In Marcella Pixley’s middle grade novel in verse NESHAMA (Candlewick, 2025), Anna can communicate with ghosts, resulting in conflict at school and home. But with the help of her beloved Bubbe, Anna finds the faith and strength she needs to…
Tag: middle grade
Interview with Dara Horn, author of ONE LITTLE GOAT: A PASSOVER CATASTROPHE
Dara Horn‘s contributions to Jewish literature and education are inspiring. I was excited to learn she had written a middle-grade graphic novel and couldn’t wait to read it! ONE LITTLE GOAT (Norton Young Readers, 2025), illustrated by Theo Ellsworth, is…
Interview with Rosanne Tolin, author of FREEDOM’S GAME
Rosanne Tolin’s middle grade novel FREEDOM’S GAME (Reycraft Books, 2024) follows Ziggy and Elka, two Jewish children hidden in a French orphanage during WWII. Separated from their families and fearful but hopeful about the future, they become fast friends. Ziggy…
Interview with Esty Schachter, author of ANYA’S ECHOES
In Esty Schachter’s middle grade novel, ANYA’S ECHOES (Lewis Court Press, 2024) Lea is annoyed that her great Aunt Anya will be visiting. But when Lea discovers recordings of Aunt Anya telling stories about her life and the challenges she…
Interview with Liz Kleinrock and Caroline Kusin Pritchard, authors of WHAT JEWISH LOOKS LIKE
Liz Kleinrock and Caroline Kusin Pritchard’s new book WHAT JEWISH LOOKS LIKE (HarperCollins, 2024) illustrated by Iris Gottlieb, features thirty-six short biographies of diverse Jewish people, ranging from prominent artists to actors, athletes, and more. The authors emphasize how these…
Interview with Gayle Forman, author of NOT NOTHING
NOT NOTHING by Gayle Forman is the moving story of 12-year-old Alex, who is sent by a judge to volunteer in a retirement home. His own family is fractured, and he is resistant to making connections, especially with Maya-Jade, another…
Interview with author/illustrator Terri Libenson of ALWAYS ANTHONY
Terri Libenson’s new graphic novel, ALWAYS ANTHONY (Balzer + Bray, 2024) follows the alternating points of view between Anthony and Leah, two middle schoolers who don’t seem to have much in common until Leah begins to tutor Anthony, and they…
Interview with Alex Schumacher, author/illustrator of THE EFFECTS OF PICKLED HERRING
Alex Schumacher’s graphic novel THE EFFECTS OF PICKLED HERRING (Mango Publishing Group, 2024), follows Micah Gadsky, who is balancing a lot in his personal life as he prepares to become a Bar Mitzvah. In addition to troubles at school and…
Interview with Anna E. Jordan, author of SHIRA & ESTHER’S DOUBLE DREAM DEBUT
In Anna E. Jordan’s middle grade book SHIRA & ESTHER’S DOUBLE DREAM DEBUT (Chronicle Books, 2023), look-alike thirteen-year-olds Shira and Esther concoct a plan to swap places when they discover they are living each other’s dreams: one girl wants to…
Interview with Emily Barth Isler, author of THE COLOR OF SOUND
Emily Barth Isler’s middle-grade book, THE COLOR OF SOUND (Carolrhoda Books, 2024), follows twelve-year-old Rosie, who has synesthesia. Although Rosie is a gifted musician, she refuses to play her violin. She also struggles with her mom and has issues with…