Misha, a poor artist, has no one to celebrate Hanukkah with until he discovers a hungry cat in his barn. The lucky little cat, whom Misha names Mazel, inspires Misha to turn each night of Hanukkah into something special. He doesn't have money for Hanukkah candles, but he can use his artistic skills to bring light to his home―as Mazel brings good luck to his life.
Ezra and Roza are helping to prepare for their Passover celebration. Ezra is proud to be in charge of bringing his family's flour to the synagogue to be baked into matzah in a traditional wood-burning oven. But when Ezra makes a mistake and the matzah is ruined, what will he and his sister Roza, do? Join the siblings as they experience the sights, smells, sounds, and unique traditions of a seder in Iran of the 1950s.
Raya can't be in the Purim play this year--Purim will be no fun at all! But, Raya's grandmother, Maman joon, shares her sparkly scarves and Persian traditions with her. Together they discover how to make their American Purim uniquley Persian, delicious, and fun.
The story of The Snowy Day begins more than one hundred years ago, when Ezra Jack Keats was born in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Abuelita tells Jacob that "long ago" his Jewish family fled the Spanish Inquisition, fearing persecution they kept their Jewish identity secret and passed on this secret history to just one person in each generation, as Abuelita is doing to Jacob.
A cute illustrated book about kids looking for the afikomen set to a catchy tune.
Inspired by a true account, here is the compelling story of a child who arrives in America on the slave ship Amistad—and eventually makes her way home to Africa. Narrated in a remarkable first-person voice, this fictionalized book of memories of a real-life figure retells history through the eyes of a child. Lush, full-color illustrations by Robert Byrd, plus archival photographs and documents, bring an extraordinary journey to life.
Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.
A young girl practices the Four Questions on her apartment balcony in Jerusalem and finds a way to bring the neighbors together for Passover even during the separation of a pandemic.
In 1805, a Jewish woman comes to America,kidnapped by pirates finding herself living among the Geechee people, who come from West Africa. Although her descendants no longer live as Jews, in each generation that follows, a daughter lights the Shabbat candles each Friday night in her memory.
A classic collection including myths, fables, folk tales, fairy tales, tall tales, and much more.
In this traditional Ashanti tale, Anansi sets out on a long, difficult journey. Threatened by Fish and Falcon, he is saved from terrible fates by his sons. But which of his sons should Anansi reward?
Author Rahel Musleah, who grew up in Calcutta, India, presents a Sephardic Rosh Hashanah seder observed throughout the world. This special service incorporates blessings, songs, and even folk tales relating to each of the eight foods eaten, and will guide participants through this joyous seder. Traditional holiday recipes are included.
Take your child on a colorful adventure to share the many ways Jewish people celebrate Shabbat around the world. Shabbat Shalom!
Michelson describes what led Martin Luther King Jr., a southern minister, and Abraham Joshua Heschel, a German-born rabbi, to walk together in the famous 1965 civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
Teddy Wilson and Benny Goodman broke the color barrier in entertainment when they formed the Benny Goodman Trio with Gene Krupa.
Frances, a Japanese-Jewish girl, has always felt isolated at her New England prep school, but more so now that her brother has died. When Frances joins the social services charity her brother belonged to, she discovers that all is not as it seems, and realizes how little she really knew him.
Set in modern-day New York City, Bluish is a novel about a budding friendship between three preteen girls, one of whom is afflicted with a form of blood cancer. Dreenie is the primary character of the novel. She is made anxious and curious when a new girl is introduced into her fifth-grade class.
With a Ladino word introduced on each page, a Sephardic Jewish family prepares to celebrate Shabbat.
A Jewish holiday book that welcomes the diversity of American Jewish children and their families. Chag Sameach! provides an introduction to the Jewish year. All kinds of people and families are included. The text and more than 20 black and white photographs can be shared with a three year old and read by a nine year old. It is for both Jewish families and those who would like to teach their children about other people's traditions.
Two grandmas. Two delicious recipes. And one granddaughter caught in the middle!
A novel about a Chinese Jewish girl’s obsession with fashion.
The boy is teased for looking different than the other kids. His skin is darker, his hair curlier. He tells his mother he wishes he could be more like everyone else. And she helps him to see how beautiful he really, truly is.
