Instructions

  • Research: Have students research Jewish American authors (e.g., Philip Roth, Grace Paley, Saul Bellow, or Judy Blume) and their works.

  • Literary Discussion: Students will read excerpts from works by Jewish American authors and discuss themes such as identity, family, and assimilation.

  • Creative Writing: Ask students to write a short story or poem inspired by themes in Jewish American literature.

Materials

Paper, cardboard, or clay

Markers

    • "The Whole Story of Half a Girl" by Veera Hiranandani
      A heartwarming novel about a Jewish-Indian girl, Sonia, as she navigates middle school, family expectations, and her identity as a young Jewish girl from a mixed heritage.

    • "Jacob's Rescue" by Malka Drucker
      Based on a true story, this historical novel follows a young Jewish boy during the Holocaust who is saved by a non-Jewish family. It provides insight into courage, survival, and Jewish identity during a time of great peril.

    • "The Cat with the Yellow Star: Coming of Age in the Holocaust" by Susan Goldman Rubin
      This picture book, suitable for middle-grade readers, tells the story of a Jewish girl’s experience during the Holocaust, as told through her beloved pet cat's perspective.

    • "Hannah's Suitcase" by Karen Levine
      This is a non-fiction book that reads like fiction, telling the story of a young girl who uncovers the story of a Jewish child who perished during the Holocaust. The discovery of the suitcase is a means to connect generations through the past.

    • "The Liberation of Gabriel King" by K.L. Going
      Although not explicitly about Jewish identity, this book deals with themes of courage, bullying, and friendship, featuring a young Jewish boy in the South during the 1960s.

    • "The Best Worst Thing" by James M. Devita
      Set during the Holocaust, this novel follows a young boy as he learns about bravery, community, and survival. The book is sensitive and poignant, addressing loss and resilience.

    • "All-of-a-Kind Family" by Sydney Taylor
      This classic series follows the lives of a Jewish family in early 20th-century New York. The series portrays Jewish traditions and life with warmth and humor.

    • "Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family" by Sydney Taylor
      A follow-up to the original series, this book delves into Ella’s coming-of-age story, as she struggles with her desire to fit into American culture while remaining true to her Jewish roots.

    • "Mina's Spring" by Rachel Bright
      This book is about Mina, a young girl who is trying to navigate her Jewish identity and family traditions during the course of a spring break trip. It emphasizes connection to roots and finding pride in one's heritage.

    • "The Diary of Anne Frank" (Adapted for younger readers)
      A powerful, abridged version of the diary of Anne Frank, offering young readers insight into the Holocaust from the perspective of a Jewish girl in hiding during WWII.

    • "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry
      This Newbery Medal-winning novel is about a young girl in Denmark who helps her Jewish friends escape Nazi persecution during WWII. It explores bravery and the human spirit in times of danger.

    • "The Jewish Holidays: A Guide and Commentary" by Michael Strassfeld
      A comprehensive yet accessible guide to Jewish holidays, this book explains the meaning behind Jewish traditions and their relevance to modern Jewish life, perfect for young readers seeking more knowledge about Jewish culture.

    • "The Children of Willesden Lane" by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen
      This memoir, adapted for younger readers, follows the journey of a young Jewish girl who flees Nazi-occupied Vienna and travels to London as part of the Kindertransport program.

    • "Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History" by Joseph Telushkin
      This book presents key aspects of Jewish history, culture, and beliefs in an engaging and easy-to-read format, ideal for young readers who want a broad understanding of Judaism.

    • "The Rabbi's Cat" by Joann Sfar
      A graphic novel that humorously yet poignantly explores Jewish life in North Africa. The story is told through the eyes of a rabbi’s cat, blending history, humor, and Jewish themes in a unique format.

    • "The Arrival" by Shaun Tan
      Although not specifically about Jewish themes, this wordless graphic novel about immigration has powerful universal themes that connect with Jewish experiences of displacement and starting over in a new country.

  • Add a short summary or a list of helpful resources here.