Your PJ Our Way Books for December
PJ Our Way is offering four fantastic books for the month of December!
This December, PJ Our Way is offering four great choices: a funny Chelm-themed holiday collection; a heartwarming story about a girl who finds her voice; a delicious tale of rivalry, friendship, and dessert; and an epically exciting biblical fantasy. Make sure to choose a book by December 10th!
Upstaged
by Diana Harmon Asher
Ages 10+
278 pages
Seventh grader Shira loves to sing, but she’s also an introvert who blushes when she’s the center of attention. When her best friend Cassie convinces her to try out for the school musical, The Music Man, Shira hopes to blend into the background in the ensemble, but instead she gets two very visible roles: a mustached member of the traditionally all-male barbershop quartet, and understudy to the mean girl who got the lead. This adorable book has well-drawn characters, a great message about accepting yourself as you are, and a lot of heart.
The $150,000 Rugelach
by Alison & Wayne Marks
Ages: 9+
231 pages
11-year-old Jillian Mermelstein’s mother taught her to bake. But ever since her mother died, Jillian’s having a hard time getting back in the kitchen. Meanwhile, 11-year-old Jack Fineman has always dreamed of becoming a world-famous baker. When the nationally televised Bakerstown Bonanza announces that kids will be allowed to compete for the first time ever, Jack signs up right away. Jillian has no interest in the contest… but her family could really use the $150,000 grand prize.
When Jack and Jillian are selected to compete together, they work hard to agree on a winning recipe. But when Phineas Farnsworth, owner of the Farnsworth baking empire and judge of the Bakerstown Bonanza, wants Jillian to share the story of her mother’s death with viewers, it looks like their chances of winning are in danger. Can Jack and Jillian stay true to their values and please Phineas Farnsworth?
Chelm for the Holidays
by Valerie Estelle Frankel
Ages: 9+
68 pages
This well-written collection of ten stories features various foolish characters of Chelm as they celebrate Jewish holidays. It’s suitable for both independent reading and family read-aloud time, and kids and adults alike will be highly entertained by the stories’ silliness while appreciating Jewish holiday traditions.
The Lamp of Darkness
by Dave Mason
Ages: 10+
184 pages
King Ahab, Queen Izevel and the Prophet Elijah come to life in this fast-paced fantasy reinterpretation of the biblical era of the early Prophets. In this well-researched coming-of-age story, twelve-year-old Lev shepherds his uncle’s flock until the Prophet Uriel hears him play his kinnor (harp) and invites him to join a group of prophets as a musician. Lev quickly discovers that his past is far more complicated and mysterious than he could ever have imagined and that his own fate is linked integrally to the history of the Kingdom of Judah and Israel. Readers get a view of the political currents that steer the course of the Kingdom of Judah and Israel during this turbulent historical era.
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.