In this full-color middle-grade graphic memoir for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jerry Craft, Yehudi Mercado draws inspiration from his childhood struggle with his weight while finding friendship with his imaginary mascot, Chunky, as he navigates growing up in a working-class Mexican-Jewish family.
Clapping, counting and musical rhymes and fingerplays introduce Shabbat and the Jewish holidays to preschoolers in a participatory way. Four dozen rhymes include old favorites and many original poems. With easy-to-learn words and bright, adorable pictures. An ideal gift for any occasion.
Growing up in an affluent suburb of New York City, sixteen-year-old Nevaeh Levitz never thought much about her biracial roots. When her Black mom and Jewish dad split up, she relocates to her mom's family home in Harlem and is forced to confront her identity for the first time.
In 939 B.C.E. a daring girl and her priestly Jewish family journey from Jerusalem to Ethiopia with the son of Solomon and Sheba secretly transporting the Ark of the Covenant, the most important symbol of their faith.
This beautifully illustrated story transports its readers to the Ethiopian highlands, to share one of the many traditions of the Amharic-speaking Jews live there.
After celebrating his Bar Mitzvah in San Francisco, Elan, with his Jewish father and Native American mother, travels to New Mexico, where he takes part in a Pueblo manhood ceremony.
Michael and Elijah are friends, but when Elijah gives Michael one of his special carved angels, Michael doesn’t know what to do. How can he possibly take home a Christmas angel, a forbidden graven image--especially on Chanukah?
In I Love You Like Crazy Cakes, Rose Lewis and Jane Dyer told the heartfelt story of one woman's adoption a baby girl from China. These sentiments are brought to life again in this touching portrait of birthday celebrations and unforgettable moments between a mother and her little girl.
Ezra LOVES questions! Follow his adventure, which will leave your little one in stitches of laughter.
As her father prepares for a trip back to his childhood home in Ethiopia, Desta begins to worry: Where does her father truly belong, in the village of his youth or here in America with her?
Jokes, history, customs, trivia, science facts (just how fast does a dreidel spin?) come to life with wacky and informative illustrations throughout.
In this full-color middle-grade graphic memoir for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jerry Craft, Yehudi Mercado draws inspiration from his childhood struggle with his weight while finding friendship with his imaginary mascot, Chunky, as he navigates growing up in a working-class Mexican-Jewish family.
After Papa loses his job during the Depression, Hannah’s family moves to rural Minnesota, where she is the only Jewish child in her class.
Take a trip to Italy, Uzbekistan, Tunisia, and beyond to see how Hanukkah is celebrated around the world.
Here's a cultural crossover that pays off: a traditionally Japanese poetic form used to celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah. There's one haiku for each night, and stepped pages add one candle to the menorah every time the page is turned. The simple poetry is set off perfectly by Karla Gudeon's vibrant, freewheeling artwork. A perfect gift, or good to reread each year, Hanukkah Haiku is a jubilant, unforgettable journey through the eight nights of Hanukkah.
An unusual Hanukkah story with a multi-cultural focus, this title celebrates a little-known custom of the Latin-Jewish community.
The story of Harriet Tubman as the Moses of her people, is told in beautiful verse and illustrated through exquisite paintings by the famous African American artist.
With dazzling images and engaging text, readers learn about the historical and cultural significance of Hanukkah and why it is celebrated around the world.
The most celebrated holiday in the Jewish year, Passover commemorates the Exodus of Hebrew slaves from Egypt to freedom over 3,500 years ago. This colorful book explores the many forms that this weeklong celebration takes worldwide.
Deborah Heiligman's lively first-person text introduces readers to the sounding of the shofar, the holidays' greeting cards, prayers, and special foods.
The story of the world\x27s most famous Jewish song… as told by the song herself!
The Torah is called the Tree of Life. Just as a tree is always growing and changing, the Torah's ideas can help us grow and change, too. Yoda can do the same. Both can help us strengthen ourselves, calm our minds, and learn to appreciate the world around us.
I Love Jewish Faces affirms identity, embraces diversity, and celebrates Jewish life, all in one remarkable little book.
In this modern fable, various peoples of the world come up with their own names for God, highlighting the diversity in these honest and intimate expressions of faith and devotion.
PreSchool-Boys and girls at a Jewish nursery school explore Jewish traditions and holidays in this High Holiday series.
While trying to decide what to take for his school's International Day, Pablo helps his Mexican mother and Jewish father at their bakery and discovers a food that represents both his parents' backgrounds.
This illustrated book introduces the richness of the Jewish tradition and the holy days that accompany all of the major Jewish festivals.
This book is packed with vivid paintings and great true stories about the real life adventures of Jewish pioneers in New Mexico.
The story of the most known son of Israel, Joseph, and how his dreams saved the Jewish people. Stand-alone book or companion to Dreamworks Animation direct-to-video DVD of the same name.
June 19th, 1865, began as another hot day in Texas. Enslaved African Americans worked in fields, in barns, and in the homes of the white people who owned them. Then a message arrived. Freedom! Slavery had ended! The Civil War had actually ended in April. It took two months for word to reach Texas. Still the joy of that amazing day has never been forgotten. Every year, people all over the United States come together on June 19th to celebrate the end of slavery. Join in the celebration of Juneteenth, a day to remember and honor freedom for all people.
Award-winning writer and illustrator Floyd Cooper has created a book that is appropriate for young learners looking to understand the history and customs of Juneteenth. As Mazie settles into bed, her father tells her about the celebrations that will happen tomorrow on Juneteenth by starting with family history and the story forward through 2015, the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth. The customs and traditions of the holiday are also explained. Ages: 4-9 years of age
Joining her parents in a community celebration of Juneteenth, Cassie learns about the day when slaves in Texas were freed some two years after the Emancipation Proclamation and wonders why the news took so long to reach them.
In this first view of China adoption from a child's perspective, eight-year-old Ying Ying Fry returns to her orphanage to remember what it is like and to write a story so that other adopted children will understand where they came from.
An imaginative tale of the story of King Solomon and Princess Makeda from Ethiopia, who marries the Hebrew king and becomes the Queen of Sheba. Their bi-racial son, Ben LeHaham-Menelik sets off to meet his father in the land of Israel and then returns with many Jewish people to help him run his kingdom.
Queen Makeda sets out to learn whether King Solomon truly possesses the wisdom of the ages.
A collection of legends and stories from the oral tradition of this group of Jews who migrated to China long ago offers a look at their history and unique identity.
In this acclaimed book, Julius Lester shares his own story as he explores what makes each of us special.
The powerful, award-winning story of Ruth, a young Cuban immigrant who is just starting to get a handle on the English language and American customs when she's in a terrible car accident. Out of hardship can often come strength, and this novel of hope and self-discovery is perfect for readers in middle school who are looking for strong, emotional, realistic fiction.
A counting book describing how the children have fun during the eight nights of Hanukkah, making cards, exchanging gifts, chanting blessings, and singing songs. The main character is a Jewish boy of African descent.
March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis' lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis' personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement.
To carry out their nonviolent revolution, Lewis and an army of young activists launch a series of innovative campaigns, including the Freedom Vote, Mississippi Freedom Summer, and an all-out battle for the soul of the Democratic Party waged live on national television.
After the success of the Nashville sit-in campaign, John Lewis is more committed than ever to changing the world through nonviolence — but as he and his fellow Freedom Riders board a bus into the vicious heart of the deep south, they will be tested like never before.
Matzo-Ball Wonton Thanksgiving is inspired by author Amelie Liu's experience growing up as a Chinese-Jewish girl. In honor of her late father, Donald Liu, all proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the National Alliance for Children's Grief, a nonprofit organization that focuses on supporting bereaved children and raising awareness about children's grief.
An elderly Ashkenazi Jewish woman is befriended by an African American boy. Tush is the cat they both come to love.
With the cross-cultural charm of Bend It Like Beckham, this delightful debut novel is a classic coming-of-age story and young romance with universal appeal.
Rachamim and his family, Jews suffering from discrimination in Ethiopia, are forced to flee the country and finally make it to a new home in Israel.
Langston Hughes's spare yet eloquent tribue to his people has been cherished for generations. Now, acclaimed photographer Charles R. Smith Jr. interprets this beloved poem in vivid sepia photographs that capture the glory, the beauty, and the soul of being a black American today.
A lively, empowering story about Brenda's knotted-up, twisted, nappy hair and how it got to be that way!
Rachel loves visiting her Italian grandmother, even though Nonna celebrates Christmas and Rachel and her parents celebrate Hanukkah. Rachel plans to share Hanukkah with her whole family, so when Rachel's special hanukkiah goes missing, Nonna steps in to save the day.
