Thank you to my friend Jany for creating this list in celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month!
p.s. Here is one more:
A Ring for a King by Martha Seif Simpson, illustrated by D. Yael Berhard
King Solomon is weary, and his cupbearer, a young boy named Ezra, wants to help. They both seek words that uplift and improve one’s character. When Ezra helps someone in need, he is gifted a ring inscribed with words that he shares with the King. The words are wise and offer comfort. These words still ring true today! [picture book, ages 4 and up]
22 Children’s Books to Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month
Biographies
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by
A biographical picture book that tells the inspiring story of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg through her famous dissents, showing how she stood up against unfairness and fought for what’s right. [picture book, age 4 and up]
Itzhak: A Boy Who Loved the Violin by Tracy Newman, illustrated by Abigail Halpin
Itzhak: A Boy Who Loved the Violin tells the story of Itzhak Perlman, who grew up in a poor Tel Aviv family, and despite battling polio, followed his passion for music to become one of the world’s greatest violinists. This beautifully illustrated book captures his journey from a dream-filled boy to a virtuoso. [picture book, age 4 and up]
Music Was IT: Young Leonard Bernstein by Susan Goldman Rubin
Leonard Bernstein’s love for music began in childhood, from being soothed by his mother’s Victrola to demanding piano lessons. Despite the dominance of Europeans in the classical music world, Bernstein’s passion led him to debut as a conductor with the New York Philharmonic at just 25. This biography, enriched with archival photos, explores his journey to success. [picture book, age 4 and up]
The Spy Who Played Baseball by Carrie Jones, illustrated by Gary Cherrington
Moe Berg was no ordinary baseball player—he was Jewish, well-educated with a law degree, multilingual, and a world traveler. When World War II began, he traded his baseball career for a life of espionage, gathering crucial information for the U.S. government. This captivating biography will appeal to young readers interested in both baseball and the world of spies. [picture book, age 5 and up]
The Polio Pioneer: Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine by Linda Elovitz Marshall, illustrated by Lisa Anchin
Dr. Jonas Salk, the child of immigrants, became one of the 20th century’s most celebrated medical researchers. After helping create the influenza vaccine, he led the fight against polio and invented the life-saving polio vaccine in 1952. This biography highlights his groundbreaking work and lasting legacy in medical research. [picture book, age 4 and up]
Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life:
Hedy Lamarr, known as a glamorous movie star, was also a brilliant inventor whose groundbreaking communications system during World War II laid the foundation for modern technology security. For years, only her closest friends knew her secret. This inspiring biography reveals Lamarr’s lesser-known legacy as an inventor. [picture book, age 5 and up]
Nothing Could Stop Her: The Courageous Life of Ruth Gruber by Rona Arato, illustrated by Isabel Muñoz
Ruth Gruber, born in 1911 to a Jewish American family, defied expectations and became a pioneering journalist and activist. Over her seven-decade career, she reported from places others couldn’t or wouldn’t go, including Nazi Germany and the Arctic Soviet Union, fighting for the rights and safety of those in need. [middle grade, age 8 and up]
Saving Lady Liberty: Joseph Pulitzer’s Fight for the Statue of Liberty by Claudia Friddell, illustrated by Stacy Innerst
This story tells how Joseph Pulitzer, a Jewish immigrant and newspaper mogul, used one of the first American crowdfunding campaigns to raise money for the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal. Pulitzer called on all Americans to contribute, bringing together people from all walks of life to fund the monument. [picture book, age 7 and up]
Non Fiction
Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Claire A. Nivola
In 1883, Emma Lazarus wrote the poem “The New Colossus,” giving the Statue of Liberty a voice and symbolizing America’s welcoming spirit for immigrants. This free-verse biography, illustrated in folk art style, highlights Emma’s lasting impact and includes the famous poem. [picture book, age 4 and up]
As Good as Anybody: Martin Luther King, Jr., and Abraham Joshua Heschel’s Amazing March toward Freedom by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Raul Colón
Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Joshua Heschel, two icons that turned their personal experiences of discrimination into a powerful message of love and equality. Martin, raised in the American South, fought against racial injustice, while Abraham, a Jewish immigrant, spread messages of peace and acceptance. Their remarkable friendship united their efforts for justice and equality. [picture book, age 6 and up]
Historical Fiction
Tia Fortuna’s New Home by Ruth Behar, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
A heartfelt story about family, culture, and new beginnings as Estrella helps her Tía Fortuna move from her beloved Miami apartment to an assisted living community. Through their day together, Tía shares the significance of her cherished possessions from both her Cuban and Jewish heritage, teaching Estrella that home is where the heart is, if family is there. [picture book, age 4 and up]
On the Wings of Eagles by Tami Lehman-Wilzig, illustrated by Alisha Monnin
