Your PJ Our Way Books for June
Check out the four PJ Our Way books offered for June!
PJ Our Way is offering four fantastic books in June! In this month's picks, a girl tries to sabotage her own bat mitzvah, a group of kids searches for aliens in their own town, an older sister gets a big surprise in 1920s Poland, and a dog celebrates Jewish holidays with his new family. Dive into one of these great stories by choosing your book before the 10th!
It's My Party and I Don't Want to Go
by Amanda Panitch
Ages 10+
224 pages
Ellie loves being Jewish and very much wants to be an adult in the community, but she's pretty sure she'll die if forced to go through with her bat mitzvah. She enlists the help of best friend Zoe to derail the party, but all their best attempts backfire in the biggest way, as older sister Hannah steps in, determined to give Ellie the best party ever. This fast-paced story tackles the all-too-common issue of social anxiety with both humor and heart and includes positive messages about Judaism, family, and friendship.
The Backyard Secrets of Danny Wexler
by Karen Pokras
Ages: 10+
248 pages
It's 1978, and 11-year-old Danny Wexler is the only Jewish boy in his blue-collar town. When he learns about the Bermuda Triangle just as a local child goes missing, Danny and his friends Frank and Nicholas set out to solve the mystery.
Meanwhile, Danny's father has always been passed over for promotions because he's Jewish. When he finally does get a “pity promotion,” the antisemitism in town increases. Danny's friend Nicholas isn't supposed to hang out with him anymore, bully Joey calls him Matzah Boy, and Danny's father is beaten up at work.
Just as Danny is starting to learn the difference between imaginary threats and real dangers, a chemical explosion at the factory brings the community together and helps neighbors move beyond their suspicion and fear. This fast-paced story offers an age-appropriate and engaging story about the experience of being “othered,” and the anchoring power of friendship.
The Family with Two Front Doors
by Anna Ciddor
Ages: 9+
143 pages
Life in the close-knit Rabinovitch household is full of children, adventures, and food! Then one day Papa announces that a husband has been found for 15-year-old Adina - and she won't meet him until her wedding day! Told mostly through the eyes of 10-year-old Nomi and mischievous Yakov, this charming book has been compared to ittle Women, Little House on the Prairie, and All-of-a-Kind Family. The children have strong personalities and there is plenty of gentle humor and detail about Jewish life and traditions in 1920s Poland. Despite the historical setting, the writing is very fresh. Parents will enjoy this book as much as their children.
Mitzvah the Mutt
by Sylvia Rouss
Ages: 9+
98 pages
This is the perfect book for kids who love animals. When Mitzvah the mutt is adopted by the Bergers, he brings his unique doggie perspective to everything Jewish. Matzah balls become edible tennis balls, and Moses at the Red Sea must be another dog who loves the water. Full of puns and silly jokes, this book is pure fun!
Note: Quantities of each title are limited! If you see another book offered for selection this month, head over to Story Central to check it out.