Book reviews for kids from Liza Wiemer, longtime local Jewish educator
“Under the Rubble: The Hidden Letters of the Warsaw Ghetto,”
by Elisa Boxer, illustrated by Oksana Drachkovska, published by Apples and Honey Press
In this powerful, emotional, and exquisitely written and illustrated picture book, readers learn about Hersh Wasser, the only person alive after World War II who knew where documents penned by Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto were buried. He made it his mission to find them and share the messages, highlighting the Nazi atrocities, dreams of freedom, and prayers with the world. There were poems, drawings, plays, stories and songs. Back matter includes a glossary, a Warsaw Ghetto map, an author’s note and photos. For fourth grade and up.
“Emily Saw a Door,”
by Mel Rosenberg, illustrated by Orit Magia, published by Random House Studio
This exceptional picture book uses doors as an important metaphor for life experiences. Although there is no specific mention of Jewish concepts, this absolutely is a Jewish book. When doors won’t open, or they close because of discrimination, or there are scary things behind them, or they lead nowhere, this book encourages children (and adults) to create their own doors and to be inclusive and welcoming (hachnasat orachim). Be prepared. You may tear up!
“D. J. Rosenblum Becomes the G.O.A.T.,”
by Abby White, published by Levine Querido
Winner of the 2026 Sydney Taylor Young Adult Award, this deeply touching, heartbreaking, and healing novel takes readers on a journey to discover what happened to D.J.’s beloved first cousin, Rachel Simon. Although D.J. is told that Rachel died by suicide, D.J. refuses to believe it. She launches her own investigation. Emotional and powerful, this edge-of-your-seat read is filled with Jewish teachings, rituals, and holidays. Family dynamics, LGBTQ+ relationships, mental health, and suicide are prominent throughout the book. An outstanding story for discussion between 12+ year-olds and the adults in their lives.
“On the Road to Happy,”
by Goldy Moldavsky, published by Quill Tree Books
Leaving her mom behind and spending the summer of 1997 at an upstate New York Orthodox bungalow community, where her dad will be in charge of maintenance, is the last place Gigi wants to be. Fitting in isn’t easy, and Gigi comes up with a plan to make her way home to Brooklyn, which leads to some unforeseen consequences. Friendship, bullying, family dynamics, social class, religious practices, and having immigrant parents are some of the important topics addressed in this dynamic middle-grade novel. This beautifully written, unique story shows how thoughtful communication and love are critical to healthy family and friend relationships.
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.
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