May is national Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrating “the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture.”
Bellingham Public Library will honor the heritage of our Jewish American community members with displays of books, materials and staff recommendations at the Central Library in May.
Jewish American Book Recommendations for Adults
See also this list: Jewish American Heritage Booklist
Schlepping Across the Nile by Aaron Zevy
“In Schlepping Across the Nile, author Aaron Zevy recounts memories of growing up the child of Egyptian emigrees while his Ashkenazi half wryly observes his Sephardic half’s escapades.”
– Rob, Public Services Librarian
Happily: a Personal History, with Fairy Tales by Sabrina Orah Mark
“My favorite chapter of this memoir begins with the words ‘I hope you’re not afraid of mice’ and ends with ‘A wing and a paw. Broken and sutured. I’m sorry. You’re sorry. You hurt me. I fixed you. I lost you. You found me.’ She is both secretive and raw, like the fairy tales that inspired her. Highly recommended.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
Jewish American Book Recommendations for Teens
When The Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb
“The Angel and Little Ash have been study partners in their little shtetl for centuries. But as progroms sweep Europe, more and more of their people are immigrating to America to escape. When Essie, a girl from their shtetl goes missing in America, Little Ash convinces the Angel to pull up their roots and set out to find her. This is a delightfully tender drama, great for fans of Terry Pratchett’s Good Omens.”
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
“Rooted in Jewish folklore, this tale follows a young girl named Bluma, who comes to possess Death’s instrument of destruction, and a mischievous boy named Yehuda Leib as they go on a magical, mystical journey to defeat Death. The journey is epic and unlike anything I’ve read before. Frightening and beautiful, Jennifer recommends this book to anyone who likes dark fairy tales and folklore.”
– Jennifer, Teen Services Librarian
Jewish American Book Recommendations for Children
See also this list: Jewish Voices: Books for Kids
All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
“One of my very favorite books from way back! I probably read these stories about a Jewish family of five sisters growing up in New York City when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade and they’ve stayed with me ever since. Considering what delicious treat to spend their weekly penny on was a big decision for each of the sisters, and one that completely captured my hungry imagination.” Recommended for ages 8 and up
– Jenni, Community Relations Specialist
Aviva vs. the Dybbuk by Mari Lowe
“A mischievous dybbuk is wreaking havoc on 11-year-old Aviva’s already turbulent life—trouble is, she’s the only one who can see him. Chilling, tender, and profound, this Jewish ghost story is sure to keep you turning the pages.” Recommended for ages 8 to 13
– Ali, Children’s Services Librarian
Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofia Pasternack
“Ziva’s twin, Pesah, is dying. If she can get him to Luz, the magical city where no one dies, he will live. They escape in the night and face angels and demons along the journey in this riveting Jewish historical fantasy.” Recommended for grades 5 – 8
– Bethany, Deputy Director
Don’t Want to be Your Monster by Deke Moulton
“Young vampire siblings Adam (10) and Victor (14) find themselves trapped between family expectations and individual wants in this fast-paced supernatural mystery. Engaging thoughtfully with ideas of found family and growing up, Moulton also explores how Adam’s relationship to his Jewishness interacts with his identity as a vampire. This topic is also further explored in an author’s note at the end of the book.” Recommended for ages 10-14
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
