(2) K-3 Hodgson’s friendly science lesson introduces readers to the life cycle of an apple tree. Tree’s story begins when an apple falls to the ground, eventually allowing Seed to take root and begin to grow. As in When Moon Became a Moon (rev. 7/23), characters (e.g., Tree, Seed, Sun, Cloud, etc.) are depicted with expressive cartoon eyes and smiley mouths, and speech bubbles provide their humorous asides. Twelve short chapters highlight different phases of Tree’s growth. Bees, worms, and mushrooms (“I’m a fun guy!”) all make appearances. A handful of humans, with differing skin tones, abilities, and ages, are depicted interacting with trees in various settings. Tree’s role in the greater ecosystem is also highlighted, along with a connection between the protagonist and various trees that grow in other climates and locations. A consistent color palette and inviting aesthetic carry throughout the book. While the natural elements are anthropomorphized, the book solidly explains scientific concepts in an approachable manner, focusing on both the small and large aspects of a tree’s life.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Selina Alko. In 1966, a "trusted keeper [of stories]" (identified in the back matter as the library at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City) suffered a terrible fire, which destroyed thousands of books and other items, many not found elsewhere -- including books and ritual objects that had been rescued from the Nazis. Books that didn't burn were waterlogged and becoming more damaged by the minute. But through the help and persistence of the surrounding community, all was not lost. Idea after idea was proposed, but the ultimate solution was a simple yet elegant one that saved 170,000 volumes: layering paper towels between the pages of each sodden book. This story focuses equally on the effort that brought a community together, on the importance of libraries as repositories of stories, and on the books themselves as representatives of history and culture. Evocative illustrations combine painting and collage, including words in multiple languages, with occasional references to specific titles and others to language and content more generally. The narrative ends with the resonant refrain "our stories were not consumed." Back matter includes information about the Jewish Theological Seminary Library, a brief bibliography, and period photographs of the fire and its aftermath. An author's note provides additional historical context and draws contemporary connections between the fire, the importance of books, and the divisiveness of our current society.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Shannon Hochman. In this collection of fourteen Passover-themed tales by different authors -- Laurel Snyder, Adam Gidwitz, Veera Hiranandani, among others -- one story is assigned to each step of the Seder. Each piece is preceded by an explanation of that step and four reflection questions. The engaging tales cover a vast range of Jewish experiences, including emigration from Eastern Europe and Cuba, Orthodox family life, women's varied roles in Jewish ritual, and interfaith families; as well as parts of life beyond the holiday, including losing a grandparent, coming out, being bullied, and neurodiversity. Most readers will find something that speaks to them and reflects who they are. The formats are also diverse, including realistic fiction, autobiography, fantasy, verse, and a story partially told in comics format. The tales invite readers to think about their personal relationships to the themes of family, freedom, and identity. Hochman's stark and atmospheric black-and-white drawings at the start of each story may remind readers of some Haggadah illustrations. Appended recipes invite hands-on interaction.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(3) K-3 Illustrated by P. J. Lynch. Based on an Irish legend, the story tells of young Kevin, sent by his impoverished parents to live in a monastery. Though he longs to be in nature, the monks encourage serious indoor endeavors, until blackbirds build a nest in Kevin's hands and lay eggs there. The monks then see the strength of Kevin’s connection to nature. Muted illustrations feel like they are from another era and show a medieval monastery and the animals that surround it. Kevin's moods are palpable in each tableau.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Kevin Sylvester. This graphic novel follows Puffin on his adventures moving to a new city and a new school. He struggles to make friends but eventually wins over the other birds when his glowing beak saves the school play. The story is full of bird puns, but the focus is learning to be yourself. The illustrations use a distinct color palette, show each bird’s personality, and are well integrated into the storytelling.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Lowery. In his sixth school-set adventure, the gingerbread man, and the class of schoolchildren who baked him, learns about flight. The students make paper airplanes, and the gingerbread man rescues a plane that gets stuck in a tree. The entertaining rhyming story introduces a few principles of math, science, and teamwork. The layout incorporates some elements of a graphic novel, and the illustrations have a lively cartoonish vibe.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Translated by Shan Li Bannai Serasis. Illustrated by Cinyee Chiu. A girl and her mother tend to their garden in Taiwan as a typhoon approaches. Their simple, pastoral interaction is about preparing dinner, but the garden stands in for connection to the land and history. The text is in English with Chinese and Pinyin translations and also includes a few words in Amis, an Indigenous language of her family that the young protagonist is learning. Half the illustrations are lush, beautiful images of the landscape, and the other half are starker, sketchlike grayscale images, reflecting the coming rain.