An Ethiopian Jewish boy recounts the story of Israel's 1991 airlift rescue of his threatened people.
Adapted from one of Bob Marley's most beloved songs, One Love brings the joyful spirit and unforgettable lyrics of his music to life for a new generation.
Against the order of his government, a Japanese diplomat in Lithuania issued thousands of visas to Jewish refugees to help them flee the Nazis during World War II.
Introduces children to the many different ways of celebrating Passover around the world, including customs that can be adopted for use in the child's own family seder.
Maddie has just moved to Israel and is excited to celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish holiday of Sigd with her new friend Orly. But what about her own favorite fall holiday, Thanksgiving? Will Maddie be able to celebrate it in her new country? She's determined to find out! Illustrated by Denise Damanti.
Based closely on the Book of Esther and featuring childlike artwork that captures the trappings of the period, a spirited retelling of the Purim story celebrates the Queen Esther's brave defense of the Jews against the king's tyrannical prime minister.
In this sweet and humorous picture book, a multicultural family (Mom's Indian, Dad's Jewish) celebrate Hanukkah while incorporating traditional Indian food.
A Jewish family adopts a baby from Vietnam and her new brothers eagerly await her homecoming.
Part of the Gali Girls series, about a Jewish community living in Old China
Sabrina, a 10 year old girl from a rural village in Zanzibar, must decide whether to leave her family and fly to a faraway place for a surgery that could save her life.
Using simple poetic language and stunning photographs, Sandra and Myles Pinkney have created a remarkable book of affirmation for African-American children.
A story of friendship between two boys, an Israeli Jew and a Palestinian, both who live in the old city of Jerusalem. Respectful pictures of Jews, Christians and Muslims in traditional religious garb.
A treasure trove of forty-three religious, wisdom, riddle, and trickster Jewish folktales that have been told near the hearth, at the table, and in the synagogue for centuries
An extraordinary repertoire featuring 28 Jewish nursery rhymes, lullabies, and songs originating from the Ashkenazic, Sephardic, and Yemenite communities. Additional notes on the origin and cultural context of each song as well as on the Klezmer music are also included.
When Joey’s mother dies, he is sent to live with his mother’s estranged family. Joey is whisked away to Brooklyn. Though it’s just across town, it might as well be a different world. His grandfather, his aunt Frieda, and his ten-year-old cousin Roberta are not only white, they are Jewish.
With compelling photographs, colorful maps, intriguing sidebars, personal tales, and primary texts, this is much more than a textbook. It's an interactive experience in Jewish history.
When Almaz makes a mistake in school, she's really embarrassed! Other kids tease her because they don't understand her Ethiopian culture. How can she use her family's traditions to make friends? She needs to host a BIG BUNA BASH!
Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people.
A thrilling young adult novel that captures the horrors of the Spanish Inquisition and the strength and determination of one young girl to preserve her family and culture at any cost.
Provides readers with a collection of twelve tales that tie fantasty and magic to major Jewish holidays, such as Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, and Passover.
Provides entries for places, events and people which have played important roles in African American history.
In this gentle Bengali version of Noah's Ark, boat builder and his wife care for pairs of animals with faith that G-d will keep his promise of a new and better life.
The Everything Judaism Book explains the major precepts of this robust religion in language anyone can understand and appreciate, from high holy days to symbols and objects.
a diverse selection of Ashkenazi and Sephardic fairytales, legends, parables, fables, tall tales, trickster and fool tales, and supernatural and mystical stories.
Imani knows exactly what she wants as her big bat mitzvah gift: to find her birth parents. She loves her family and her Jewish community in Baltimore, but she has always wondered where she came from, especially since she's black and almost everyone she knows is white. Then her mom's grandmother--Imani's great-grandma Anna--passes away, and Imani discovers an old journal among her books.
When her family invites a deaf woman and her baby to stay, Ruthie, a talented knitter of mittens, wonders how the mother will know if her child wakes in the night. The surprising answer inspires Ruthie to knit a special gift that offers great comfort to mother and baby—and to Ruthie herself. With language and imagery reminiscent of stories told long ago, this modern Jewish folktale will resonate with those who love crafts, anyone who’s encountered someone with physical differences—and with everyone who has ever lost a mitten in the depths of winter.
