Book Corner | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Book Corner

Liza’s Book Corner: Owl-shifting female vampires!

Liza’s Book Corner: Owl-shifting female vampires!

Posted on: August 14th, 2026 | 1 Elul 5786 by Special to the Chronicle

Book reviews for kids from Liza Wiemer, longtime local Jewish educator 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 […]

LIZA’S BOOK CORNER: Mel Brooks, bubbies, and a bar mitzvah

LIZA’S BOOK CORNER: Mel Brooks, bubbies, and a bar mitzvah

Posted on: July 22nd, 2026 | 8 Av 5786 by Special to the Chronicle

Book reviews for kids from Liza Wiemer, longtime local Jewish educator Yasha’s Amazi’ Bar Mitzvah by Margaret Gurevich, published by Penguin Workshop  Yes, it’s cliché, but oh so fitting: Gurevich hit this exceptional middle-grade novel out of the ballpark. When Yasha and his parents move from Brighton, New York to Rockwood, New Jersey, Yasha’s life plunges into turmoil. Everything […]

In a time of darkness, these books inspire hope

Posted on: June 18th, 2026 | 3 Tammuz 5786 by Special to the Chronicle

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 […]

LIZA’S BOOK CORNER: ‘Friendship and Community’

LIZA’S BOOK CORNER: ‘Friendship and Community’

Posted on: May 26th, 2026 | 10 Sivan 5786 by Special to the Chronicle

Book reviews for kids from Liza Wiemer, longtime local Jewish educator “A Place to Pray: A Tale of Friendship and Community Inspired by a True Story,” by Doreen Klein Robinson, illustrated by Yuke Li, published by Worthy Kids. Inspired by the actions of Rabbi Joshua Stanton of East End Temple in New York, this touching and […]

Recommended: ‘Chernobyl, life, and other disasters’ – Book reviews for kids from Liza Wiemer, longtime local Jewish educator 

Recommended: ‘Chernobyl, life, and other disasters’ – Book reviews for kids from Liza Wiemer, longtime local Jewish educator 

Posted on: April 24th, 2026 | 7 Iyyar 5786 by Rob Golub

“Awe! It’s Everywhere!” By Chana Stiefel, illustrated by Susan Gal, published by Scholastic Press  One of the most magnificent, awe-inspiring picture books ever created, readers of all ages will be captivated by the lyrical words and stunning illustrations. Explore the wonders of the world, the oohs and aahs all around us. Marvel at the beautiful, the incredible, the simple, the magnificent. We need […]

Pesach books for kids

Posted on: March 27th, 2026 | 9 Nisan 5786 by Special to the Chronicle

“The Miracle of Matzah Pizza: A Bible Tale by Ann Diament Koffsy,” published by Intergalactic Afikoman  Pure delight (and deliciousness)! Koffsy’s humor shines through in this tall tale about how matzah pizza started, taking children through the desert with Moses and Miriam. Young and old will appreciate this beautifully illustrated and joyous Passover story. Back matter includes information on the holiday […]

Three new Purim books from PJ Library

Three new Purim books from PJ Library

Posted on: March 10th, 2026 | 21 Adar 5786 by Special to the Chronicle

“Purim Possibilities,” by Barbara Kimmel, illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich  This fun board book gives children the opportunity to imagine what costume they want to wear for Purim. It introduces aspects of the holiday such as reading the Megillah and making hamantaschen. Reusable decals with various outfits are included.   “Purim Baskets,” by Nancy Churnin, illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford  Giving mishloach manot – baskets […]

‘A Story of Two Great-Grandmothers’

‘A Story of Two Great-Grandmothers’

Posted on: February 11th, 2026 | 24 Shevat 5786 by Special to the Chronicle

“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 […]

Recommendations from Liza Wiemer for young readers

Recommendations from Liza Wiemer for young readers

Posted on: January 22nd, 2026 | 4 Shevat 5786 by Special to the Chronicle

“The Color of Sound” by Emily Barth Isler, published by Carolrhoda Books  This fabulous middle-grade novel is about a 12-year-old girl with synesthesia. She’s a musical prodigy whose parents push her to become one of the best violinists. But Rosie rebels, and many valuable lessons are learned as the family navigates a summer at Rosie’s grandparents’ home. This book has vivid […]

Accept yourself, with Torah!

Accept yourself, with Torah!

Posted on: December 5th, 2025 | 15 Kislev 5786 by Special to the Chronicle

“Every Body Is: Nurturing Self-Acceptance through Torah Values,” by Chanie Kamman and Alyssa Goldwater, illustrated by Dafne Zivan, published by Feldheim Publishers  This book belongs in every Jewish home and school. The critical and deeply moving message is exactly what our children need (and some adults, too): no matter our shape or the color of […]