Based on true events, this picture book tells the story of Haila, a young Yemenite girl, whose family is airlifted to safety by Alaska Airlines pilot Warren Metzger. As they make their journey, Haila discovers that the “eagles” promised to carry them are airplanes, symbolizing hope and courage in their escape. [picture book, ages 5 and up]
The Boston Chocolate Party by Tami Lehman-Wilzig and Rabbi Deborah R. Prinz, illustrated by Fede Combi
Joshua Mendes joins his Papa in Boston, where they help Isaac’s family open a chocolate house amid the growing tensions over British tea taxation. Set during the American Revolution, the story highlights friendship, freedom, and the Jewish settlers from Spain and Portugal who sought religious freedom in America. [picture book, age 4 and up]
The Key from Spain: Flory Jagoda and Her Music by Debbie Levy and Sonja Wimmer
Flory Jagoda’s ancestors fled Spain during the Inquisition, taking the key to their home and the Ladino language. As Flory escapes Europe during WWII, she carries the language, her harmonica, and her music to the U.S., but the key remains a symbol of her past. [picture book, age 4 and up]
Judah Touro Didn’t Want to be Famous by Audrey Ades, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger
Judah Touro moved from Boston to New Orleans in 1801 with dreams of becoming a successful shopkeeper. After creating a successful business and surviving an injury during the War of 1812, he realized the importance of using his accomplishments to help others. Humble and private, Judah dedicated himself to anonymous acts of philanthropy, impacting many lives without seeking recognition. [picture book, age 5 and up]
Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Greg Harlin
A soldier tells George Washington the inspiring tale of how Jewish soldiers defeated a larger Greek army, offering hope to the General. Beautiful watercolor illustrations contrast the cold of Pennsylvania with the warmth of ancient Israel, symbolized by Hanukkah candles. [picture book, age 7 and up]
Rebecca’s Prayer for President Lincoln by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Laura Barella
Rebecca remembers her Papa, who lost a hand in the Civil War, and his belief that slavery must be abolished. When they learn of President Lincoln’s assassination at the synagogue, Rebecca, her father, and the congregation mourn him as one of their own, united in grief. This moving story is based on true events. [picture book, age 6 and up]
Out of Many Waters by Jacqueline Greene
Twelve-year-old Isobel BenLazar, kidnapped during the Portuguese Inquisition, escapes slavery in a Brazilian monastery in 1654 and stows away on a ship bound for Amsterdam, hoping to find her family. Her journey leads her to the first group of Jews to settle in America, unfolding an uplifting story of hope and deliverance. The book weaves history and narrative into a gripping tale. [middle grade, age 8 and up]
Nothing Here But Stones by Nancy Oswald
Emma and her family, Russian Jewish immigrants, struggle to make a life in Colorado, where the land is barren, and Papa works long hours in the mines. Facing a harsh winter and the challenges of settling in an unfamiliar land, Emma wonders if she can bring some much-needed luck to her family. Based on the real experiences of pioneers in 1882, this story portrays a family’s determination to build a home from nothing. [middle grade, age 9 and up]
Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar
Ruthie Mizrahi, a young Cuban-Jewish immigrant, is settling into life in New York when a car accident leaves her confined to bed. As her world shrinks, her understanding of life, resilience, and the healing power of friendship and art grow. This poignant coming-of-age story highlights strength and vulnerability. [middle grade, age 10 and up]
The Button Box by Fawzia Gilani-Williams and Bridget Hodder
After being bullied at school, Jewish fifth-grader Ava and her Muslim best friend Nadeem discover a magical button box belonging to Ava’s ancestors. With the help of a mysterious cat, they are transported back in time to ancient Morocco, where they must help Nadeem’s ancestor, Prince Abdur Rahman, escape to Spain and fulfill his destiny of creating a harmonious Golden Age for Muslims, Jews, and Christians. [middle grade, age 8 and up]
Fiction
Big Dreams Small Fish by Paula Cohen
Shirley has big dreams for her family’s store in America, with plans to modernize it and even sell Mama’s homemade gefilte fish. But her parents think she’s too young to help and want her to play instead. When the opportunity arises, Shirley takes matters into her own hands, determined to make her ideas a reality. [picture book, age 4 and up]
Sources:
JIMENA – Jews of the Middle East and North Africa
AJL Association of Jewish Libraries
p.s. Related posts:
45 Contemporary #OwnVoices Jewish Children’s Books
10 Award Winning Jewish Books for Kids and Kid Lit Blog Hop
12 Jewish Folktale-Inspired Books
13 Great Interfaith Jewish Children’s Books
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My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
- ALSC Notable Children’s Book
- Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
- California Eureka Non-Fiction Award Honor Book
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal!
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Nautilus Silver Winner, Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
- Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Bank Street College’s The Best Children’s Books of the Year
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
