Your PJ Our Way Books for January 2026
PJ Our Way is proud to offer four fantastic books this month! Your reader can learn the value of honesty with Rebecca and Nikki, meet a “doughlem” with Rose and Ben, go undercover in World War II with Max, or help Danny with his jellybean experiment!
Be sure to have your PJ Our Way subscriber choose their book by January 10th!
Rules for Liars
By: Debra Green and April Patten
Ages 10+
280 pages
Twelve-year-old Rebecca Weiss still mourns the loss of her mom, who died of cancer three years ago. She’s about to bomb her bat mitzvah, she’s ashamed they can’t afford to have a fancy party like her crush Josh Goldhammer, and her best friend Hailey has dumped her for the drama club kids. When twelve-year-old Nikki Davis and her mom move into Rebecca’s apartment building the girls clash but eventually become friends— until Nikki’s constant lying catches up with her. The two girls alternate narrating this engaging, wryly humorous story about friendship, forgiveness, and faith (Jewish and Christian).
The Book of Secrets
By: Mat Tonti
Ages 9+
205 pages
Rose sees a vision of her grandmother, who is supposed to be on vacation, calling to her for help. With her brother Ben’s assistance, she finds a magical book and lantern that give readers the power to enter stories from Jewish tradition and bring light into the darkness. Unfortunately, there’s someone else who is also bent on acquiring the book for her own dark purposes. In this fast-paced and well-drawn graphic novel, Rose and Ben travel through seven Jewish folktales and use their wits, courage, and strength to fight the darkness and save their grandparents.
Max in the Land of Lies
By: Adam Gidwitz
Ages 10+
353 pages
In this stand alone sequel to Max in the House of Spies, Jewish 13-year-old Max Bretzfeld parachutes into Germany during World War 2 with a mission to infiltrate the Nazi radio and propaganda center, the Funkhaus. His secret goal, however, is to find his missing parents. While in Germany, Max is aided by a kind anti-Nazi pastor, faces off with Nazi sympathizers, learns that a high-ranking Nazi spy hates Hitler, and has a meal with Hitler himself. Max also befriends Freddie, the unpopular son of a Nazi, and is forced to join the Hitler Youth with Freddie in order to maintain his cover. Max is also accompanied by Berg and Stein, magical creatures that assist (and annoy) him throughout his adventure. Eventually, Max’s identity is discovered, and he has just enough time to deliver an important message before escaping back to Britain.
Danny’s Doodles
By: David A. Adler
Ages 9+
216 pages
In a classic case of opposites attracting, Danny Cohen is befriended by new kid Calvin Waffle, though the two fourth graders couldn’t be more different. The boys end up having some funny adventures together involving a clever way to win a baseball game, a mystery surrounding their teacher, a lost dog, and, of course, jelly beans and donuts. Accompanying the silly stories in this two-book volume are the many doodles Danny likes to draw.
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.