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Laura Freeman. Toni “Tomboy” Stone (1921-1996) loved baseball, but her parents, teammates, and coaches didn't think a girl, especially a Black girl, should play. Thanks to her tremendous athleticism and determination, she rose through the ranks to play with two Negro League teams and became the first woman to play professional baseball. The digital illustrations are most effective when portraying baseball action. The author’s note and extensive timeline provide important historical context to Stone’s achievements, which are not widely known.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Andrea D'Aquino. This picture-book biography follows Bella Abzug (1920–1998), "the first woman elected to Congress on a women's rights platform," from her childhood defying gender roles at home, in the streets, and in her synagogue; through her career in law, activism, and politics. Aronson describes her personality, her accomplishments, and her brazenness. The layout of D'Aquino's child-friendly illustrations and occasional handwritten phrases brings the words to life and makes Abzug's impact tangible. The text is woven effectively into the illustrations, and the signature wide-brimmed red hats worn by "Battling Bella" make her figure jump out on every page. Issues such as sexism, war, prejudice, gay rights, and disability rights are discussed directly. Abzug's political losses are highlighted without showing those losses to be failures. The book ends with an inspirational call to action for readers in the twenty-first century to help fulfill Abzug's vision. An extensive author's note and a timeline provide further historical context; also appended with a selected bibliography.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(1) YA In this coming-of-age novel set in an insular Orthodox Jewish community (adjacent to the one in The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen, rev. 11/22), Yocheved "Yoyo" Gold is the eldest daughter of the local rabbi and has been cast in a particular and demanding role by those around her. After her best friend leaves town under questionable circumstances, Yoyo begins to notice cracks in the standards of behavior she has always accepted and feels an urge to call out the hypocrisy she sees. New friends -- one from outside her tight-knit community and one who is pushing boundaries within it -- lead her to question both her responsibilities and her beliefs. Social media, alcohol, and physical relationships feature heavily in the story, and each potential hot-button issue is handled with delicacy and nuance as Yoyo approaches these new experiences from her sheltered but mature perspective. While the book critiques Orthodoxy, it also treats its norms and traditions with respect. Even at the height of mean-girl drama, the characters have dimension and agency, and Yoyo models a level of integrity that feels both genuine and aspirational. The story's depictions of teens grappling with expectations are specific to this community and also represent universal themes of growing up, friendship, family pressures, and being true to oneself.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(2) YA After Shiloh receives a box of clay as a bar mitzvah present, he and his younger sister, Faye, meet their estranged grandfather, who sent it, for the first time. The siblings learn that, on their father's side, they are part of a lineage that can create golems: "human figure[s] formed from clay and brought to life with the Hebrew alphabet." While visiting their grandfather's apartment to practice harnessing this power, they encounter in dreams their ancestors' traumatic stories of antisemitism and oppression at various points in history. (These dreams include strong descriptions of cruelty and death that make this book best suited for readers who can handle realistic violence.) What they learn about their past sheds light on the present day as they grapple with contemporary antisemitism. In addition to the historical Jewish golemcrafters they meet, Shiloh and Faye also face questions of identity that arise from their Japanese ancestors on their mother's side. This memorable story takes a strong stance against victim-blaming in favor of defending oneself and one's beliefs. Caring familial relationships are centered, and while sibling rivalry is a factor in their dynamic (Faye has more golemcrafting power than Shiloh), the two love and support each other above all.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2025

(2) YA Finn and Ezra, both thirteen, are destined to relive their bar mitzvah weekends, from Friday through Sunday afternoon, countless times. While their overlapping plights initially seem coincidental, as they progress through more and more inescapable loops, their stories become increasingly intertwined. On the surface, the boys are very different from each other, but through their trials trying to get to Monday, they discover commonalities and universal truths. Ezra's life within an insular Orthodox community is presented in contrast to Finn's more worldly outlook, and both boys grapple with judgment and occasionally with jealousy of each other. Many aspects of traditional Jewish life and culture are explained through the lens of Finn's encountering them for the first time, with a lightly informative rather than preachy approach. Themes of trust, friendship, family, and growing up are thoughtfully interspersed with madcap adventures involving physicists, bank heists, and elaborate lies. Ethical dilemmas within a fantastical premise nonetheless raise real questions about how adolescents can decide what kind of people they want to be. An unexpectedly poignant resolution offers the main characters a chance to prove that they made the most of their time, while not-so-subtly encouraging readers to do the same.