The Book of Life

In a normal year, Jewish American/Canadian Heritage Month in May is about celebrating Jewish life in North America: Jewish history, achievements, and experiences. In 2024, with the precipitous rise in antisemitism, it seems more appropriate to focus on the relationship between North American Jews and our gentile neighbors. Throughout May 2024, I will be recommending picture books, middle grade, and young adult books that offer models for allyship between Jews and non-Jews. You'll read about beautiful friendships, moving solidarity, and growth in understanding. I hope that these books will inspire readers to make life imitate art. Welcome to a full month of Jewish children's literature celebrating American, Canadian, and worldwide allyship, available in bookstores, libraries, and online. Please share these books with your own network, especially with your friends who are not Jewish. Watch The Book of Life's social media on Facebook or Instagram for daily suggestions. At t...

As Passover begins, I'd like to remind you that the Holiday Highlights lists created by the Association of Jewish Libraries are a terrific resource to help you find the very best Jewish holiday books for children. Since the program began in 2021, there have been thirteen Passover books recognized. These are the Passover books you should be buying, borrowing from the library, and giving as afikomen gifts! Learn more about Holiday Highlights on AJL's website or listen to my 2022 podcast episode about it. ALL HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS BOOKS FOR PASSOVER: The Four Questions by Lynne Sharon Schwartz, illustrated by Ori Sherman, Levine Querido, 2021, All ages – Spring 2021 | buy or borrow Animals celebrate at a seder; elegant. Meet the Matzah written and illustrated by Alan Silberberg, Viking, 2021, Ages 4-10 –  Spring 2021 | buy or borrow Anthropomorphic bread products retell the Exodus story; goofy. The Passover Guest by Susan Kusel, illustrated by Sean Rubin, Neal Porter Books a...

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST     |    READ THE TRANSCRIPT     |    MEET APRIL     🕮    As you may remember, in December 2023 I participated in The Artists Against Antisemitism auction, which raised funds for Project Shema. Today we'll talk with April Powers, Vice President of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Project Shema, to learn more about their mission and how it can help us kidlit folks.  LEARN MORE: Project Shema Jewbian Princess "Skin in the Game: How Antisemitism Animates White Nationalism" article by Eric K. Ward Reading suggestions: The Source by James Michener, The Assignment by Liza Wiemer CREDITS: Produced by Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel Co-sponsored by the Association of Jewish Libraries Sister podcast: Nice Jewish Books Theme Music: The Freilachmakers Klezmer String Band Facebook Discussion Group: Jewish Kidlit Mavens Facebook Page: Facebook....