Long, long ago in the land of Egypt, a Hebrew mother and her daughter, Miriam, hide a newborn baby boy in a basket that they float down the Nile River to save the childs life. Rescued from the river by the Egyptian princess, Pharoahs daughter, the boy is named Moses. When he grows up, he leads the Israelite people out of slavery. Beautifully retold and sumptuously illustrated, this picture book presentation of a favorite Bible story will delight young readers.
Devorah’s world is shattered by the tragedies of post–Great War Europe: gas poisoning, famine, typhoid, and influenza. Then comes the Night of the Burning, when Cossacks provoke Christian Poles to attack their Jewish neighbors.
An inspiring gentle folktale set in Ancient Ethiopia. Breathtaking watercolors dramatize ancient Ethiopia s contrasting pastoral charm and majesty.
Meet Hanina, the daughter of a Jewish tailor who cures a sultan’s only child by taming a lioness to get her milk.
The Rabbi’s Cat tells the wholly unique story of a rabbi, his daughter, and their talking cat–a philosopher brimming with scathing humor and surprising tenderness.
Joann Sfar's beloved, humorous, and wise talking cat is back for more beautifully illustrated adventures in Algiers and across Africa in the 1930s.
When Symphony Conductor Don Fernando is asked to perform a concert, he and his son Rafael devise a clever plan to usher in the Jewish New Year in plain sight of the Spanish nobility.
The Snowy Day transformed children's literature with its pioneering portrayal of an African-American child and the charming story and artwork that won it the Caldecott Medal.
Bold, colorful Persian-inspired illustrations bring new vibrancy to this old story, which will captivate and inspire its young audience.
It is Friday evening, and the sun is about to set. If you are Jewish, you are probably getting ready to light candles, say blessings, and eat delicious food. What is the special occasion? It is the Sabbath, or the Day of Rest.
Running for their lives to escape the political upheaval in Ethiopia, two young girls from different faiths form an unlikely friendship.
Sonia Nadhamuni is half-Jewish, half-Indian but she isn’t sure how she identifies. Neither of her parents are particularly observant and now that she is no longer in a small, private school her new classmates ask lots of questions about her identity. Her skin is dark, but she doesn’t identify as black and in her new school she sees the way black and white students segregate.
After her father loses his job, Sonia Nadhamuni, half Indian and half Jewish American, finds herself yanked out of private school and thrown into the unfamiliar world of public education. For the first time, Sonia's mixed heritage makes her classmates ask questions—questions Sonia doesn't always know how to answer—as she navigates between a group of popular girls who want her to try out for the cheerleading squad and other students who aren't part of the "in" crowd.
A Biblical tale of Solomon and Sheba.
David Da-Wei Horowitz has a lot on his plate. Preparing for his upcoming bar mitzvah would be enough work even if it didn't involve trying to please his Jewish and Chinese grandmothers, who argue about everything. But David just wants everyone to be happy.
Using everyday examples that children can relate to, this colorful book helps all young Jewish readers understand what it really means to be a Jew.
An Ethiopian Jewish family leaves their oppressed mountain village to make a difficult and treacherous journey in the hope of reaching freedom in Israel.
Auntie Sanyu builds a sukkah in her Ugandan garden. Curious wildlife―the Warthog, the Lion, the Giraffe, the Elephant, and other animals―come to celebrate the Sukkot holiday. They all want to shake the lulav and smell the etrog, but will selfish Warthog learn to share?
Now a young man in Israel, Yosef remembers his past in Ethiopia, and the dream he had as a child, in which he was given a choice. Should he climb mountains with Gazelle, never belonging anywhere? Hide in the shadows, with Hyena? Or grab hold of Eagle s wings and be taken far, far away?
Fleeing famine in her native Ethiopia, five-year-old Yuvi is sure she will have a candy tree when she arrives in Jerusalem.
Zack is the son of an unlikely but happy marriage: his mother is a black blues singer and his father is a white Jewish college professor. Zack is resentful and bitter toward his parents for moving–in his last year of high school–from Toronto to a small college town in the country. Zack goes on a journey in search of his roots where he discovers a part of himself that he never knew, and that racism can be a double-edged sword.
In this touching, simple story, a young Jewish girl named Rachel tries to make peace with the impending death of her grandfather.
Hong Kong-based author of ‘Alone on Dan Street’, Erica Lyons, reimagines a story about Rabbi Akivah’s daughter from the Talmud in a tale of the Jew of Kaifeng.