Every August, the Book Selection Committee looks for great children’s books for the High Holidays. There are many wonderful books about Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, but stories about Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, are usually in shorter supply. This year we are thrilled to send a book that exemplifies the spirit of making amends: I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Julie Kwon.
This emotionally resonant story is told entirely through the short notes and letters the characters write. Jack, a student, is working on an apology note to his classmate, and his teacher offers firm but gentle feedback on each draft. Jack tries (and tries, and tries) to nail a genuine, heartfelt “sorry,” but it’s harder than one might think. His teacher helpfully lays out the ingredients for a good apology, which also happen to be the main steps for performing teshuva (Hebrew for “returning”), the spiritual work we all undertake during the High Holidays. Before too long, Jack figures out how to make things right – which results in a happy ending to the story, and a happy new beginning for Jack’s friendship.
August 1, 2025