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”
Tag Archives: jewish literature
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”
Jodi Picoult’s The Storyteller
The Storyteller is a deeply personal novel whose story revolves around a grieving woman and her gradual realization of the depth of her family’s past. The main character, Sage, is a professional baker and introvert who has encountered increasing difficulty forging relationships, both romantic and friendly. She finally starts to open up to an elderlyContinue reading “Jodi Picoult’s The Storyteller”
Sara Lesley Arnold 