Books that adults will love, too! | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Books that adults will love, too!

“The Greatest,” by Veera Hiranandani, Illustrated by Vesper Stamper and published by Random House Studio 

Spectacular! This gorgeously written and illustrated picture book by the Newbery Honor Award-winning author, Veera Hiranandani, may very well bring tears to your eyes. It shares the special relationship between a grandpa, who sees himself as ordinary, and his grandchildren, who see him as the greatest. The book shows their beautiful relationship as they act out plays, make sandwiches and celebrate Jewish holidays. Radiating joy and love, this picture book will become a family favorite. Suggested activity: Create your own story on why your grandparents are “the greatest.”  

“Not Nothing,” by Gayle Forman and published by Aladdin 

From New York Times Bestselling author of “If I Stay,” comes a powerful and emotional tale of second chances. When twelve-year-old Alex’s mom is hospitalized, then disappears to due mental illness, Alex is placed with an aunt and uncle who do not want him. But Alex’s greatest challenge is his anger, which brought him to a life-altering incident with horrible consequences. As part of Alex’s restitution, he must work in a retirement home. There, he meets a 107-year-old Holocaust survivor who has his own regrets. Through their touching, heartbreaking, insightful conversations, Alex learns the power of compassion, hope, forgiveness and, most importantly, that he is “not nothing.”  

“When the Angels Left the Old Country,” by Sasha Lamb and published by Levine Querido 

This brilliant, fantastical fairytale about Uriel, an angel, and Little Ash, a demon, who have studied together for centuries, takes them on a journey from their shtetl to America. They encounter multiple people who need their help as they navigate their way into a new world. Lamb does an incredible job describing life in the shtetl, the trip to America, the obstacles at Ellis Island, and the painful challenges of the sweatshops of New York. Along the way, the angel and demon face murderers, corrupt officials, ghosts, and challenges that will leave readers thinking about the value of their lives, what they have contributed to society, and how to make each day meaningful. Winner of the Stonewall Book Award for Children and Young Adult Literature, a Nominee for the Michael L. Printz Award, and winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award for Young Adults. 

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. Her latest novel, “The Assignment,” is appropriate for ages 12 and up.