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by E. K. Belsher. This fantasy follows eleven-year-old Anne Applebaum as she discovers that her favorite book is actually real. Anne’s mother introduced her to the book and to the idea that Anne was supposed to have a twin; but now her mother has died, and Anne is left alone with her withdrawn father. In her grief, Anne leaves home and encounters magical creatures that guide her to the mythical land of Bei Ilai and to her twin brother, Rainer. After battles with witches, monsters, and prophetesses, the twins defeat the evil witch and make their family whole again. The story mentions Anne’s Jewish identity frequently and generously borrows imagery from Jewish folklore (as well as from traditional tales). The mashup of inspirations and styles, and the story’s complicated organization are occasionally confusing. Final black-and-white illustrations unseen.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 National Geographic Readers series. This book introduces newly independent readers to Abrams and her many accomplishments, with attention to the many "firsts" she's achieved as a Black woman. Mwai uses short, direct sentences to give a cursory overview of complicated topics, including civil rights and election fairness, with both personal and historical perspectives to add context. Vocabulary words are defined in text boxes and again at book's end. Fact lists, a timeline, and a quiz are included. Each page features captioned photographs that support and help break up the text.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Laura Freeman. This picture-book biography follows current House Speaker Pelosi's life and career, from her childhood in Baltimore through her rise to become one of the highest-ranking women in American politics. As daughter of Baltimore's first Italian American mayor, Pelosi was inspired by her parents' vision to lift up people in need. As a United States Congresswoman, her message to Americans, particularly to girls, is to be yourself and serve the greater good. The text's overall tone is both serious and inspiring, and the vivid, earnest illustrations capture that mood. A historical note, a brief interview with Pelosi, and a selected bibliography are appended.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Noa Kelner. This book is an expansion of a passage from the Talmud about Rabbi Hanina's experience getting caught in the rain. It reads very much like a folktale and focuses on the old man's interaction with animals, nature, and the Divine, and on the ultimate lesson of finding contentment and fitting in with the natural world. The text highlights Rabbi Hanina's one-sided conversation with the heavens while also providing details about the animals he sees and his internal emotional experience. While the illustrations in general are bright and whimsical, Hanina (and his long gray beard) comes across as serious.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe. In 1863 a woman named Eliza Davis began a correspondence with Charles Dickens. Her first letter compliments the author for his attention to social issues but criticizes his portrayal of Jewish characters ("a vile prejudice"). Dickens initially responds harshly but eventually comes to rail against prejudice and creates kind Jewish characters in future work. Stancliffe's inviting illustrations with a lush palette are interspersed with black-and-white drawings that evoke Dickens's era. Churnin's language also echoes the period and includes direct quotes from the pair's seven letters. An author's note provides additional historical context for antisemitism in Great Britain and comments on how Dickens "encouraged sympathy for the Jewish community."

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Bee Johnson. Introduction by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This collection of thirty-three short biographies covers Biblical times (Miriam, Deborah) through the twentieth century (Bella Abzug, Nadine Gordimer). The women display a vast range of achievements, approaches to overcoming obstacles, and fields of interest (women of color are notably missing). The main text is more informational than inspirational, but RBG's direct involvement in the project adds cachet. A short blurb following each profile connects the topic to contemporary issues. A closing call to action encourages readers to take an activist approach to current events. Each biography is introduced with a colorfully stylized interpretive portrait.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sian James. This story begins in 1934 Norman, Oklahoma, as a grandmother and her grandson are preparing to bake a birthday cake. When the boy shares his self-conscious worry ("I want to help, but my friends said only girls bake"), Grandma Dora launches into the story of "the world's first woman mayor," elected in 1887 Kansas. The cartoony illustrations evoke the Old West and feature a determined Susanna Madora Salter...who, her grandson (and readers) learns, is actually Grandma Dora. The fictional framing story is a bit awkward, and why Susanna was put on the ballot as a prank isn't clear. Nonetheless, this book brings to light an early and largely unknown example of women's rights and leadership, challenging preconceived notions about women's roles in American history.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Chris Hsu. This picture-book retrospective of current House Speaker Pelosi's life depicts her as a strong, independent girl, raised to champion those in need, who became a strong, independent American leader. Each page or spread features plot elements as well as direct quotes (on most of them) to support the narrative. Friendly, inviting illustrations show Pelosi at different stages of her life, in both personal and public scenes. Biographical, historical, and inspirational, this book does an effective job of personalizing a major historical figure and explaining why her contributions, including the 2010 Affordable Care Act, are so significant. A timeline and bibliography are appended.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth