In May, we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month by reading and sharing stories by Jewish American authors and illustrators. Celebrate in your school or library by uplifting these voices all year round! Find more resources on the Jewish American Heritage Month website.
Read on for more resources to use in your library or classroom!
Click the tabs below to view more books by Jewish American authors in each age category.
Golem, Golem, Golem (Or How Chanukah Was Saved)
by Richard Ho; illustrations by Carmel Ben Ami
On Sale: 9/1/26
When a family’s menorah accidentally breaks, a golem comes to life to save Chanukah in this heartwarming and fun-filled modern Jewish picture book.
As Chanukah draws near, Jewish children around the neighborhood light candles and turn lumps of clay into twirling dreidels—except for one boy, who molds his clay into a living, breathing creature…a golem!
But, with his bulky body and playful curiosity, this clumsy golem spreads more trouble than joy. He eats all the festive treats, and somersaults around the house until…oh no! He breaks the family’s menorah! As night falls, the boy and his golem must work together to repair the menorah, and save Chanukah. Delight in this modern Jewish fable by award-winning author Richard Ho, and with gorgeous art by Carmel Ben-Ami, perfect for fans of You’re My Little Latke and Hannukah Bear.
So Sleepy Story
by Uri Shulevitz
On Sale: 7/21/26
Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of this classic picture book lullaby from Caldecott Medalist Uri Shulevitz, this dreamy board book edition of So Sleepy Story is the perfect bedtime read for soothing not-so-sleepy little ones.
In a sleepy sleepy house everything is so sleepy—until music drifts in through an open window, waking the house from its slumber. Chairs begin to rock, dishes begin to dance, and a sleepy boy opens his eyes. Then, softly, the music drifts out, and everything is sleepy sleepy once more.
With calming rhythmic text and gentle, whimsical artwork, celebrated Caldecott Award-winning illustrator Uri Shulevitz has created the ultimate sleepy sleepy before-bed story, sure to become a bedtime-reading ritual for generations to come.
The Vicious Cycle: A Story of Healing
by Kyle Lukoff; illustrated by Priscilla Tey
On Sale: 10/6/26
From award-winning creators Kyle Lukoff and Priscilla Tey comes a moving book about a unicycle stuck in a rut and the connection that gives it the courage to change.
Better Pets
by Leigh Bardugo; illustrated by Liz Climo
On Sale: 6/2/26
A laugh out loud picture book about finding the perfect pet, from #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo and internationally bestselling illustrator Liz Climo.
Myrtle has a turtle, Sam has a lamb, and Tony has a pony. But Yvette and Evan don’t have any pets . . . until the Better Pets emporium rolls into town featuring some spectacular possibilities! The Handbag Hyena laughs at all your jokes, you’ll always be warm with the Knittin’ Kitten, and it will be impossible to have a bad day with the Chin-Up Chinchilla. Which fabulous, fantastical pets will Yvette and Evan choose? The adoption fair next door may have a different kind of magic in store!
My First Passover
Written and illustrated by Karen Katz
From lighting a candle and reciting Kiddush, to singing dayenu, this beautiful portrait of Jewish heritage is filled with joy. With bright illustrations and simple, yet informative, text there’s no better way to introduce little ones to this special holiday.
Goodnight, Escargot!
by Dashka Slater; illustrated by Sydney Hanson
In this perfect bedtime read, a cute French snail hosts a pajama party in this laugh-out-loud fifth picture book in the bestselling Escargot series.
“Escargot is cuteness incarnate, while Slater’s peppy narration is a delight . . . Magnifique! An ideal choice to share before a child’s first sleepover.”
—Kirkus Reviews
Tree of Life
by Nalini Nadkarni; illustrated by Kendra Binney
A lift-the-flap book about the animals, plants, and fungi that live in trees, written by pioneering tree scientist Nalini Nadkarni.
A single tree can be home to hundreds of different species. This joyous book highlights some of the best tree habitats in the world, with plenty of fun things for young readers to spot in each stunning illustration by Kendra Binney. After spying a creature hidden in the foliage they can lift a flap to learn more about it.
The book includes famous trees like coast redwoods and ancient oaks, as well as some species kids might be less familiar with–like the dragon blood tree of Yemen! They will meet swinging orangutans in the dipterocarp trees of Asia, witness elephants drinking from wells inside the baobab trees of Africa, and spy some sleepy koalas in the eucalyptus trees of Australia. The Tree of Life also looks at the importance of these giants on human societies, such as the Hindu festivals that take place among the roots of the Indian banyan.
By the end of the book kids will have a new-found appreciation for the role trees play in ecosystems all over the world.
Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll
by Susan Goldman Rubin; illustrated by Sarah Dvojack
A Sydney Taylor Notable Book
An inspiring, uplifting picture book biography about iconic doll creator, Madame Alexander, whose love for dolls and bringing joy to others began at a young age and only continued to grow.
Everybody Has a Body
by Molli Jackson Ehlert; illustrated by Lorian Tu
A 2024 Rise: A Feminist Book Project Selection
In this body neutral picture book, debut author Molli Jackson Ehlert and illustrator Lorian Tu show us all of the different ways bodies can look and all of the things they can do – now with three starred reviews!
★”Honest, loving, and powerful.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★”This positive look at the differences we see and enjoy everywhere we look every day is an important viewpoint that should help children see differences that are to be celebrated in every corner of our world.” –School Library Journal, starred review
★”Employing digestible, body-neutral text in this necessary read, Ehlert explains many ways that bodies can look and behave as they “take us through the world.”” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
Seeds of Change
by Nina Laden; illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
From award-winning, bestselling author Nina Laden comes a poetic picture book about having the courage and resilience to plant “seeds” that will improve ourselves and our community.
A Taste of Home
by Richard Ho; illustrated by Sibu T. P.
On sale August 2024
In this colorful celebration of culture, community, and the food that binds us all together, follow a young boy on a culinary tour of New York City, perfect for fans of ALL ARE WELCOME and WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
You Be Grandpa
by Karla Clark; illustrated by Debby Rahmalia
Karla Clark’s You Be series continues with You Be Grandpa, all about a grandpa who is just too tired to do the bedtime routine after a long day of activities and asks his grandson to take over for him.
Spark
by Chris Baron
As a community recovers from a devastating wildfire, two friends find their way back to each other and their homes, by award-winning author Chris Baron.
Perfect for fans of Alan Gratz and Lauren Tarshis.
Finn and his friend, nicknamed Rabbit, live in a rural area that’s been hit hard by wildfires. Families were displaced and school was interrupted. Moreover, their beloved forest is suffering — animals and plants haven’t been able to come back, and the two friends wonder if there’s anything they can do to help. Rabbit’s uncle, a science teacher, is part of a study that may help bring the forest back to life, but Finn and Rabbit wonder if the forest can wait. And what if another fire comes in the meantime? They believe a small part of the forest — the forest heart — that survived the wildfire may hold the key to regrowth, but first, they have to find it and then convince the adults around them to listen.
For any young person who’s ever felt powerless against the world, here is a story about two kids doing all they can to understand their natural world and preserve it.
A School Library Journal Most Anticipated Middle Grade Book of 2025
“A deftly woven and poignant story . . . of a family and a community grappling with the aftermath of a fire, and the activism of young people to protect what is closest to their hearts.” —Pam Muñoz Ryan, Newbery Honor–winning author of Echo.
The Sky Was My Blanket: Young Man’s Journey Across Wartime Europe
by Uri Shulevitz
The final work rom celebrated Caldecott Award–winning illustrator Uri Shulevitz, this gripping and revealing true story follows a young Polish exile fighting to survive in war-torn Europe.
Born in the tumult of World War I, a young Jewish boy named Yehiel Szulewicz chafes at the borders of his hometown of Żyrardów, Poland, and at the rules set in place by his restrictive parents. Brimming with a desire for true adventure, he leaves home at fifteen-and-a-half years old to seek his future elsewhere. Little does Yehiel know, he’ll never see his parents again.
His journey takes him beyond Polish borders, to Austria, Croatia, France, and Spain. With no money and no ID papers, he often sleeps under the stars, with only the sky as his blanket. But even wayfaring Yehiel can’t outrun the evil spreading across Europe in the years leading up to World War II. As the fascists and Nazis rise to power, Yehiel soon finds himself a member of the Spanish Republican Army and then the Jewish Resistance in Vichy France, fighting for freedom, his friends, and his very life.
Inspired by the true story of Uri Shulevitz’s uncle and stunningly illustrated by the author, The Sky Was My Blanket is a unique and riveting account of one man’s courage and resilience amidst one of the darkest periods in global history.
Reading the Bones: Homo Naledi and the Mysteries of Human Evolution
by Marc Aronson and John S. Mead
On sale 8/4/26
High-stakes adventure meets cutting-edge anthropology in this true account of the groundbreaking discovery of Homo naledi, which shocked the world of evolutionary science and redefined what it means to be human, written for young readers by a Sibert Medalist and a nationally-recognized educator.
Rachel Friedman Breaks the Rules
Rachel Friedman and Eight Not-Perfect Nights of Hanukkah
Rachel Friedman Is Not the Queen
by Sarah Kapit; illustrated by Genevieve Kote
Introducing a charming chapter book series starring Rachel Friedman, a sweet and silly Jewish girl renowned for her peanut butter challah baking skills and larger-than-life personality!
