Five More Biographies to Read During Jewish American Heritage Month

The Boy Who Failed Show and Tell

Written by Jordan Sonnenblick and published by Scholastic

Popular children’s book author Jordan Sonnenblick provides an often-hilarious account of his year as a “shrimpy, nervous fourth grader” on Staten Island in the late 1970s. Also included are flashbacks to formative moments from his younger years, including teaching himself to swim at the local Jewish Community Center. Funny and anecdotal, the book includes lots of sports, drum lessons, fun pranks, and the various adventures of his pet garter snake. Amusing illustrations match the tone of this entertaining memoir about a kid who finds hope and humor even when life in fourth grade isn’t easy.

Fascinating: The Life of Leonard Nimoy

Written by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Edel Rodriguez, and published by Penguin Random House

You may know that Leonard Nimoy played an alien on Star Trek, but did you know that key inspiration for his role came from his childhood experiences as the child of Jewish immigrants in Boston’s North End? This story draws the connection between otherness, perseverance, and pursuing a dream.

Judy Led the Way

Written by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, illustrated by Margeaux Lucas, and published by Behrman House

Back in the 1920s, when Judy Kaplan was a young girl, nobody had ever heard of a bat mitzvah. It just wasn't done! But things were beginning to change in the secular world, and Judy’s father, Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, was making some changes in the Jewish world, too. Maybe it was time for someone to do it...and maybe that someone was Judy.

Roller Coaster Grandma

Written by Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Pierre A. Lehu, published by Behrman House

Dr. Ruth: German orphan, Israeli soldier, French professor, immigrant to the United States, TV and radio star, and more! Read more about her incredible life in this graphic autobiography.

View the Parent Guide for this PJ Our Way selection. 

Who is Ralph Lauren?

Written by Jane O’Connor and published by Penguin Random House

Ralph Lauren’s had his own sense of style ever since he was a kid. Now he’s the head of one of the biggest, most important fashion companies in the world! He’s designed everything from men’s ties to women’s sunglasses, and even clothes to match sportscars! View the Parent Guide for this PJ Our Way selection.