PJ Our Way Heroes

Weeks before March, toy stores all over Israel start bringing out racks upon racks of costumes to satisfy every child’s whim for Purim. A cursory look proves that Esther, Mordechai, and superheroes are the most popular characters. And why not? Purim is the story of the unlikeliest of heroes: Esther who finds herself fighting for the fate of her people, and Mordechai who persists until safety for the Jews in guaranteed. Purim teaches us that with or without a costume, all of us have the ability to be a superhero and perform heroic feats for those in need.

These PJ Our Way books are great for showing that costumes are unnecessary, and that the plain clothed hero is right inside you, waiting to come out.

Younger Kids

The Bicycle Spy (February 2018 selection)

Marcel’s big dream is to compete in the prestigious Tour de France, a grueling cycling race. 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.

Ilan Ramon: Israel’s Space Hero (July 2018 selection)

This is the life story of Israel’s first astronaut, Ilan Ramon, who died in 2003 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Before becoming an astronaut, Ramon was a pilot in the Israeli Air Force and participated in dangerous missions to defend his country.

Older Kids

The Lamp of Darkness (April 2018 Selection)

This is the story of 12-year-old Lev living in the Northern Kingdom of Israel more than 2800 years ago. As a shepherd living a quiet life with his uncle and aunt, he is shocked when Uriel the prophet hears him playing his violin and asks that he leave his home to play for a holy gathering of prophets and disciples. Lev believes he is embarking on an adventure that will finally reveal a new future, when in reality the journey reveals more about himself and his past than he ever could have expected.

Click Here to Start (May 2018 selection)

Half-Jewish, half-Japanese Ted is great at gaming but can't live up to his sister's academic success. When his namesake uncle dies and leaves him with a puzzle about treasure to solve, Ted and his friends are drawn into a dangerous mystery that takes all of Ted's skill to solve.