The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival
by Estelle Nadel with Bethany Strout; illustrated by Sammy Savos
A Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner
A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
A heartrending graphic memoir about a young Jewish girl’s fight for survival in Nazi occupied Poland, The Girl Who Sang illustrates the power of a brother’s love, the kindness of strangers, and finding hope when facing the unimaginable.
“A shocking, heart-wrenching survival story, skillfully told and beautifully drawn.” —Steve Sheinkin, author of the New York Times bestseller Bomb and Impossible Escape
★”Sweeping, stark, tragic, and triumphant. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★“An excellent accompaniment to lessons on World War II, this book will help countless students examine the Holocaust on a personal level.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Let It Glow
by Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy
Twin sisters separated at birth meet by chance at tryouts for a holiday pageant, and set out to make a love match for their single grandparents, in this enchanting middle-grade novel.
“Via alternating chapters, Holly and Aviva avoid near discovery, miss their families, plan for the pageant, and learn what being sisters feels like in this charming family-focused holiday tale.”—Publishers Weekly
The Big Hatch
by Elana Rubinstein; illustrated by Alexandra Bye
On sale 8/25/26
For fifth-grader Della, paleontology isn’t just a hobby—it’s her entire world. Della is proud to be a dinosaur expert, even if it means losing her only friend, Avery, who cares more about fashion than fossils. When Della gets the chance to try out a secret high-tech dinosaur hatching device, she couldn’t be more excited. But after Avery’s pink, sparkly jacket gets stuck in the incubator lid, what comes out of the dino egg ends up being much more glamorous than carnivorous. . .
The Last Ember
by Lily Berlin Dodd
A New York Times bestseller!
Impossible Creatures meets The Mysterious Benedict Society in this epic, fast-paced upper-middle grade fantasy full of dragon-like creatures, heroic hijinks, battle-forged friendships, and sharp humor. The second book in the Aerimander Chronicles, First Flame, takes flight in Fall 2026!
★ “Expert worldbuilding with a rip-roaring plot.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Reminiscent of The Golden Compass.” ―Booklist, starred review
★ “Fans of The Princess Bride and Terry Pratchett’s work will devour this series opener.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Highly recommended for middle-grade collections.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Banned Books, Crop Tops, & Other Bad Influences
by Brigit Young
Perfect for fans of Star Fish and From the Desk of Zoe Washington, a nuanced middle grade from the author of The Prettiest about two girls—one “bad” and one “good”—who join forces against book banning and censorship.
The Magical Imperfect
by Chris Baron
A Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable Book
For fans of Wonder, Chris Baron’s The Magical Imperfect is an affecting middle grade story of two outcasts who become friends…
“Etan’s honest and lovable voice, and its growing strength, that carries this tender novel.” — Publishers Weekly
Brooklyn Bridge
by Karen Hesse; Illustrated by Chris Sheban
A Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner
From the incomparable Karen Hesse comes a powerfully evocative and accessible family story, set at the turn of the century, by turns serious, funny, and with a touch of magical realism.
★“In this tale of Dickensian contrasts in kindness and cruelty, Brooklyn comes alive with the details of time and place, but it is the shadow of pain and transcendence cast symbolically by the bridge that haunts and compels. Another work of enduring excellence from Hesse.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of “The Children’s Ship”
by Deborah Heiligman
From award-winning author Deborah Heiligman comes Torpedoed, a true account of the attack and sinking of the passenger ship SS City of Benares, which was evacuating children from England during WWII.
★”An exceptionally well-researched and impressively crafted tale of desperation, tragedy, and survival.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★”Extensively documented accounts tell of harrowing escapes, incredible heroism, tragic accidents, eventual rescues, and the gruesome aftermath . . . the real-time unfolding of events is compelling, and young audiences will relate to these stories about students their own age.” —Booklist, starred review
★”Heiligman tells a story of bravery, courage, and despair . . . a must-read for all, and a beautiful memorial for those who perished in this tragic event.”—School Library Journal, starred review
★”Nonfiction maestro Heiligman here tells a riveting wartime story. . . . Heiligman builds and maintains suspense while remaining scrupulously faithful to the historical record.” —Horn Book, starred review
Witch Hunt: The Cold War, Joe McCarthy, and the Red Scare
by Andrea Balis & Elizabeth Levy; illustrations by Tim Foley
A cutting-edge look into a pivotal moment in US history: McCarthy’s infamous “witch hunt” for communists during the 1950’s Red Scare.
★ “A scorcher that exposes shameful attitudes, personalities, and events that might seem eerily familiar.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “A fast-paced, even suspenseful read that brings history dramatically alive.” — Booklist, starred review
Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe
by Steve Sheinkin
A Sydney Taylor Honor Book
From three-time National Book Award finalist and Newbery Honor author Steve Sheinkin, a true story of two Jewish teenagers racing against time during the Holocaust—one in hiding in Hungary, and the other in Auschwitz, plotting escape.
