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…
Author: BarbaraBietz
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…
Interview with Ann Koffsky, author and illustrator of WHAT’S IN TULI’S BOX?
It’s so lovely to welcome back author/illustrator Ann Koffsky! In Ann’s new picture book, WHAT’S IN TULI’S BOX? (Apples & Honey Press, 2022), a kitten named Tuli finds a box full of coins. After learning that the box isn’t a…
Interview with Sarah Aronson, author of BRAND-NEW BUBBE
Welcome back, Sarah Aronson! I have previously interviewed my friend Sarah, and I am happy to learn more about her new picture book, BRAND-NEW BUBBE (Charlesbridge, 2022) illustrated by Ariel Landy. In the book, Jillian has a new stepfather, which…
Interview with David Michael Slater, author of THE VANISHING
David Michael Slater’s new YA novel THE VANISHING (Library Tales Publishing, 2022) is a unique blend of magical realism and historical fiction. Set during the Holocaust, the book centers around an invisible girl named Sophie who is determined to save…
AJL Holiday Highlights Fall 2022: APPLES, APPLES, ALL YEAR ROUND
I am pleased to share my new picture book written with June Sobel, APPLES, APPLES, ALL YEAR ROUND: A CELEBRATION OF JEWISH HOLIDAYS (Apples & Honey Press, 2022) illustrated by Ruth Waters was chosen as an AJL Fall 2022 Holiday…
Interview with Danica Davidson, coauthor of I WILL PROTECT YOU
I am pleased to welcome Danica Davidson, the coauthor of the middle grade memoir I WILL PROTECT YOU: A TRUE STORY OF TWINS WHO SURVIVED AUSCHWITZ (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2022) written with her friend, the late Eva…
Interview with Bonnie Lindauer, author of HANNAH G. SOLOMON DARED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Bonnie Lindauer’s picture book biography HANNAH G. SOLOMON DARED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE (Kar-Ben, 2021) illustrated by Sofia Moore tells the life story of National Council of Jewish Women founder Hannah G. Solomon. Hannah spent her life working to make…