THE 2013 SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARD winners and honorees have been announced by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL). Among the books, authors, and illustrators celebrated were a number of PJ Library selections.
The PJ Library Book Selection Committee is made up of early childhood educators and children’s literature experts. It works with authors, publishers, and editors to ensure the finest Jewish books for children find their way each month into the mailboxes of all PJ families.
The latest news, that the AJL is honoring many of the same books chosen by our Book Committee, further underscores the quality of this selected literature.
“The AJL is an outstanding organization, and the Sydney Taylor Book Award-winning titles represent the finest Jewish children's literature being created today,” says PJ Library Book Selection Committee Chair Chris Barash. “Our Book Selection Committee is thrilled to see so many PJ selections among AJL's 2013 award-winners.”
THE SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARD
The AJL’s children’s book award was created in 1968, but was originally called the Shirley Kravitz Children’s Book Award. The award was renamed the Sydney Taylor Book Award in 1978 after the passing of author Sydney Taylor, famous for her All-of-a-Kind Family series.
According to the AJL’s website, the award aims to “encourage the publication of outstanding books of Jewish content for children and teens, books that exemplify the highest literary standards while authentically portraying the Jewish experience.”
Visit AJL’s Sydney Taylor Book Award Winners page to see a list of all award and honor winners since 1968.
2013 AWARD WINNER
Named the 2013 Sydney Taylor Book Award Gold Medal winner in the Younger Readers category is the PJ Library selection, Hannah’s Way, written by Linda Glaser and illustrated by Adam Gustavson.
Hannah's Way tells the story of Hannah. It’s the Depression, and after her father loses his job, Hannah’s family moves to Minnesota, where she is the only Jewish child in her class. How will Hannah explain that her family’s Jewish observance doesn’t permit her to ride in a car to a Saturday picnic?
2013 HONOR BOOKS
Two of the books announced by AJL as 2013 Honor Books (for "Younger Readers" or "Older Readers") are also PJ Library selections. These books are:
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The Elijah Door: A Passover Tale
Author: Linda Straus
Illustrator: Alexi Natchev
For years the Galinskys and Lippas have shared a Seder, the special Passover dinner. But no more! Mama Lippa shuts her windows tight against the Galinsky voices. Papa Galinsky cuts a new side door to avoid seeing the Lippas. But David Lippa and Rachel Galinsky love each other and have a trick up their sleeves ... |
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The Wooden Sword
Author: Ann Redisch Stampler
Illustrator: Carol Liddiment
Disguised as a servant, an Afghani shah slips out of his palace to get to know his people. When he encounters a poor Jewish shoemaker full of faith that everything will turn out just as it should, he decides to test that faith. Will the shoemaker's cheerful optimism be shaken when faced with a matter of life and death? |
2013 NOTABLE BOOKS
Five PJ Library selections have been chosen as “Notable Books” for either younger or older readers. They are:
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Sadie and the Big Mountain
Author: Jamie Korngold
Illustrator: Julie Fortenberry
When her preschool plans a Shavuot hike, Sadie is afraid she won’t be able to make it to the top of the “mountain” and tries to think of ways to be avoid the walk. When the day arrives, it’s much different (and better!) than Sadie presumed. |
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Sami's Sleepaway Summer
Author: Jenny Meyerhoff
Illustrator: Cathi Mingus
Though her family doesn’t seem to see it, Sami is absolutely certain she’s not a “sleep-away camp kind of kid.” Will a four-day, three-night mini session at Camp Cedar Lake change her mind? |
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The Schmutzy Family
Author: Madelyn Rosenberg
Illustrator: Paul Meisel
The Schmutzys are messy all week long, and no one -- not even Mom! -- seems to care a bit. When Friday rolls around, everyone helps clean up as the family prepares for Shabbat. |
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A Song for My Sister
Author: Lesley Simpson
Illustrator: Tatjana Mai-Wyss
Mira’s wish for a baby in the family comes true, but who knew how much noise she would make? No matter what Mira and her parents do, the baby’s reaction is WAAAA. On the day of her simchat bat (Jewish welcoming ceremony for a baby girl) Mira finally finds the answer to all the wailing! |
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A Sweet Passover
Author: Lesléa Newman
Illustrator: David Slonim
Miriam loves celebrating Passover with her family. She especially enjoys eating matzah, but as the holiday progresses, day after day, the little girl is less and less enamored of the flat, crispy cracker and longs for bread or bagels or…anything but matzah! With the help of her grandfather and his matzah brei, Miriam learns about the true meaning of Passover. |
January 28, 2013