Your PJ Our Way Books for January

The Seventh Handmaiden
 by Judith Pransky

Ages 11+

Darya doesn’t remember how she became a slave, but she settles into her new life as the companion for an army captain’s young daughter. She even learns to read and write, a rarity for girls in ancient times. When the captain dies, Darya is sold to the Royal Palace, where she becomes the seventh handmaiden to Queen Esther. Darya uncovers the murderous plot of the king’s new advisor, Haman, and she and Esther find themselves pulled into the conflict. Darya is determined to protect her friends and perplexed by her own mysterious identity in this beautifully written retelling of the Purim story.

The Doughnut King by Jessie Janowitz

Ages: 10+

336 pages

Tristan’s doughnut business is doing well – perhaps a little too well! Tris and his partner Josh just can’t keep up with the demand for their tasty treats. Tris is sure that a Donut Robot will solve all their problems, but it costs $50,000! To top it all off, the small town of Petersville is losing residents and needs to attract more people. Tris reluctantly agrees to try out for a kids’ reality cooking competition because the prize money will be enough for the Donut Robot and the publicity could really help the town. When he’s offered a spot on the show, he wonders if it's because his mother used to work with the show’s host. But it soon becomes clear that Chef JJ isn’t doing him any favors. Even with the whole town counting on Tris, he’s not sure he can live with what it takes to win.

This Junior Library Guild Selection is the sequel to The Doughnut Fix but works well as a standalone novel.

The Cats in the Dollshop
 by Yona Zeldis McDonough

Ages: 9+

160 pages

In this charming sequel to The Doll Shop Downstairs, Anna is now 11. She still plays with dolls, but there’s something new to focus on: The neighborhood stray cat is having kittens! Anna is desperate to take one home, but Papa won’t allow it, and she can’t seem to change his mind. Meanwhile, Anna’s cousin Tania comes to live with the family and struggles to adapt after the difficulties she experienced back in wartime Russia. Eventually Tania and the kitten help each other to heal and to become members of the family.

The Bicycle Spy By Yona Zeldis McDonough

Ages: 9+

176 pages

Twelve-year-old Marcel dreams of one day competing in the prestigious Tour de France, a grueling bicycle race across France. He idolizes famous cyclists and trains every day on his trusty blue bike. But since the Occupation began, the race has been cancelled and now German soldiers are everywhere in his small village. When he discovers, by chance, that his parents are members of the French Resistance and his new friend Delphine is really Rachel, Marcel must cycle for his country in a race far more important than the Tour de France. This short, fast-paced story will have kids on the edge of their seats, rooting for Marcel to save the day. A timeline of events surrounding this book as well as an interesting afterword about the Tour De France offer full context for both the sport and the historical setting.