• Home »
  • Lists »
  • Jewish-Centered Books: Grade 3-5

List

Jewish-Centered Books: Grade 3-5

By Judy Rath

Enjoy these books that have Jewish characters, stories, and themes, focusing on books by Jewish authors and illustrators.

  • A Sky Full of Song

    2023 by Meyer, Susan

    Eleven-year-old Shoshana fled persecution in the Russian Empire to find a new home on the American frontier. With so much trauma from her homeland, her first instinct is to hide her Jewish identity, until her older sister makes her see that their family's difference is their greatest strength.

    Get this item

  • What Jewish Looks Like

    2024 by Kleinrock, Liz

    This compilation provides short biographical information about 36 Jewish heroes. It includes easy-to-read passages and illustrations to help children expand their definition of what Jewish looks like.

    Get this item

  • Tree. Table. Book

    2024 by Lowry, Lois

    A heartfelt story about two Sophies, one 11 years old and the other 88. The two share many things in common, but when the younger Sophie begins to learn more about the elder's past, their connection takes on new meaning.

    Get this item

  • When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank, Before the Diary

    2024 by Hoffman, Alice

    This is historical fiction at its finest. Taking a slice of Anne Frank's life from ages 10-12, readers will become familiar with Anne's childhood while also learning about the events leading up to the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands.

    Get this item

  • Across So Many Seas

    2024 by Behar, Ruth

    A generational story about a family told through the eyes of four girls over the course of 500 years. This tale demonstrates one family's determination to embrace and preserve their Jewish identity and offers readers a glimpse into the long history of Jews in Spain.

    Get this item

  • Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop

    2024 by Levy, Joshua S.

    Offering a unique twist on the time travel plot, this novel sees two boys reliving their bar mitzvah weekend many times over. As they work to find a solution to their quirky problem, they grow to learn more about each other and themselves.

    Get this item

  • The Witch of Woodland

    2023 by Snyder, Laurel

    While preparing for her bat mitzvah, the coming-of-age celebration for Jewish girls, Zippy discovers she has magical abilities. When she conjures up a beautiful girl with no memory and wings like an angel, their new friendship allows Zippy to examine her faith, her strength, and the magic of adolescence.

    Get this item

  • Recipe for Disaster

    2021 by Lucido, Aimee

    With nods to food, family, friendship, and faith, this upbeat story will appeal to many middle grade readers. As main character Hannah reflects on her self-identity and what it means to be Jewish, readers experiencing growing pains will find much to relate to.

    Get this item

  • Aviva Vs. the Dybbuk

    2022 by Lowe, Mari

    Aviva balances school, friendship, and helping her mom with running the local mikvah while dealing with a mischievous dybbuk. Tensions arise as Aviva helps plan her school's Bat Mitzvah Bash and life starts feeling like a roller coaster with no end.

    Get this item

  • Golemcrafters

    2024 by Cohen, Emi Watanabe

    Eleven-year-old Faye's uncle introduces her to the art of golemcrafting in this tale of magical realism. Part fantasy and part coming of age, this story offers the reader a look into past and present forms of antisemitism and the resilience one can find in the face of adversity.

    Get this item

  • The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family

    2021 by Kapit, Sarah

    This family story of two sisters who start a detective agency will appeal to readers who enjoy realistic fiction as well as mysteries. Placing emphasis on everyday scenarios while culminating during the High Holidays, this story will help readers discover and appreciate the ways in which all families are different.

    Get this item

  • The Genius Under the Table: Growing up Behind the Iron Curtain

    2021 by Yelchin, Eugene

    This engaging memoir about a young boy's experience living in the Soviet Union during the Cold War will delight readers who are keen on art and humor. With illustrations and approachable text, Yevgeny's storytelling will fascinate middle-grade readers.

    Get this item