Your PJ Our Way Books for September 2026

The $150,000 Rugelach
By: Allison and Wayne Marks

Ages 9+

321 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?

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.

Not Nothing
By: Gayle Forman

Ages 11+

288 pages

Twelve-year-old Alex is haunted by a painful loss and an act of violence he committed in a moment of blind rage. Holocaust survivor Josey Kravitz struggles with his own losses and hasn’t spoken to anyone since arriving at Shady Glen Retirement Home five years earlier. The two meet when a compassionate social worker sends Alex there to do community service. Sensing that his long-dead wife wants him to talk to Alex, 107-year-old Josey breaks his silence and begins sharing his life story. This moment of trust boosts Alex’s self-esteem and soon he befriends other residents and even another middle school volunteer, Maya-Jade. The new friends interview Josey and other residents for her bat mitzvah project. But when Maya-Jade learns what Alex did, she assumes wrongly) that it was a hate crime and she’s horrified that she invited Alex to celebrate Shabbat with her moms. Alex’s therapist, a trans man, offers comfort and support from his own personal history. The story’s main theme–that no one should be judged solely for the worst thing they’ve done–is a memorable one. Mature readers will be caught up in these compellingly told intertwined tales of forgiveness and redemption.

The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey
By: Steve Sheinkin

Ages 9+

144 pages

In this first book of the popular Rabbi Harvey series, author Steve Sheinkin makes clever and witty Jewish folktales 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!