Book reviews for kids from Liza Wiemer, longtime local Jewish educator
Night Owls by A.R. Vishny, published by HarperCollins
Winner of the 2024 National Jewish Book Awards for Young Adults and the Sydney Taylor YA Book Award, teens and adults will be captivated by this brilliantly crafted Jewish paranormal urban novel. Set in New York City, two estries – owl-shifting female vampires – must save the ones they love from the underworld. Clara becomes close to Boaz, a boy who sees ghosts, and Molly falls for Anat, a college theater student. Readers will relish the Jewish content permeating the pages, including folklore, foods, Hebrew phrases, and Yiddish theater references. This fabulous fantasy will keep you in your seat until the end.
Day of Delight: A Jewish Sabbath in Ethiopia by Maxine Rose Schur, illustrated by Brian Pinkney, published by Kalaniot Books
This book is a rare, special gift, transporting readers to Ethiopia to prepare for and celebrate the Sabbath. The stunning illustrations enhance the touching story of family, community and celebration. Readers will learn about the work of farmers, blacksmiths and weavers as well as foods like injera, a spongy pancake, and dabo, a honey bread served on Shabbat. The back matter contains information on Ethiopian Jews and their Sabbath preparation. A fabulous activity guide is available on Kalaniot’s website. Highly recommend for ages kindergarten and up.
Otherwise Known As Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume by Selina Alko, published by Little, Brown and Company
Told through delightful poetry, Selina Alko masterfully shares a vivid, gorgeously illustrated biography about world-renowned Jewish author Judy Blume. Readers learn about unforgettable moments from Judy’s childhood, including World War II, Friday night dinners, conversations with G-d, and sitting Shiva for some of her father’s seven siblings. Budding writers will find inspiration from Judy’s imagination and her love for reading. The book ends with a poem titled “Judy Blooms,” which highlights her journey to becoming a published author. Jenna Bush Hager named this book a 2026 summer pick!
The Shabbat Flood: A Texas-sized Tale by Jan Schwaid, illustrated by Evelline Andrya, published by Kar-Ben Publishin
This irresistible book was inspired by the actions of bakery owner Hyman Weinstein, who delivered challahs to customers by canoe when a flood hit South Dallas in 1935. Told as a tall tale, this sweet story, filled with compassion and generosity, will be a comfort to children, especially those who might be afraid of storms. The adorable illustrations and humorous text form an excellent bridge for discussion on natural disasters. Gemilut chasadim, acts of kindness, are shared throughout the book as well as community Shabbat celebrations. Highly recommended for preschoolers and up.
I Wish That You Knew by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, illustrated by Alyssa Russell, published by Little Bee Books
The loss of a dear loved one can be traumatizing for children of any age, but this unique, important book helps acknowledge and ease that pain. Set around the hakamat ha-matzevah, the unveiling ceremony where a grave marker is formally dedicated, a little girl recalls special memories of her grandma and the strong bond and love they had between them. The beautiful prose and illustrations gently walk the reader step-by-step to the gravestone, allowing an adult to guide a child through their own experience. The author’s note is an excellent resource. Rich with Jewish tradition, this is a must for anyone struggling to talk about death with a child.
Bonus for Adults: Inside the Teenage Mind: Raising an Orthodox Teen in the 21st Century by Rabbi David Schlusselberg, published by Mosaica Press
With the many challenges teens face today —the need to fit in, apathy toward school, exposure to social media, pornography, and gambling, the struggles with faith and prayer—Rabbi Schlusselberg gives practical assistance to help parents navigate these turbulent waters. Although written with religiously observant families in mind, the numerous tips are helpful for every Jewish adult raising children interested in parenting through a Jewish lens. Highly recommended.
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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