Heidi Rabinowitz
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Age-Appropriate Middle Grade and YA Books About the Holocaust
Many young people don't know what the Holocaust is. To help, here is a sampling of titles recommended by the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee.
Shai & Emmie Star in Break an Egg!
A good choice for readers who enjoy character development more than action.
Purim Chicken
A light and fluffy Purim tale for readers already familiar with the basics of the holiday.
The Golem of Prague
Although this title does not contribute much to the Golem legend, readers who enjoy gothic creepiness will be drawn in.
The Family (and Frog!) Haggadah
While child-friendly, this is not an introductory haggadah. It should be used at seders where the leader, at the very least, is familiar with the proceedings and the tunes to the songs. However, families will enjoy the thoughtful approach to holiday traditions offered here.
How It's Made: Matzah
The dearth of materials detailing the matzah-making process may make this volume a good option for Jewish educational settings.
Dreidels on the Brain
An entertaining, slightly over-the-top slice of Jewish suburban life in the 1970s, with the bonus of magic tricks and jokes. Give to readers who like realistic, character-driven stories.-Heidi Rabinowitz, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL
The story, set during Hanukkah in 1971 and loosely based on the author's childhood, is divided into nine chapters, one for each night of the holiday ("The First Candle: Chopped Liver"; "The Fifth Candle: Schlemiels and Schlimazels") plus the shammes. Twelve-year-old narrator Joel, a budding magician and the "only Jew in my class," humorously describes life in suburban L.A. It's not always a laugh riot-his father suffers from severe arthritis and spends much of the story in the hospital-but Joel's offbeat perspective leavens darker moments. Two of the running gags are particularly good: Joel's endless variations on the spelling of "Hanukkah" (try: "Chanayhayah" or "Khanukhaya") and the eventual reveal of his last name. elissa gershowitz
Nine chapters (one for each night of the holiday plus the shammes) set during Hanukkah 1971 are loosely based on the author's childhood. Twelve-year-old Joel, a budding magician and the "only Jew in my class," humorously narrates life in suburban L.A. It's not always a laugh riot--his father spends much of the story in the hospital--but Joel's offbeat perspective leavens darker moments.
Holiday for Ari Ant
Books about Lag B'Omer are rare, and Jewish early childhood educators will be pleased to have this title available to fill that gap.-Heidi Rabinowitz, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL
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