Notable Children's Books
of Jewish Content
 

The Association of Jewish Libraries announces the winners of its annual Sydney Taylor Book Awards for outstanding books of Jewish content for children. The award is named in honor of the late Sydney Taylor, author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family books about a Jewish immigrant family at the turn of the twentieth century.
 

2002 AWARD WINNER FOR OLDER READERS:

HANA'S SUITCASE: A TRUE STORY by Karen Levine
(Second Story Press,Toronto) is the Sydney Taylor Book Award winner for Older Readers.
     This nonfiction work unites decency across time, space, and nationality to
honor the memory of a Jewish girl who died at the age of thirteen in the
Holocaust. Hana Brady perished at Auschwitz, but her suitcase became the
centerpiece of a small Holocaust museum in Tokyo. Museum director Fumiko
Ishioka was determined to learn and to document Hana's story. Her search
led to the discovery of art work created by Hana and to a meeting with
Hana's brother, who had survived and settled in Canada. This heartbreaking yet hopeful narrative reminds us, according to the author, that "despite the most unspeakable evil, good people and good deeds can make a difference."

2002 HONOR BOOKS IN THE OLDER READERS CATEGORY:

ONE CANDLE by Eve Bunting,
illustrated by K. Wendy Popp (Joanne Cotler/HarperCollins);
     A PICTURE OF GRANDMOTHER by Esther Hautzig, illustrated by Beth Peck
(Farrar, Straus and Giroux); and SMOKE AND ASHES: THE STORY OF THE
HOLOCAUST, Revised and Expanded by Barbara Rogalsky (Holiday House).

2002 AWARD FOR YOUNGER READERS:

CHICKEN SOUP BY HEART by Esther Hershenhorn,
illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger (Simon and Schuster) 
     When his sitter, Mrs. Gittel, gets the flu, Rudie Dinkens knows how to cure her. With the help of his mother, he makes Mrs. Gittel's special chicken soup. Her culinary secret is to spice the soup with stories, and he recalls many of them as he stirs the soup. This is a charming story of an inter-generational friendship with
winsome illustrations, rendered in gouache, watercolor, and pencil, reflecting its warmth and humor.

2002 HONOR BOOKS FOR YOUNGER READERS:

NOAH'S ARK by Jerry Pinkney (SeaStar/ North and South);

SAMMY SPIDER'S FIRST TRIPTO ISRAEL: A BOOK ABOUT THE FIVE SENSES by Sylvia Rouss, illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn (Kar Ben/Lerner);

PEARL'S PASSOVER: A FAMILY CELEBRATION THROUGH STORIES, RECIPES, CRAFTS, AND SONGS by Jane Breskin Zalben (Simon and Schuster).

This year the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee presents a
BODY-OF-WORK AWARD for outstanding contributions to the field of Jewish
children's literature to Judythe Groner and Madeline Wikler, founders of
Kar-Ben Copies Publishing. Kar-Ben pioneered in the publication of
quality literature of Jewish content for young children. Many books with
the Kar-Ben Copies imprint have been honored by the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee.

      

The Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee of the Association of Jewish Libraries has chosen 32 notable books for children and young people, in addition to two Sydney Taylor Award winners and one Sydney Taylor Honor Book. They were chosen from among the approximately 120 children's books of Jewish content published in 2001. This is twice the number of children's books of Jewish content published ten years ago, a trend that suggests that interest in Jewish children's books is strong and growing. Among the 2001 notable titles are Bible stories, biographies, folk tales, holiday stories, mysteries, and fiction with historical and contemporary settings, published in the United States and Canada. The audience for the books ranges from preschool through high school. A complete list follows:

NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF JEWISH CONTENT:
THE BEST OF THE BUNCH FROM 2001
This annual list contains outstanding books chosen from those submitted to and evaluated by the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee of the Association of Jewish Libraries. The committee recommends them for library, home and classroom use.

The 2001 committee members were:

Linda R. Silver, Chair,
Jewish Education Center, Cleveland, OH;

Kathleen Clotfelter, Donna Klein, Jewish Academy, Boca Raton, FL;

Etta Gold, Temple Beth Am, Miami, FL;

Fred Isaac, Temple Sinai, Oakland, CA;

Naomi Morse, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, Lower School Campus, Rockville, MD; 

Libby K. White, Beth Israel Congregation, Owings Mills, MD.

Richard Fechter, Cleveland, OH is administrative assistant.

