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”
Tag Archives: jewish
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”
Temple Israel Community is Growing!
Happy to meet new families this morning, former members of Temple Israel Dover! Had the opportunity to introduce Hebrew School parents to the temple’s library programs, and the library was instantly hopping with activity! Welcome to you all. Thanks to the 7th grade class for putting up with all the activity during their movie time!Continue reading “Temple Israel Community is Growing!”
Make a Custom Haggadah Online
Passover is coming soon! Are you ready?? This resource lets you customize a haggadah that’s just right for your family traditions. I went on there hoping to capture the conservative familiarity of our good old Maxwell House haggadah but make it easier to navigate now that our family has grown so large. I could playContinue reading “Make a Custom Haggadah Online”
Saranit Goes to Washington
The 2015 conference of the Association of Jewish Libraries was number 50 for the organization, and I was happy to be a part of it! Our sessions included lectures by unique authors and children’s illustrators, subject experts from research institutions, and workshops on unique topics. Dr. Monika Schreiber from the Judaica Library at the University ofContinue reading “Saranit Goes to Washington”
Deli Man Reservations are Closed
The good news? We at the Shaines Library have had an overwhelming response to the upcoming Deli Man event, with 70 people planning to attend! The bad news is that we now must close reservations. You may, however, join us for the movie at 7 even without a reservation! We also have more exciting programs inContinue reading “Deli Man Reservations are Closed”
Sara Lesley Arnold 