Your PJ Our Way Books for November

Check out the four fantastic books offered for PJ Our Way’s November selection! This month, Tori makes a new friend and gets caught up in a lie trying to impress her, while Benny signs up for the talent show with his klezmer band – which doesn’t actually exist. Half-Indian and half-Jewish Sonia becomes half a cheerleader (?!) at her new school, and Rabbi Harvey is back to save Elk Spring, Colorado from another bunch of bad guys. Curl up with any of these awesome titles this month – remember to choose a book by the 10^th!
 

Double Trouble by Joanne Levy

Ages 9+

144 pages

12-year-old Tori lives with her father and grandmother. Her best friend has moved away, making this the most boring summer ever. One day, on her way home from a bar mitzvah, Tori meets Jazzy, her neighbors’ granddaughter who is visiting for two weeks. Jazzy admires Tori’s sense of style, not knowing that Tori can’t stand dressing up. A few hours later, Jazzy finds Tori working in her garden, wearing dirty overalls and handling worm casings (aka poop). Jazzy doesn’t seem to recognize Tori, so Tori tells her that the girl she met earlier in the dress was her twin sister, Vicky. Over the next two weeks, Tori tries to keep up the charade of being her own twin in order to sustain her friendship with Jazzy.

Benny Feldman’s All-Star Klezmer Band by Allison & Wayne Marks

Ages: 10+

208 pages

More than anything, Benny Feldman loves playing klezmer music on his violin. He never plays in public, though; ever since he ruined the Hebrew school play, he tries to blend into the background. So when he impulsively signs up his klezmer band to perform in the school talent show, his classmates are shocked, and so is Benny – especially since he hasn’t got a band. Determined to put his past humiliation behind him and silence the taunts of his former friend (current enemy), Benny sets out to form a klezmer band and win the talent show trophy.

The Whole Story of Half a Girl
 by Veera Hiranandani

Ages: 9+

224 pages

Sixth grader Sonia Nadhamuni is half-Jewish and half-South Asian. When her father loses his job, she is forced to switch from a private, alternative school that she loves to the local public school. Sonia struggles to understand herself and her Jewish identity, particularly with regard to her relationships with Alisha (an African American aspiring writer) and Kate (a popular cheerleader).

Rabbi Harvey Rides Again By Steve Sheinkin

Ages: 9+

144 pages

Once again, author Steve Sheinkin makes clever and witty Jewish folktales accessible and fun for kids. Living in the Wild West of the 1870s, Rabbi Harvey is the unlikely leader of the citizens of Elk Spring, Colorado. Equipped with Jewish knowledge, a good heart, and a keen wit, Rabbi Harvey resolves disputes, fights crime, and saves the town from no-good robbers. This well-drawn graphic novel is an easy and enjoyable book for readers of all ages!

What do you think of this month’s books? Comment below to let us know.