2001 SYDNEY TAYLOR AWARD WINNER
FOR YOUNGER READERS

Rael, Elsa Okon. RIVKA'S FIRST THANKSGIVING.
Illus. by Maryann Kovalski. NY: Margaret K. McElderry/Simon & Schuster,2001. 32p.  Picture book for grades 1 - 4.
The author of a previous Sydney Taylor Book Award for Younger Readers again draws on childhood memories to create a story about Jewish immigrants living on New York's Lower East Side. Rivka's efforts to convince her family and their rabbi that Thanksgiving is indeed a holiday that Jews should celebrate are related with warmth, respect, and an understanding of the relevance of this most American holiday to Jewish tradition and history. The softly colored illustrations reflect the ambience of the story, imbuing it with atmosphere and portraying its characters with affection and humor.

2001 SYDNEY TAYLOR AWARD WINNER
FOR OLDER READERS

Reef, Catherine. SIGMUND FREUD: PIONEER OF THE MIND.
NY: Clarion Books, 2001.
152p.  Biography for grades 6-9.
The life and work of one of the modern world's most important thinkers are illuminated in this carefully researched, superbly crafted biography. Freud was controversial during his lifetime and remains so: the author discusses his theories, points out their weaknesses and enduring values, and fairly represents the views of both his supporters and critics. This is done in the context of his family life and his position as a Viennese Jew, placing Freud's personal and professional life within a social history. Enhanced by excellent notes, an amazingly clear glossary, and black and white photographs.

HONOR BOOK FOR YOUNGER READERS

Kimmel, Eric A. A CLOAK FOR THE MOON.
Illus. by Katya Krenina. NY: Holiday House, 2001.
32p. Folklore for grades 1-4.
In this elaboration of a tale by the Hasidic storyteller, Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, Haskel, a tailor with mystical leanings, travels to exotic places in search of the secret of weaving the moon a garment for all seasons. The elegant illustrations in jewel-like tones reflect the lucidity and polish of the narrative.

NOTABLE BOOKS FOR YOUNGER READERS

Alexander, Sue. BEHOLD THE TREES.
Illus. by Leonid Gore. NY: Arthur A.Levine/Scholastic, 2001.
48p. Non-fiction for  grades 2-5.
Recalling the history of Eretz Yisrael from Canaanite times to the founding of the modern state, this beautifully designed book has splendid illustrations that mirror the rise, trials, and achievements of the Jewish people as reflected by Israel's trees.

Biers-Ariel, Matt. SOLOMON AND THE TREES.
 Illus. by Esti Silverberg-Kiss. NY: UAHC Press, 2001.
32p. Tu B'Shevat story for grades 1-4.
Drawing from legends about King Solomon and Jewish teachings about humankind's responsibility to care for nature, this serious, dramatically illustrated story stresses personal responsibility.

Brichto, Mira. THE GOD AROUND US, VOL. 2: THE VALLEY OF BLESSINGS.
Illus. by Selina Alko. NY: UAHC Press, 2001.
32p. Picture book for preschool - grade 2.
Prayers and blessings for many of the events that occur in the lives of young children are presented in Hebrew, transliteration, and English, accompanied by lively multicultural illustrations.

Burstein, Chaya. HANUKKAH CAT, REV. ED.
Illus. by Judy Hanks-Henn. Rockville, MD: Kar-Ben Copies, 2001.
Picture book for preschool - grade 2. 
Amusing new illustrations add sparkle to this appealing story of a little boy who finds a kitten at the start of Hanukkah. The story of the Maccabees and Lenny's adventures with the mischievous kitten are deftly interwoven.

da Costa, Deborah. SNOW IN JERUSALEM.
 Illus. by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman, 2001.
 32p. Fiction for grades 1-4.
During a rare day of snow in Jerusalem, a Jewish boy and an Arab boy who live   in the Old City experience a rare moment of friendship when they put aside their   differences to help a stray cat. Ethereal watercolor and pencil drawings portray the earthly and the heavenly Jerusalem.

Dollinger, Renate. THE RABBI WHO FLEW.
Los Angeles: Booksmythe, 2001.
Picture book for kindergarten - grade 3.
Colorful gouache paintings in the author-illustrator's primitive style decorate this     story about a saintly rabbi with holes in his shoes. The plot expresses the mitzvah    of Jew helping Jew within an idealized shtetl setting.

Fishman, Cathy Goldman. ON SHABBAT.
Illus. by Melanie W. Hall. NY: Simon & Schuster/Atheneum, 2001.
Picture book for grades 1 - 3.
A holiday book, part of a series, that is both stylish and steeped in Jewish knowledge. The dreamy illustrations capture the spirit of the Sabbath.

