Spotlight on Jewish Representation
During Jewish American Heritage Month in May, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the rich history spanning over 350 years of Jewish influence on American society. This month offers a special opportunity to honor the Jewish Americans who have been integral in shaping the nation's history, culture, and values. It is a time to reflect on their contributions and the continued importance of diversity and inclusion in our society.
At HarperStacks, we believe that Jewish American heritage should be acknowledged and celebrated year-long. We encourage everyone to discover and share stories that highlight the wide-ranging experiences found within Jewish communities. The narratives of Jewish people are diverse, spanning genres, settings, forms, and eras.
We've curated a selection of beloved titles for all readers. Whether you're into contemporary graphic novels or illustrated biographies, middle-grade historical fantasies, or young adult romances, there’s a read for everyone. Keep reading to explore our recommendations!
We Are a Song
By Lorian Tu
A sweet, empowering picture book about two siblings who learn in their own ways how all the different parts of their family make them special.
What Rosa Brought
written by Jacob Sager Weinstein
illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
This is a stunning picture book about a young Jewish girl fleeing Nazi occupation with her parents. Drawing on the childhood experiences of the author’s mother, this story of family, immigration, and identity shows the boundless power of love.
Alias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis
written by Susan Hood
with Greg Dawson
The moving true story of how young Ukrainian Jewish piano prodigies Zhanna (alias “Anna”) and her sister Frina outplayed their pursuers while hiding in plain sight during the Holocaust.
Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Look
by Joshua S. Levy
Finn and Ezra’s bar mitzvah weekend takes on a Groundhog Day twist in this hilarious and magical middle grade novel.
Two Tribes
By Emily Bowen Cohen
This graphic novel embraces the complexity, meaning, and deep love that comes from being part of two vibrant tribes.
Mia is still getting used to living with her mom and stepfather, and to the new role their Jewish identity plays in their home. Feeling out of place at home and at her Jewish day school, Mia finds herself thinking more and more about her Muscogee father, who lives with his new family in Oklahoma
Safiyyah's War
By Hiba Noor Khan
Inspired by the true story of how the Grand Mosque of Paris saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II, Hiba Noor Khan weaves a breathtaking tale of suspense, compassion, and courage, starring an extraordinary young heroine readers will never forget.
The Witch of Woodland
by Laurel Snyder
In this fresh, witty biography of the most famous bamboozler since Merlin, Sid Fleischman, a former professional magician, enriches his warm homage with insider information and unmaskings.
The Jake Show
By Joshua S. Levy
In this hilarious and charming middle grade novel, a Jewish seventh grade boy is caught between the worlds of his divorced parents—with an orthodox mother and secular father, Jake must concoct a web of lies to go to a summer camp with his friends.
Wishing Upon the Same Stars
By Jacquetta Nammar Feldman
This powerful and poignant coming-of-age middle grade debut novel follows an Arab American girl named Yasmeen as she moves to San Antonio with her family and navigates finding friendship—and herself.
When twelve-year-old Yasmeen Khoury moves with her family to San Antonio, all she wants to do is fit in. But her classmates in Texas are nothing like her friends in the predominantly Arab neighborhood back in Detroit where she grew up. Then Yasmeen meets her neighbor, Ayelet Cohen, a first-generation Israeli American. As the two girls grow closer, Yasmeen is grateful to know someone who understands what it feels like when your parents’ idea of home is half a world away.
The Puttermans Are in the House
By Jacquetta Nammar Feldman
Seventh graders Sammy and Matty are the Putterman twins—the perfect team of two. But Matty has a secret he’s not ready to share with his family yet, and he suddenly quits baseball and stops talking to his sister. With their twin telepathy broken, Sammy doesn’t know what to do without her teammate.
But then Hurricane Harvey hits Houston, Texas, and the twins’ house is damaged in the flood. With all nine Puttermans under one roof, can Sammy, Matty, and Becky find a way to glue their family back together?
Absolutely, Positively Natty
By Lisa Greenwald
Natty deals with moving after her mom’s departure by pulling a “Ted Lasso” and starting a pep squad in this standalone middle-grade novel about friendship and toxic positivity by the author of TBH and the Friendship List series.
The Song of Us
By Kate Fussner
Love at first sight isn’t a myth. For seventh graders Olivia and Eden, it’s fate. Olivia is a capital-P Poet, and Eden thinks she wants to be a musician one day, but for now she’s just the new girl. And then Eden shows up to Poetry Club and everything changes.
Black Bird, Blue Road
By Sofiya Pasternack
Pesah has lived with leprosy for years, and the twins have spent most of that time working on a cure. Then Pesah has a vision: The Angel of Death will come for him on Rosh Hashanah, just one month away.
So Ziva takes her brother and runs away to find doctors who can cure him. But when they meet and accidentally free a half-demon boy, he suggests paying his debt by leading them to the fabled city of Luz, where no one ever dies—the one place Pesah will be safe.
The Blood Years
By Elana K. Arnold
Frederieke Teitler and her older sister, Astra, live in a house, in a city, in a world divided. Their father ran out on them when Rieke was only six, leaving their mother a wreck and their grandfather as their only stable family. He’s done his best to provide for them and shield them from antisemitism, but now, seven years later, being a Jew has become increasingly dangerous, even in their beloved home of Czernowitz, long considered a safe haven for Jewish people. And when Astra falls in love and starts pulling away from her, Rieke wonders if there’s anything in her life she can count on—and, if so, if she has the power to hold on to it.
Wrath Becomes Her
By Aden Polydoros
Vera was made for vengeance.
Lithuania, 1943. A father drowns in the all-consuming grief of a daughter killed by the Nazis. He can’t bring Chaya back from the dead, but he can use kishuf — an ancient and profane magic — to create a golem in her image. A Nazi killer, to avenge her death.
My Fine Fellow
By Jennieke Cohen
It’s 1830s England, and Culinarians—doyens who consult with society’s elite to create gorgeous food and confections—are the crème de la crème of high society. When Penelope and Helena meet Elijah, a golden opportunity arises: to pull off a project never seen before, and turn Elijah from a street vendor to a gentleman chef.
One Last Shot
By Kip Wilson
From critically acclaimed author Kip Wilson comes this gripping coming of age historical fiction novel in verse about Gerda Taro, a vibrant, headstrong photojournalist with a passion for capturing the truth amid political turmoil and the first woman photojournalist killed in combat.
From Dust, a Flame
By Rebecca Podos
The Lambda Award-winning author of Like Water, returns with a contemporary Jewish fantasy of enduring love, unfathomable loss, and the power of stories to hold us together when it seems that nothing else can.
Imogen, Obviously
By Becky Albertalli
From #1 New York Times bestselling author and rom-com queen Becky Albertalli comes a buoyant new novel about daring to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight in love, life and yes, theater.