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The Summer We Found the Baby

by: Amy Hest  

Ages

9+
Sisters Julie and Martha find a baby at the library! Who is she, and why is she there? The girls and their neighbor Bruno each tell their own story of the events leading up to the baby’s discovery.
Ages 9+
Pages 181
Publisher Candlewick
Coming Mar 2022

Average Rating

73 Reviews
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What the Book Is About

In short alternating chapters, eleven-year-old Julie, her six-year-old sister Martha, and Julie’s frenemy, twelve-year-old Bruno, narrate this heartwarming and hopeful story set in a Long Island beach town during World War II. Each child’s voice and viewpoint are distinct, and the varying narratives keep the pace moving quickly. Additional Jewish content was specially created for this unique PJ Our Way edition of Hest’s novel.

Jewish Content & Values

  • Bruno goes to temple and Hebrew school. He’s named after his grandfather and says it’s a Jewish custom to honor those who came before us.
  • Julie says that after their mother died, they continued their Friday traditions, “with challah and chicken soup, Sabbath candles glowing.”
  • Martha asks Bruno’s mother, Mrs. Ben-Eli, if she’s Jewish and says proudly, “I’M JEWISH, TOO!”

Content Advisory

Julie and Martha’s mother died years ago, and everyone attends a memorial for a local soldier killed in the war. Bruno’s brother is away fighting, and we don’t learn if he returns. There are brief mentions of soldiers being injured in the war, and losing arms and legs, but it’s all age appropriate.
What the Book Is About

What the Book Is About

In short alternating chapters, eleven-year-old Julie, her six-year-old sister Martha, and Julie’s frenemy, twelve-year-old Bruno, narrate this heartwarming and hopeful story set in a Long Island beach town during World War II. Each child’s voice and viewpoint are distinct, and the varying narratives keep the pace moving quickly. Additional Jewish content was specially created for this unique PJ Our Way edition of Hest’s novel.

Jewish Content & Values

  • Bruno goes to temple and Hebrew school. He’s named after his grandfather and says it’s a Jewish custom to honor those who came before us.
  • Julie says that after their mother died, they continued their Friday traditions, “with challah and chicken soup, Sabbath candles glowing.”
  • Martha asks Bruno’s mother, Mrs. Ben-Eli, if she’s Jewish and says proudly, “I’M JEWISH, TOO!”

Content Advisory

Julie and Martha’s mother died years ago, and everyone attends a memorial for a local soldier killed in the war. Bruno’s brother is away fighting, and we don’t learn if he returns. There are brief mentions of soldiers being injured in the war, and losing arms and legs, but it’s all age appropriate.