Goldin, Barbara Diamon. A MOUNTAIN OF BLINTZES.
Illus. by Anik McGrory. San Diego, CA: Harcourt/Gulliver Books, 2001. 
Picture book for kindergarten - grade 2.
In this humorous story of Jewish life in New York State's Catskill Mountain resort region in the 1920's, a poor family finds a way to celebrate Shavuot. The characters and action recall the traditional tales of Chelm.

Hest, Amy. THE FRIDAY NIGHTS OF NANA.
Illus. By Claire Nivola. Cambridge,
MA: Candlewick, 2001.
32p.  Picture book for preschool - grade 2.
In this serene picture book, a little girl helps her grandmother prepare for Shabbat. The celebration of tradition provides an atmosphere of closeness and warmth, a contrast to the wintry world outside.

Jules, Jacqueline. THE HARDEST WORD: A YOM KIPPUR STORY.
Illus. by Katherine Janus Kahn. Rockville, MD: Kar-Ben Copies, 2001.  
32p. Picture book for preschool - grade 2.
The Ziz, a giant bird from Jewish legend, is a softy at heart. He confesses to accidentally doing wrong and G-d assigns him a penance: to find the hardest world. The quest is a joyful learning experience.

Kimmel, Eric A. ZIGAZAK! A MAGICAL HANUKKAH NIGHT.
Illus. by Jon Goodell. NY: Doubleday/Random House, 2001.
32p.  Picture book for kindergarten - grade 3.
A pair of devils make mischief in the shtetl of Brisk but the rabbi puts an end to their escapades. This jolly story transmits the traditional message that sparks of holiness can be found in unlikely places.

Sasso, Sandy. CAIN AND ABEL: FINDING THE FRUITS OF PEACE.
Illus. by Joani Keller Rothenberg. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights, 2001.
32p. Picture book for kindergarten - grade 3.
Bold splashes of color illustrate this interpretation of a Bible story that emphasizes the destructive power of anger. Running through the narrative is the midrashic tradition of nature's mourning for Abel.

Simpson, Lesley. THE SHABBAT BOX.
 Illus. by Nicole in den Bosch. Rockville, MD: Kar-Ben Copies, 2001.
32p.Pbk. picture book for preschool - grade 1.
When Ira loses his class's treasured Shabbat box, he solves the problem by making a new one, all on his own. This empowering story portrays a loving family, a multicultural preschool class, and a child with imagination and perseverance. Instruction for making a Shabbat box are included.

Uhlberg, Myron. LEMUEL, THE FOOL.
Illus. by Sonja Lamut. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree, 2001.
32p. Folktale for grades 1-4.
Lemuel sails off in search of the city of his dreams, returns home without realizing it, and is astonished that all the people and places look so familiar! A droll, gentle story, beautifully illustrated.

Ungar, Richard. RACHEL CAPTURES THE MOON.
Plattsburg, NY: Tundra, 2001. 32p.
Folktale for kindergarten - grade 3.
The foolish folk of Chelm, not content to wait for the moon to rise each evening, try to capture its luminescence permanently. When neither a ladder, a net, nor delicious smelling soup can lure the moon down to earth, a little girl named Rachel captures its reflection in a barrel of water.


NOTABLE BOOKS FOR OLDER READERS

Attema, Martha. DAUGHTER OF LIGHT.
Custer, WA: Orca, 2001.  133p.
Historical fiction for grades 4 - 6.
During the harsh winter of 1944, when food is scarce and electricity has been turned off, a nine year old Dutch girl whose mother is pregnant confronts the town's Nazi-collaborationist mayor to try to convince him to restore the electricity before the baby is born.

Axelrod, Toby. HANS AND SOPHIE SCHOLL: GERMAN RESISTERS OF THE WHITE ROSE.
Holocaust Biography Series. NY: Rosen, 2001.
Biography for grades 6 and up.
A factual account of a small group of courageous German students who resisted Hitler. Photographs, documents, a glossary, bibliography and index increase the book's value for research and reports.

Feder, Harriet. DEATH ON SACRED GROUND.
Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2001. 191p.
Mystery for grades 7-9.
She's back! Vivi Hartman, rabbi's daughter and teenage sleuth, uses talmudic reasoning to solve a crime committed on the Seneca Reservation in New York State.

Greenfeld, Howard. AFTER THE HOLOCAUST.
NY: HarperCollins/Greenwillow, 2001.
146p. Non-fiction for grade 7 and up.
Focusing on eight Holocaust survivors now living in the United States, this powerful book shows the hardships faced by young survivors, many of whom were without homes, families, identities or hope.

Kacer, Kathy. CLARA'S WAR.
Toronto: Second Story Press, 2001.
196p. Pbk. Holocaust fiction for grades 6 - 9.
Thirteen year old Clara and her family are deported from Prague to the concentration camp of Terezin. Through their experiences, the grimness and terror of the camp are shown in contrast to its rich cultural life.

