Curious about the new titles coming to PJ Library and PJ Our Way in 2019? Here’s a sneak peek at some of the amazing picture and middle grade books joining our lineup next year. And don’t forget, you can learn more about the books in your envelope each month on our blog.
If you want to help us in the quest for great Jewish children's books, spread the word about our submission guidelines, author tools, and this wonderful opportunity with the Yiddish Book Center. Now, let's get to the books!
Related: PJ Our Way: The Next Chapter of PJ Library
PJ Library
Ike and Mama and the Once-in-a-Lifetime Movie
by Carol Snyder
Recommended for ages 8 and up
It’s the early twentieth century, and everyone loves the movies -- including Ike, who sneaks into a theater to see a matinee. When Mama finds out, she has a stern discussion about doing the right thing...but she doesn’t stop him from trying to be an extra on a movie set!
The Golden Bell by Tamar Sachs
This special book is also part of PJ Library’s global program and has been sent, in Hebrew, and Spanish, to subscribers in Israel and Spain! Learn more about PJ Library’s work all over the world
Raisins and Almonds: A Yiddish Lullaby by Susan Tarcov
The author of Maya Prays for Rain brings this traditional lullaby to storybook form for PJ Library families. Follow along on a fantastical adventure based on the most famous Yiddish lullaby
The Key From Spain: Flory Jagoda and Her Music
by Debbie Levy
A special artistic biography all about the woman responsible for bringing Ladino music to the United States—Flory Jagoda! (She’s still playing the accordion and performing at age 92!) Listen to an interview with Flory Jagoda.
PJ Our Way
PJ Our Way is for kids ages 9-11. It is kid-driven--they choose their own books, creating a totally tailored experience based their own interests and reading level. To make the choice easier, our website includes summaries and author bios, along with ratings, reviews, and video trailers created by members themselves. Kids can also take polls and quizzes, participate in monthly interviews and challenges, post their own reviews, and comment on blog posts. If you’d like your child to be able to pick books like the ones listed below, make sure to sign up!
The Doughnut Fix by Jessie Janowitz
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Everything is better with doughnuts. This edition of the book will feature a special PJ Our Way cover.
The Lemonade Crime by Jacqueline Davies
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Evan and Jessie’s fourth grade class concocts a courtroom on the playground, putting Scott Spencer, alleged thief, on trial. They create a legitimate courtroom—with a judge, witnesses, a jury of their peers—and surprising consequences. (Description provided by Amazon).
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and her Monster by Jonathan Auxier
Recommended for ages 9 to 12
Follow orphan Nan and her soot-Golem on their adventures as chimney sweeps. The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books writes, “Weaving together strands of Jewish folklore, Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience, Shelley’s Frankenstein, the history of child-labor reform, and his own threads of magical realism, Auxier crafts a beautiful, hopeful story out of some ugly realities of nineteenth-century British life.”
Two Peas in a Pod by Sarah Mlynowski
Recommended for ages 8 to 12
This hilarious fantasy book imagines a modern day girl transported into the fairytale of the Princess and the pea. Fans of The Princess Diaries will enjoy this funny, unexpected, story as well.
The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Recommended for ages 9 and up
Like the classic heroines of Sarah, Plain and Tall, Little Women, and Anne of Green Gables, Ada is a fighter for the ages. Her triumphant World War II journey continues in this sequel to the Newbery Honor–winning The War that Saved My Life. (Description provided by Amazon.com)
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
Recommended for ages 9 to 13
A New York Times bestseller, Wishtree is narrated by Red, a great oak tree. A Kirkus Reviews write-up notes “This swiftly moving yet contemplative read is great for early middle grade, reluctant or tentative readers, or precocious younger students. A deceptively simple, tender tale in which respect, resilience, and hope triumph.” The special PJ Our Way version features a special Tu B’Shevat tie-in on the book cover’s flaps.
SIGN UP FOR PJ OUR WAY
January 4, 2019