10 Children’s Books with Jewish themes and protagonists
Representation is important, as is learning about other people’s religion and culture. Whether you’re looking to introduce your child to the rich cultural heritage of Judaism, or just searching for engaging stories with relatable characters, this collection of 10 books with Jewish themes and protagonists has something for everyone. From classic tales of Jewish tradition to modern stories of family, friendship, and growing up, each book on this list offers a unique glimpse into the diverse experiences and values of Jewish life. Perfect as a Passover gift or a gift for the Jewish high holidays, Hanukkah, or any other occasion! So settle in with your little ones and explore the world of Jewish literature, one page at a time.
Contents
- 1. All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
- 2. The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
- 3. The Rabbi and the Twenty-nine Witches by Marilyn Hirsh
- 4. Treasury of Jewish Bedtime Stories by Shmuel Blitz and Liat Binyamini Ariel
- 5. The Jar of Fools: Eight Hanukkah Stories from Chelm by Eric A. Kimmel
- 6. The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol By Eric A. Kimmel
- 7. Golem by David Wisniewski
- 8. Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation Adapted by Ari Folman
- 9. The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah by Leslie Kimmelman
- 10. The Importance of Wings by Robin Friedman
1. All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
Ages 7-11. This charming novel follows a Jewish family in New York City in the early 1900s and is the first of a 5 novel series. Considered a timeless classic, it offers instant familiarity to anyone with a Jewish family, and also a great way for kids (and adults!) to learn about Judaism while reading highly relatable stories. Great for lovers of historical fiction.
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2. The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
Ages 3-10. A much beloved, beautifully illustrated picture book telling the story of a quilt passed down the author’s family for generations, creating a lasting connection to memories, family and faith. For four generations the quilt is a Sabbath tablecloth, a wedding canopy, and a blanket that welcomes babies warmly into the world. This book encourages children to learn about their ancestors and become “memory keepers” for the family. What’s wonderful is that this is a real quilt made by a real family! Here is a video about the quilt being displayed in a museum in Ohio.
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3. The Rabbi and the Twenty-nine Witches by Marilyn Hirsh
Ages 6-8 (but may be suitable for younger children). We actually love witches here at Book Suggestions, but this fun picture book is inspired by a Talmudic story and folklore and teaches children to use their head and think out of the box in order to solve problems, so we like it too!
4. Treasury of Jewish Bedtime Stories by Shmuel Blitz and Liat Binyamini Ariel
Ages 5-6. A collection of 21 short (two pages each) traditional Yiddish stories with pretty illustrations. In Keeping with Jewish storytelling traditions, these are funny, sweet, and profound, without being overly moralising.
5. The Jar of Fools: Eight Hanukkah Stories from Chelm by Eric A. Kimmel
Ages 4-8. The village of Chelm (known as Helem in Hebrew) will be instantly familiar to anyone who knows Jewish / Yiddish storey telling tradition. Inhabited by foolish residents who never fail to entertain with their ridiculous antics, it’s a cornerstone of Jewish children’s stories and beyond. This popular retelling of eight traditional stories sees the town’s fools celebrating Hanukkah, so is obviously perfect as a Hanukkah gift, but the funny stories are guaranteed to appeal year round.
6. The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol By Eric A. Kimmel
Ages 8-12. Everyone’s favourite Ukrainian Jewish trickster comes to life in this fun, and funny book. Based on tales passed down through oral histories, Yiddish anthologies, and other collections of Jewish folklore, The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol offers a glimpse into the shtetl village community of nineteenth-century Ukraine, and is a perfect introduction to a little-known but much-beloved folk hero.
7. Golem by David Wisniewski
Ages 10-12. The timeless traditional story of the Golem is retold in this beautifully illustrated book, exploring the consequences of unleashing power beyond one’s control. The afterword discusses the traditional legend and how it’s rooted in Jewish history.
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8. Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation Adapted by Ari Folman
Ages 8+. This beautiful new graphic novel adaptation of Anne Frank’s famous diary will make the story instantly accessible to younger readers, and will appeal to adults, too. This amazing book that’s so important to remembering Jewish history and understanding processes that can lead to the rise of dark forces in our own time was recently banned in a Texas school, so we hope more parents will buy it for their children elsewhere. Yes, the story and its message are dark, but Jewish history is dark, but Anne Frank’s gentle, human, optimistic spirit when faced with adversity is always an inspiration. Never again. Never forget.
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9. The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah by Leslie Kimmelman
Ages 4-8. This cute picture book is a Passover-themed retelling of the classic fable “The Little Red Hen.” Filled with Yiddish phrases and humour, this book is great for reading aloud and makes for the perfect Passover gift.
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10. The Importance of Wings by Robin Friedman
Ages 10-12. In 1980s New York, eighth-grader Roxanne misses her mother and struggles with her Israeli-American identity and her father’s long hours. When Liat, a fellow Israeli immigrant moves in next door, their growing friendship helps Roxanne embrace her identity and learn there’s more to life than watching TV.
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Know of any more great children’s books featuring Jewish themes and/or characters? Let us know in the comments below!