Kanefield, Teri. RIVKA'S WAY.
Chicago: Front Street/Cricket, 2001.
137p. Historical fiction for grades 6 - 9.
Set in eighteenth century Prague, this tells of teenage Rivka's longing to leave the safety of the Jewish Quarter and venture into the larger world that fascinates her outside.

Kornblatt, Mark. UNDERSTANDING BUDDY.
 NY: Margaret K. McElderry/Simon & Schuster, 2001. 
115p. Fiction for grades 5 - 7.
A fifth grader discovers that the withdrawn, silent new boy in class is grieving over the sudden death of his mother. Rebuffed by Buddy when he tries to be friendly, Sam searches for answers, including Jewish answers, to the disturbing questions that arise as he tries to understand Buddy.

Koss, Amy. STOLEN WORDS.
Middleton, WI: Pleasant/American Girl, 2001.
145p.  Fiction for grades 6 - 9.
Everything is going wrong on Robyn's vacation with her family in Austria! As recorded in her diary, Robyn's comments and observations are filled with both biting teenage wit and deep concern about her mother, who cannot get over the death of her sister. A colloquial style imparts a serious theme.

Manushkin, Fran. DAUGHTERS OF FIRE: HEROINES OF THE BIBLE.
Illus. by Uri Shulevitz. San Diego, CA: Harcourt/Silver Whistle, 2001.
151p. Bible stories for grade 5 - 8.
Drawing on both the Bible and on legend, the author portrays heroines of passion and purpose, representing Jewish history from the period of the Patriarchs to the Persian era.

Matas, Carol. THE WAR WITHIN.
 NY: Simon & Schuster, 2001.
151p. Historical fiction for grades 5 - 9.
After General Grant issues an order expelling all Jews from the territory under his control, teenaged Hannah Green, a Southern belle in the making, begins to question many of the values she took for granted, including slavery.

Miklowitz, Gloria. SECRETS IN THE HOUSE OF DELGADO.
Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2001.
152p.  Historical fiction for grades 6 -9.
In a gripping story about "New Christians" and the Inquisition, the author captures the terror of the times and the varying degrees of Jewish loyalty among members of one family.

Schmidt, Gary. MARA'S STORIES: GLIMMERS IN THE DARK.
 NY: Henry Holt, 2001.
152p.  Holocaust fiction for grades 7 and up.
In the night and fog of a concentration camp, women and children gather at night to listen to stories told by a prisoner named Mara, the daughter of a rabbi. The stories are adapted from Jewish lore; the listening is an act of resistance.

Steiner, Connie. SHOES FOR AMELIE.
Illus. by Denis Rodier. Montreal: Lobster Press, 2001.
48p.  Holocaust fiction for grades 3 - 6.
The heroism of the people of the town of Le Chambon- sur- Lignon, France is portrayed through a story about one courageous and "ordinary" family who sheltered a Jewish child during the Holocaust.

Vogiel, Eva. FRIEND OR FOE?
NY: Judaica Press, 2001. 
 228p. Suspense story for grades 6-9.
The headmistress of an Orthodox boarding school for girls in England is anxious to discover who, among the school's neighbors, seems to be trying to close it down. Likeable characters and an engrossing plot convey a theme of tolerance.

Warren, Andrea. SURVIVING HITLER: A BOY IN THE NAZI DEATH CAMPS.
NY: HarperCollins, 2001. 
146p. Non-fiction for grades 6 - 10.
An inspiring account of the Holocaust experiences of Jack Mandelbaum, who survived three years as a teen in several camps. His zest for life and ability to form friendships enabled him to begin a new life in the United States.

Weber, Ilse. MENDEL ROSENBUSCH: TALES FOR JEWISH CHILDREN. 
Trans. by Ruth and Hans Fisher. NY: Herodias, 2001.
113p. Fiction for grades 3-6.
Mendel is a good and wise man who has been granted the power to become invisible. He uses his gift to help the poor and right wrongs. These tales paint a knowing portrait of small town life and culture in pre-Holocaust Central Europe.

Zalben, Jane Breskin. THE MAGIC MENORAH: A MODERN CHANUKAH TALE.
Illus. by Donna Diamond. NY: Simon & Schuster, 2001.
56p. Fiction for grades 3 - 6.
An encounter with a Yiddish-spouting genie named Fishel changes Stanley's mind about Hanukkah and family traditions.
 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE BRANCH TO ORDER ANY OF THESE BOOKS PLEASE CALL THE CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT
AT 899-2795.