★ “Passionate, absorbing, and, unfortunately, more than a little relevant to current events.” —Kirkus, starred review
★ “[A]n important, highly readable addition to the library of Holocaust literature for young people.” —Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
★ “Sheinkin has penned another must-read with this powerful and harrowing account.” —School Library Journal, starred review
★ “Sheinkin’s meticulous research, memorable subjects, and haunting atmosphere contribute to an exceptional, soul-stirring narrative… nonfiction at its best.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
★ “National Book Award finalist, Newbery Honoree, and Sibert Medalist Sheinkin is a tried-and-true nonfiction expert whose books make big events, like WWII, accessible for younger readers. This latest, which draws on his own family history, is no exception.” —Booklist, starred review
★ “In his latest masterful work of narrative nonfiction, Sheinkin’s tale of suspense is tinged with the physical and psychological horror of the Holocaust.” —Horn Book Magazine, starred review
Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs. America (A Love Story)
by Deborah Heiligman
A National Jewish Book Awards Finalist
Both a love letter to America and a stirring rallying cry for the country to live up to the ideals on which it was founded, this propulsive biography from National Book Award Finalist and “nonfiction maestro (Horn Book)” Deborah Heiligman chronicles the extraordinary life and work of groundbreaking political activist Emma Goldman.
★ “Heiligman’s latest . . . solidifies her as one of the absolute best in the business . . . Loudmouth is a master class.”—Booklist, starred review
A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis
Written by Meera Subramanian with Danica Novgorodoff; illustrated by Danica Novgorodoff
A Junior Library Guild Selection
In their stunning graphic novel, New York Times best-selling illustrator Danica Novgorodoff and award-winning environmental journalist Meera Subramanian share experiences from their lives and those of the four youth activists. Through their stories, we learn the science behind our changing planet and explore solutions at hand. They show us that anyone can make meaningful change, because a better world is possible—and together, we can create it!
★ “Novgorodoff’s watercolor style is absolutely perfect for this topic, showcasing both the power of visual comics metaphors and the beauty of the natural world.”—Booklist, starred review
A Force of Nature
by Melissa Clark
A fresh, smart, and funny young adult debut with a speculative twist asks the question: What if Mother Nature was a teenage girl? Force of Nature is an utterly unique coming of age story about a teen girl rising to the occasion, even when she feels completely in over her head.
“The exploration of climate change brings freshness to the story of a teenager finding out that she is a deity . . . The fresh lens of environmentalism bolsters this book’s interest. A fun, light addition to the body of stories about teen gods.” —School Library Journal
This Dark Descent
Our Deadly Designs (coming November 2024!)
by Kalyn Josephson
Called a “fierce and darkly magical thrill ride” by acclaimed author Ava Reid, NYT bestselling Kalyn Josephson delivers a spellbinding fantasy duology full of intrigue, romance, and pulse-pounding action, perfect for fans of The Shadows Between Us and The Scorpio Races.
★ “An uncommonly arresting fantasy that questions the price of goodness, the cost of magic, and the depths of humanity.” —Booklist, starred review
“A riveting, clever Jewish fantasy that had me racing through the pages. With dangerous magic, high-stakes political intrigue, and a stunning cast of characters (and animal companions!), This Dark Descent is sure to leave readers begging for the sequel.” —Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic
Out of Our League: 16 Stories of Girls in Sports
edited by Dahlia Adler and Jennifer Iacopelli
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A compelling YA anthology from editors Dahlia Adler and Jennifer Iacopelli about the trials and triumphs of girls in sports.
“The characters display grit and determination as they learn a new sport or struggle with team dynamics. Impressively inclusive with plenty of appeal for sports lovers and couch potatoes alike.” —Kirkus Reviews
“[The character’s] victories, outside of pushing themselves and winning scores, are personal and political, and offer an inclusive sense of empowerment that inspires.” —School Library Journal
Replay: Memoir of an Uprooted Family
by Jordan Mechner
In this intergenerational graphic memoir, renowned video game designer Jordan Mechner traces his family’s journey through war, Nazi occupation, and everyday marital strife.
“Fans of Maus will want to take a look.” –Publishers Weekly
“[A] vibrant, poignant book.” —NPR Book Reviews
The Fly Fishing Book: An Artful Guide to Angling
by Steven Weinberg
Whether you’re a seasoned angler, a curious beginner, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the outdoors, The Fly Fishing Book offers a uniquely enriching journey into the world of fly fishing. From the masterful watercolors of artist and angler Steven Weinberg, this book welcomes everyone to the water.