Ripped Away transports readers to another time, when Jack the Ripper roamed the streets of London leaving community members frightened and suspicious of each other. And with those suspicions, antisemitic actions and accusations grew. We experience the story through the eyes of Abe and Mitzy, reluctant friends who find themselves transported from their middle schoolContinue reading “Ripped Away by Shirley Reva Vernick”
Author Archives: Sara Lesley Arnold
Chance: Escape From the Holocaust: Memories of a Refugee Childhood by Uri Shulevitz
It was amazing to get a chance to share in Uri Shulevitz‘s childhood memories in his recent memoir. Chance: Escape from the Holocaust. In the book, the prolific author and artist shares his family’s journey, struggling to survive and stay together. The family’s story is quite unique in that they were able to escape togetherContinue reading “Chance: Escape From the Holocaust: Memories of a Refugee Childhood by Uri Shulevitz”
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
You know that feeling you get when your body is telling you to close your eyes and go to sleep but your brain is entirely rapt by the book in your hands? This one’s like that. TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW, by Rachel Lynn Solomon, is a teen romance about Rowan and Neil, two high school rivals whose tauntsContinue reading “Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon”
Passover ideas anyone? Here’s what one of the largest Jewish cookbook collections in the world looks like…
One of the largest Jewish cookbook collections is right here in the United States– all housed at the New York Public Library. The NYPL shares everything about the collection on this LibGuide, where you can learn about its contents, the story of its development by the late Roberta Saltzman, and access the catalog, including searchingContinue reading “Passover ideas anyone? Here’s what one of the largest Jewish cookbook collections in the world looks like…”
No Vacancy by Tziporah Cohen
NO VACANCY (Groundwood Books, 2020), a middle grade novel by Tziporah Cohen, takes us through a budding friendship, a seemingly innocent ruse that fools a community, and an emotional journey that leads to a young girl’s realization of people’s differences and her first real connection to her Jewish identity. Miriam’s family moves from Manhattan toContinue reading “No Vacancy by Tziporah Cohen”
Miriam at the River by Jane Yolen and Khoa Le
Jane Yolen, who notably published her 400th book this month, earned Sydney Taylor accolades for one more in 2021: MIRIAM AT THE RIVER, illustrated by Khoa Le. In this picture book, Yolen tells the earliest part of the Passover story from Miriam’s point of view, in first person. The protagonist expresses her thoughts, hopes, andContinue reading “Miriam at the River by Jane Yolen and Khoa Le”
The Polio Pioneer – Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine
This biographical narrative of Dr. Jonas Salk, written by Linda Elovitz Marshall and illustrated by Lisa Anchin, was a delight to get on my doorstep; even after I ordered it, several colleagues recommended it as a must-read. The story of THE POLIO PIONEER is approachable and engaging, letting kids see themselves in the character ofContinue reading “The Polio Pioneer – Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine”
Anya and the Nightingale, by Sofiya Pasternack
Wondering how Jewish a middle grade fantasy book could possibly be, I turned to page one of Anya and the Nightingale. The first line read, “Anya’s sukkah was suspiciously lopsided,” referring to the temporary hut many Jews build for the fall holiday of Sukkot. Okay then! Jewish it is. (Turns out that Anya’s goat isContinue reading “Anya and the Nightingale, by Sofiya Pasternack”
Upcoming KidLit Features
Good news! We’re back with a renewed commitment to supporting Jewish publishing for children and teens. As a writer and librarian in Judaica, I am happy to share with you the latest in literature that connects Jewish kids and young adults with their heritage and family histories. Now more than ever, it’s vital for kidsContinue reading “Upcoming KidLit Features”
New reads at NMS Library
New new new!!
Sara Lesley Arnold 