Your PJ Our Way Books for May
Check out the four books available for selection from PJ Our Way this month. Follow a shy girl’s journey into the spotlight at summer camp; read about a wild, snake-filled year in the life of a fourth grader; take a peek into a fictional 1940s-era diary; or solve problems across the Wild West with graphic novel hero Rabbi Harvey. Choose your book by the 10th!
The Sun Will Come Out
by Joanne Levy
Ages 10+
296 pages
11-year-old Bea Gelman is looking forward to a summer at Camp Shalom, but her best friend Frankie decides to go to horse camp instead! Luckily Bea makes friends with Regan, a sweet Irish girl who stands up for Bea when mean girls Samantha and Carly give her a hard time. Regan decides to try out for the lead in the camp production of Annie and encourages Bea to join her. Bea doesn’t want to be on stage, but she reluctantly agrees when she sees her crush, Jeremy, at rehearsals.
When Bea ends up in the camp infirmary with a bad case of hives, she meets Harry, the son of the camp directors. Harry doesn’t look like other kids, but Bea doesn’t mind and they become good friends. But just when it seems like Bea’s summer might not be so bad after all, mean girl Carly says she saw Regan kissing Jeremy, and Bea learns that Harry suffers from progeria, a rare but fatal genetic disease. With Regan and Harry’s help, Bea learns about the power of true friendship and what it means to be courageous in the face of life’s challenges.
The Boy Who Failed Show and Tell
by Jordan Sonnenblick
Ages 10+
224 pages
Popular children’s book author Jordan Sonnenblick provides an often-hilarious account of his year as a “shrimpy, nervous fourth grader” on Staten Island in the late 1970s. Also included are flashbacks to formative moments from his younger years, including teaching himself to swim at the local Jewish Community Center. Funny and anecdotal, the book includes lots of sports, drum lessons, fun pranks, and the various adventures of his pet garter snake. Amusing illustrations match the tone of this entertaining memoir about a kid who finds hope and humor even when life in fourth grade isn’t easy.
The Great Green Notebook of Katie Roberts
by Amy Hest
Ages 9+
116 pages
In this stand-alone sequel to The Private Notebook of Katie Roberts, Katie has entered seventh grade, and things aren't running smoothly at home. Her mother pays more attention to her twin baby brothers than to Katie, and she won’t let Katie wear lipstick to school. Plus, Katie’s stepfather, Sam, has bought a restaurant and is struggling to make ends meet. If that’s not bad enough, Katie is forced to tutor the annoying new boy in class, who came from Italy to live with his grandfather after his parents died in World War II. Set in 1948-9, Katie’s fresh voice and the fun diary format – complete with cute drawings – make this a great, kid-friendly choice.
Rabbi Harvey Rides Again
by Steve Sheinkin
Ages 9+
144 pages
Once again, author Steve Sheinkin makes clever and witty Jewish folktakes accessible and fun for kids. Set 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!
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.