotte, author of a memoir, The Fortune Teller's Kiss. Brenda spoke about her childhood experiences in Turkey and growing up in the Bronx.

VI) Lee Wixman spoke of a book he reviewed and highly recommended called Witness by Ruth Gruber. It is non-fiction and a history of the Jewish people from 1944 to present. Lee also said he arranged displays of Passover Haggadahs at branches of the Palm Beach County Public Library System in Delray Beach and Boca Raton.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:50pm.

Meeting Minutes: March 21, 2007

Minutes of March 21, 2007 meeting, Greenfield Day School, Miami. Minutes recorded by Art Quinn.

Present: Kathleen Clotfelter, Steve Davidson, Heidi Estrin, Inez Feingold, Jackie Fine, Etta Gold, Phyllis Gutmann, Phyllis Levy, Art Quinn

I) Heidi called the meeting to order at 12:15pm. Jackie Fine was thanked for hosting the meeting and lunch. Heidi shared that the book, The Castle on Hester Street by Linda Heller is being re-illustrated and passed around a galley. She added that the Publications Committee of AJL needs assistance and to contact Debbie Stern if you think you might like to volunteer. Kathleen Clotfelter talked about a tolerance workshop sponsored by ADL that had been very helpful at her school (A World of Difference). She suggested that it was very relevant considering the theme of the exhibit we were touring at the JCC museum at the end of the meeting.

II) Heidi promoted attendance at the AJL convention which takes place June 17-20 this year in Scottsdale, Arizona. She distributed forms to register for convention and to apply for a travel grant. The 2008 convention will be in Cleveland, and 2009 will be in Chicago.

III) An announcement was passed out about Broward County Library's annual Children's Literature Conference on April 27. One of the featured authors is Eric Kimmel who has written many Jewish children's books.

IV) Phyllis Levy asked for clarification on using the Google group for e-mail replies. Heidi said that a reply will go to the entire group, and that for private messages users should not hit "reply" but should email the individual separately. Phyllis added that her congregation is holding a Seder April 3 that is open to the community. Jackie Fine talked about her Greenie Award program which awards a favorite book selected by each grade in the school by the children. Etta said that children had an activity to create their own book covers for their favorite books for the BABBA Award at Beth Am. Heidi brought duplicate books for members to take. Steve Davidson was introduced as a new member from Touro South in Miami Beach.

V) The meeting concluded with a tour of "Tolerance Through Picture Books: Every Picture Tells a Story," an exhibit at the Alper JCC, next to Greenfield School. The next meeting will be at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton on Monday April 23.

Meeting Minutes: January 15, 2007

January 15, 2007, Special Joint Meeting with West Coast Florida AJL, Temple Shalom, Naples
Minutes were taken by Judith Jagoda.

Present: Sandy Birch, Robin Coller, Lorelei Ennis, Heidi Estrin, Judy Feldman, Sylvia Firschein, Sheila Fleischer, Sol Friedman, Frank Hemphill, Joan Hood, Judith Jagoda, Harriet Perer, Ava Phillips, Saresta Rolland, Barbara Shur

This special joint meeting took place on January 15, Martin Luther King Day, at Temple Shalom in Naples. It was an easy ride for those of us who went from Dade and Broward. 15 members attended, 7 from the east coast, 8 from the west. Our host was Frank Hemphill the librarian of Temple Shalom in Naples.

Our meeting began with a D'var Torah given by Norm Keivasha, President of the Temple. He chose a passage from the parsha of three weeks ago about Jacob finding out that Joseph is alive and their meeting, in which Jacob says,"I see your face and you are yet alive." He explained that even though Jacob knew Joseph was alive when he went to see him what he actually meant was that he could look into Joseph's eyes and see that in his heart he is still a Jew and has not been converted by his experiences. How important it is to remain Jews in our hearts regardless of the temptations and trials we face.

Our agenda included a lovely lunch, open discussions regarding common issues in libraries; Heidi gave out the list of winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award winning titles (for Jewish children's and teen books) and explained how the book award process works. These books are recommended for both secular and non-secular libraries. The list is available online at www.SydneyTaylorBookAward.org.

Heidi's Podcast "The Book of Life" can be found at www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com Do yourselves a favor and listen to them; they are excellent. [This is a "radio show" available via Internet, all about Jewish books and music.]

We spent some time discussing difficulties of our profession. One common problem that affects us as librarians is the under-use of our materials. Librarians spend a great deal of time keeping their shelves stocked with the newest and best books available and very few books seem to get circulated. This seems to be especially true in the temple libraries. School libraries, just by their location, have larger reeadership as they serves the research needs of students and faculty. Each library holds activities to bring readers in.

Another discussion came up about Ex-president Jimmy Carter's new book and whether or not it has a place in our libraries since it is so obviously pro-Palestinian. The consensus seemed to feel that it would make for a great discussion group if paired with works of the opposite and in our minds more accurate view.

Inter-library borrowing was another subject: would it work, how this would be done, what are the pros and cons of this type of project. Frank Hemphill is going to research this and keep us apprised of the possibilities.

A great film recently shown on PBS titled; "Anti Semitism in the 21st Century" is being released next week and is available for purchase from PBS or Two Cat Productions. The film runs for 1 hour and is perfect for use in classrooms.

Hasafran is a library listserv on the AJL website. A good source of information, answers, guidance and since it's the national site, ideas from many places.

"FLAcat" is the Site of the Florida State Library system and has an extensive photo gallery.

The meeting adjourned at 2:30.