ANNOUNCED IN JANUARY by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) were the 2014 Sydney Taylor Book Award winners. Among the books, authors, and illustrators honored were a number of PJ Library selections.
“Once again, this year’s Sydney Taylor Book Awards showcase the increasing number, scope, and quality of Jewish children’s books,” says Chris Barash, chair of PJ Library’s Book Selection Committee. “We are thrilled that so many of the titles appearing on the 2014 awards list are also PJ Library selections.”
Below is a rundown of PJ Library book selections celebrated by the 2014 Sydney Taylor Book Awards. Visit AJL’s Sydney Taylor Book Award Winners page to see a list of all award and honor winners since 1968.
2014 GOLD MEDAL BOOKS
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The Longest Night: A Passover Story
Author: Laurel Snyder
Illustrator : Catia Chien
This picture book in verse follows the story of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt. Seen through the eyes of a young slave girl, the narrative is both powerful and moving. |
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The Blessing Cup
Author: Patricia Polacco
An autobiographical companion piece to Patricia Polacco’s The Keeping Quilt, this story follows a family as they make their way to America after leaving behind the their home in czarist Russia. They carry little more than memories and a treasured set of teacups. Through the story of their difficult journey, the reader is reminded of the value and importance of family as one remaining tea cup becomes a lasting symbol of the blessings in life. |
2014 HONOR BOOK
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Rifka Takes a Bow
Author: Betty Rosenberg Perlov
Illustrator: Cosei Kawa
Rifka is growing up in the world of 1920s Yiddish theater on the Lower East Side, where both her parents are actors. She loves poking around backstage. But one day, Rifka herself is in the spotlight! |
2014 NOTABLE BOOKS
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Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909
Author: Michelle Markel
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Just because Clara Lemlich is a young immigrant doesn’t mean she’s going to let factory owners treat workers poorly. After all, equality and a fair shot is what America is all about -- and no one understands that better than this brave girl. |
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The Cats on Ben Yehuda Street
Author: Ann Redisch Stampler
Illustrator: Francesca Carabelli
Mrs. Spiegel loves her two cats, but it’s clear that her grouchy neighbor, Mr. Modiano, doesn’t share her warm feelings. Should we be surprised that, when one of the cats goes missing, it is Mr. Modiano who searches the streets of Tel Aviv to find her? |
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Hanukkah in Alaska
Author: Barbara Brown
Illustrator: Stacey Schuett
Hanukkah in Alaska is unlike anywhere else -- less daylight, more snow, and one very unexpected guest. |
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The Passover Lamb
Author: Linda Elovitz Marshall
Illustrator: Tatjana Mai-Wyss
Miriam’s family is about to leave their farm to attend a seder when a sheep named Snowball gives birth to triplets. Since the mother sheep lacks interest in one of her offspring, it’s up to Miriam to think of a way to rescue both the baby lamb and her family's holiday. |
March 17, 2014