Chris Baron’s new middle grade novel, SPARK (Feiwel & Friends, 2025), follows Finn and his friend Rabbit as they cope with a devastating California wildfire in their community. Throughout the story, the friends also work to protect their local forest…
In Naomi Milliner’s new middle grade novel THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS (Quill Tree Books, 2025), middle schooler Becky faces significant challenges when her personal goals don’t align with her father’s expectations. At the same time, her beloved older sister is…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…