Each May, the United States celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month. This month is dedicated to recognizing the generations of Jewish Americans who helped shape our nation's history, culture, and society. Browse the titles below to discover the stories of five athletes who made history while staying true to their Jewish identity.
Written by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Alette Straathof, and published by Apples and Honey Press
Hank Greenberg is living his dream playing first base for the Detroit Tigers, even if some people aren't happy to see a Jew on the field. When Yom Kippur falls on the same day as a big game, Hank makes the difficult decision to stand up for himself and what he believes in.
Written by Larry Needle and published by PJ Publishing
This is the true story of Louis “Red” Klotz, who fell in love with basketball as a boy in 1930s Philadelphia. He went on to play for a professional all-Jewish team and eventually toured the world as player-manager of the Washington Generals, the team that always played against, and nearly always lost to, the Harlem Globetrotters.
Written by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Zachary Pullen, and published by Cherry Lake/Sleeping Bear Press
As a child, Lipman Pike helps out in his family's dry-goods store in Brooklyn, but what he really loves is baseball, a new ball game that everyone's talking about -- and he's good at it, too. In a few years, Lip's offered a job playing baseball professionally! His parents think it's crazy, but Lip knows this is the life for him.
Written by Tamir Goodman, illustrated by Jim Madsen, published by PJ Publishing
Basketball star Tamir Goodman shares his story of struggle and success as he navigates dyslexia, a passion for basketball, and his commitment to Judaism. His dedication to his dream leads him to the top professional basketball team in Israel, and, as a coach, to helping others live their dreams, too.
Written by Ann Diament Koffsky, illustrated by Abigail Rajunov, and published by Little Bee Books
Pop! Smash! Woosh! Estee is winning her way through the US National Table Tennis Championships. But when her next match is scheduled for Shabbat, she has to decide what matters most to her.
Bonus Videos:
Check out Jewish heroes Annie Londonderry and Sue Bird on PJ Library's YouTube channel.
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May 11, 2026