Welcome to this year’s Hanukkah Book Roundup! Here is a selection of new Hanukkah books published in 2022. For more great Hanukkah reads, please check out last year’s post. Wishing everyone a happy Hanukkah filled with light! The Boston Chocolate…
Interview with Deborah Lakritz, author of A PLACE TO BELONG: DEBBIE FRIEDMAN SINGS HER WAY HOME
I am delighted to welcome my friend, Deborah Lakritz, to chat about her newest picture book biography, A PLACE TO BELONG: DEBBIE FRIEDMAN SINGS HER WAY HOME (Apples & Honey Press, 2022), illustrated by Julia Castaño. Debbie Friedman’s music is…
Interview with Jonathan Sandler, graphic novelist– THE ENGLISH GI
Jonathan Sandler’s graphic novel, THE ENGLISH GI illustrated by Brian Bicknell, is based on the memoir of his beloved grandfather, Bernard Sandler. Bernard was a Jewish British teenager who was stranded in New York City in 1939 when the war…
Interview with Jane Sutton, author of GRACIE BRINGS BACK BUBBE’S SMILE
In Jane Sutton’s new picture book, GRACIE BRINGS BACK BUBBE’S SMILE (Albert Whitman & Company, 2022) illustrated by Debby Rahmalia, Gracie’s grandmother, Bubbe, is grieving the loss of her husband, Gracie’s grandfather. When Bubbe teaches Gracie some Yiddish, the two…
Interview with Elana Rubinstein, author of A DONUT IN TIME
A DONUT IN TIME: A Hanukkah Story is the newest chapter book in the Saralee Siegel series by Elana Rubinstein, with illustrations by Jennifer Naalchigar (Apples & Honey Press, 2022). It’s a delightful series about a girl named Saralee Siegel and her unusual superpower –…
Interview with Chana Stiefel, coauthor of MENDEL’S HANUKKAH MESS UP
In Chana and Larry Stiefel’s new picture book MENDEL’S HANUKKAH MESS UP (Kalaniot Books, 2022) illustrated by Daphna Awadish, Mendel is delighted when the rabbi asks him to drive the Mitzvah Mobile and invite passersby to the synagogue’s Hanukkah bash.…
Interview with Samara Shanker, author of NAOMI TEITELBAUM ENDS THE WORLD
In Samara Shanker’s new middle-grade novel NAOMI TEITELBAUM ENDS THE WORLD (Atheneum, 2022), Naomi is surprised when she receives a small clay figure as a Bat Mitzvah gift. When the golem comes to life and grows out of control, only…
Interview with Joel Ross, author of ALLEY & REX: BITE THE BAGEL
Perfect for middle-grade readers who love humor with heart, BITE THE BAGEL (Simon & Schuster, 2022) the second installment of the illustrated middle-grade ALLEY & REX series by Joel Ross with illustrations by Nicole Miles, will engage readers with likable…
Interview with Gloria Koster, author of DANCE THE HORA, ISADORA
In Gloria Koster’s new picture book DANCE THE HORA, ISADORA (Apples & Honey Press, 2022) illustrated by Barbara Bongini, young Isadora struggles to find a special dance to share with her peers in dance class. But after participating in her…
Interview with Barbara Krasner, author of ETHEL’S SONG: ETHEL ROSENBERG’S LIFE IN POEMS
Barbara Krasner’s new verse YA novel ETHEL’S SONG: ETHEL ROSENBERG’S LIFE IN POEMS (Calkins Creek, 2022) offers insights into the life story of Ethel Rosenberg. Focusing on the lesser-known aspects of Ethel’s background, including her childhood and Jewish upbringing, Barbara’s…