Shirley Reva Vernick is an author who explores difficult topics and makes them relevant for young readers. Her newest book, RIPPED AWAY (Fitzroy Books, 2022), is a time-travel story that takes readers back to the days of Jack the Ripper. She explores…
Emily Barth Isler is the author of AFTERMATH (Carolrhoda Books, 2021), a beautiful, honest novel about empathy, compassion, and the deepest kind of loss. In the story, Lucy grapples with her grief over her little brother’s death. But when her…
I’m so excited to share THE CLEVER LITTLE TAILOR (Kinder-Loshn Publications, 2021) by Solomon Simon, translated by David Forman with illustrations by Yehuda Blum. This unique translation of a Yiddish tale is about a poor tailor who cleverly solves mysteries in…
It’s the season for holiday books and I’m so delighted to share a truly special picture book – THE CHRISTMAS MITZVAH (Creston Books, 2021) by Jeff Gottesfeld. Young readers will be inspired by the story of Al Rosen, who helped others in his…
I am excited to chat with author Karen Pokras about her engaging middle grade novel, THE BACKYARD SECRETS OF DANNY WEXLER (Kar-Ben, 2021). The story follows eleven-year-old Danny as he and his friends attempt to solve a local mystery that…
It’s wonderful to once again interview my friend and fellow Book Meshuggenah, Nancy Churnin. Nancy is known for creating exceptional books for young readers. Her new picture book biography, A QUEEN TO THE RESCUE: THE STORY OF HENRIETTA SZOLD, FOUNDER…
I am delighted to chat with author Megan Hoyt about her upcoming picture book THE GREATEST SONG OF ALL: HOW ISAAC STERN UNITED THE WORLD TO SAVE CARNEGIE HALL (Quill Tree Books, 2022), illustrated by Katie Hickey. This nonfiction picture…
I first met author Danielle Joseph when we both attended the TENT program at the Yiddish Book Center. Danielle is a wonderful writer and storyteller, and I am so excited to discuss her new middle-grade novel, SYDNEY A. FRANKEL’S SUMMER…
It is an honor to introduce Jeska Verstegen, author of I’LL KEEP YOU CLOSE (Levine Querido, 2021). The tragedies and atrocities of WWII have impacted generations of families. Inspired by her own real-life events, I’LL KEEP YOU CLOSE follows a…
Valerie Estelle Frankel is an award-winning author of books for adults and children. Her book, CHELM FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Kar-Ben, 2019), is a collection of stories about the residents in Chelm as they celebrate Jewish holidays throughout the year. The…