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: kidlit
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”
StoryWalk Featured for National Award
Join residents of Stratham, NH, on the @WigginMemorial #Library’s StoryWalk. This 16-station trail at the Stratham Hill Park combines the library’s love for literature with the natural beauty of New England. 🍂 #ShareYourStory #IMLSmedals pic.twitter.com/o6TKb22sKi — IMLS (@US_IMLS) March 23, 2018
Sara Lesley Arnold 