(3) YA When fourteen-year-old trans boy A discovers that the conversion therapy group his parents force him to attend has connections to evil supernatural forces, he runs away hoping to save one friend who disappeared from that group. His quest, set during the Jewish High Holidays, features allies including a golem-like creature; A’s rabbi; and the unhoused young residents of “the Transhack,” who have complicated emotional dynamics. Though its messages are at times overexplained, this is a welcome fantasy starring a trans and Jewish hero that engages thoughtfully with both those identities.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(2) 4-6 In this novel set in 1973, all seventh grader Melanie wants is to be one of the popular Shimmers. As her best friend, Vicky, seems to be having more success achieving that goal than Melanie is, the sudden appearance of a new friend is welcome. New classmate Dorit was born in Israel and has moved from place to place, and she and Melanie discover they have a lot in common. In fact, each has a parent with symptoms of what the author's note identifies as PTSD -- Melanie's mother from a car accident and Dorit's father from fighting in the Six-Day War. The Shimmers are less than compassionate, and in an attempt to impress them, Melanie crosses a line in what she shares about Dorit and her family. The start of the Yom Kippur War believably heightens emotions, while Melanie's growing understanding of the Watergate scandal mirrors issues of trust among Melanie and her peers in this tale of friendship dynamics that doesn't reach for easy resolutions or immediate forgiveness.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(1) 4-6 Sixth grader Shaindy feels invisible at school, so when popular Gayil invites her to sneak into the building together and help with pranks against their classmates, she can't resist the allure of the shared mission. Before she knows it, Shaindy has helped Gayil slime someone's hairbrush, switch the contents of lockers, and dangerously slick a floor...and then it all blows up in her face in ways that change her perspective about her peers and make for an intense Yom Kippur. The fictional Fairview setting is described as "one of the most Jewish towns in the whole United States," with schools and other infrastructure built around Orthodox observance. Copious Jewish detail (sometimes explained, sometimes left for readers who are unfamiliar with it to figure out from context) is naturally integrated and inextricable from the characters' relationships. In particular, Lowe (Aviva vs. the Dybbuk, rev. 1/22) explores universal themes of atonement through the specific lens of Yom Kippur in this introspective novel full of perceptive emotional observations.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2023

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andre Ceolin. Jacob is devoted to his Little League team--and also to his family's practice of Judaism. When the championship game lands on Yom Kippur, Jacob is torn between whether to play ball or observe the solemn holiday. Although he does make the expected choice (synagogue), his decision-making is believably complex. Cheery illustrations show the various diverse and dynamic "teams" to which Jacob belongs.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Francesca Assirelli. Linguistic puns propel Talia's tale of Yom (a.k.a. "Yum") Kippur. Misunderstanding the term fasting, for example, Talia thinks "it must be a very fast day if no one had time for breakfast." The stylized illustrations' warm palette matches the warm relationship between Talia and her grandparents. Like Talia and the Rude Vegetables, this is a bit far-fetched but entertaining.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) K-3 Holidays around the World series. Heiligman's writing evokes respect for religious traditions while making them accessible to children. Her use of the inclusive "we" will encourage readers to embrace their own traditions or imagine themselves in less familiar ones. Festive photographs from around the world reinforce the unifying effect of the holidays. Additional facts, a recipe, a map, and a one-page essay about the holidays are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos. Review covers these Holidays around the World titles: Celebrate Christmas and Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Judith Hierstein. In the fourth book about Toby, she spends an afternoon explaining the meaning and practice of the Jewish High Holy Days to a non-Jewish friend. Although Pushker emphasizes information over story and the figures depicted in the artwork are awkward, the book covers a lot of territory smoothly and clearly. A recipe for honey cake is included.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Himmelman. An extended family celebrates the Days of Awe. Information about the ceremonies and traditions of both home and synagogue are featured as is the family's pride in Uncle Jake, who will blow the shofar at synagogue to signal the beginning and end of the holiday. Although the text is a bit syrupy, the watercolors are crisply executed and friendly in tone, and the author's note is particularly strong.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn