Elly Swartz is the author of several middle grade novels. Her newest book, DEAR STUDENT (Delacorte Press, 2022), follows Autumn, a middle schooler who is facing challenges at home and school. Feeling resentful that her dad has left to serve…
Remembering Paula Cohen: Author/Illustrator of BIG DREAMS, SMALL FISH
March 1st is the launch of a truly special book, BIG DREAMS, SMALL FISH (Levine Querido, 2022) written and illustrated by Paula Cohen. Sadly, Paula passed away suddenly last week. I had just planned interview questions for her when I…
Interview with Mari Lowe, author of AVIVA VS THE DYBBUK
I’d like to welcome Mari Lowe, author of AVIVA VS THE DYBBUK (Levine Querido, 2022). The story follows a lonely girl named Aviva who is mourning the loss of her beloved father. As she grapples with her grief, Aviva also…
Jewish Book Carnival – February 2022
Welcome to the February 2022 Jewish Book Carnival. I hope you have a chance to check out these interesting links. The Jewish Book Carnival is a monthly roundup of Jewish literary links from across the blogosphere. Sponsored by the Association…
Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour! Interview with Eugene Yelchin, author of THE GENIUS UNDER THE TABLE
What an honor it is to be a stop on the Sydney Taylor Book Awards Blog Tour! The Sydney Taylor Book Award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by…
Interview with Barbara Bottner, author and contributor to COMING OF AGE: 13 B’NAI MITZVAH STORIES
COMING OF AGE: 13 B’NAI MITZVAH STORIES (Albert Whitman & Company, 2022) is a wonderful anthology celebrating the important rite of passage in the Jewish community. Edited by Henry Herz and Jonathan Rosen, the range of stories will engage readers…
Coming Soon! The 2022 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour
I am delighted to announce that my interview with Eugene Yelchin about his Sydney Taylor Honor Book in the Middle Grade Category, THE GENIUS UNDER THE TABLE, will be published here on February 9th. The full schedule of interviews for…
Interview with Maya Shleifer, illustrator of LIGHTS IN THE NIGHT
I’d like to welcome Maya Shleifer to chat about her illustrations for the board book LIGHTS IN THE NIGHT (Green Bean Books, 2021) written by Chris Barash. This charming book portrays a family celebrating a quiet, yet beautiful seaside Shabbat.…
The Sydney Taylor Book Awards 2022!
2022 Sydney Taylor Book, Manuscript, and Body-of-Work Award Winners Announced! Winners of the annual Sydney Taylor Book Award were announced by the Association of JewishLibraries. Named in memory of Sydney Taylor, author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series, the award…
Interview with Freda Lewkowicz, author of I AM HAVA: A Song’s Story of Love, Hope and Joy
I’m so thrilled to welcome Freda Lewkowicz, author of I AM HAVA: A Song’s Story of Love, Hope and Joy (Intergalactic Afikoman, 2021) illustrated by Siona Benjamin. The story is a beautiful, heart-filled tribute to the song we all know and love,…