When their estranged grandfather sends Shiloh and Faye a box of uncured clay as a belated bar mitzvah gift, they discover that their Jewish ancestors were golemcrafters. (A golem is a creature formed of clay, brought to life through the Hebrew alphabet, and made to protect the Jewish people.) As their grandfather teaches the siblings the ancient art of creating golems, they share vivid, often frightening dreams in which they live through moments of Jewish persecution alongside their ancestors. Grappling with both antisemitic bullying in their own lives and the violence their ancestors faced, Faye and Shiloh must decide what it means to be Jewish, to be brave, and to carry on the legacy of those who came before them.
The PJ Our Way Book Selection Committee is always looking for moving historical fiction that feels authentic, well-researched, and deeply human. Golemcrafters delivers all of that, along with rich, organic Jewish content that’s thoughtfully woven into the story. As one PJ Our Way reader noted: "I loved this book, and while the beginning to the middle of the book seemed to have an element of fantasy, it mainly reflects the past, but in a fantastic way. Five Stars!"
This book is perfect for fans of Sweep, The Magical Imperfect, and Gottika.
July 2, 2026