‘A Story of Two Great-Grandmothers’

“Maya’s Journey: A Story of Two Great-Grandmothers” by Marcella White Campbell, illustrated by Olivia Smith, published by Kalaniot Books 

Based on her family’s true experience, this exquisite picture book explores identity and respect for family history. When Maya’s teacher gives an assignment requiring each student to write their personal stories, Maya is stuck. But then her parents share how her great-grandmothers were forced to leave their homes in search of freedom. Martha left Arkansas, where there was racial segregation, for integrated San Francisco in 1942. Essie left Romania in 1910 for New York because of antisemitism. Maya finds the connections between each side of her family and how their journeys brought her parents together. The meaningful, thoughtful prose and gorgeous illustrations, including a wedding scene under the chuppah, show the beauty of what it means to be Jewish today. 

“Dancing on Memories” by Freda Lewkowicz, illustrated by Sally Anne Garland, published by Apples and Honey 

For anyone with a loved one suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, this deeply moving and loving picture book gently provides a window into how the “Memory Thief” impacts a granddaughter and her nana. Told with sensitivity and compassion, this honest portrayal is an excellent way to open the door to discuss memory loss with your children. I loved the Jewish connections throughout the book. Note: The author found inspiration from her own family experiences with Alzheimer’s. She was also moved by thea viral video of the late ballerina Marta Cinta González Saldaña, who suffered from Alzheimers, spontaneously performing “Swan Lake,” upon hearing the music, and incorporated that into the book. 

“From Wood to Sefer: How it’s Made” by Meish Goldish, published by Menucha Classroom Solutions 

If you’re not familiar with Goldish’s “How it’s Made” series, this is a wonderful start. Readers will see how woodcutters chop down trees, remove tree bark, turn chips into pulp, and eventually produce the book. Children and adults will be fascinated by the process. With bold photos and “Did you know?” questions to enhance learning, the short text makes this book and series accessible and interesting for all. 

“Shira & Esther’s Double Dream Debut” by Anna E. Jordan, published by Chronicle Books 

This book will be extra delightful for fans of “The Parent Trap.” Esther’s mom is an actress in the Yiddish theater, and Shira’s dad is a rabbi. Both parents would love for their daughters to follow in their footsteps. Esther longs to have a bat mitzvah and learn Torah. Shira wants to be on stage. Although they are not twins, they look almost identical. They switch places to fulfill their dreams. With numerous Yiddish phrases and lots of Jewish joy, this clever, heartwarming, humorous book will keep middle-grade readers and the adults in their lives turning pages. It may even inspire them to follow their dreams. 

The Chronicle “Book Corner” column is by author Liza Wiemer, of Fox Point, who has taught in nine of our Milwaukee-area Jewish religious schools and day schools. She is a board member at the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center. Her picture book, “Out and About: A Tale of Giving,” is appropriate for ages 2 and up.