Middle grade books with Jewish characters

We’re in the midst of the Jewish High Holidays. There’s been challah and honey and apple crisp. We’ve been to shul and listened to a d’var torah about real hope and false hope. And we’ve done lots of reading. If you are looking for a book with Jewish characters and themes for 8-12 year olds, here are some suggestions to get you started. These books all highlight Ashkenazic heritage. I’m on the look out for middle-grade books that feature Sephardic characters and traditions. Please email me if you have suggestions!

All of a Kind Family series by Sydney Taylor (started in 1951)

I grew up with this series and loved seeing what it was like for Jewish people in New York “a long time ago.” The stories depict lots of holiday traditions and the pressure to assimilate. Mostly I loved the relationship between the siblings — the way they fought but still stood up for one another. The annual award given to books about the Jewish experience, administered by the Association of Jewish Libraries, is named after the author Sydney Taylor.

Hereville series by Barry Deutch (started in 2010)

I love this graphic novel series focused on Mirka, who is part of an Orthodox family. She doesn’t quite fit in with her many siblings. She’s eleven and wants to be a hero. Throughout her adventures, she finds a sword, battles a comet, and outsmarts a magical fish. Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword won a Sydney Taylor Book Award in 2011.

Becoming Brianna by Terri Libenson (2018)

Part of the Emmie and Friends series, Becoming Brianna spotlights middle-schooler Brianna as she prepares for her bat mitzvah. The story is about becoming comfortable with being the center of attention and connecting to one’s faith.

The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani (2012)

After her father loses his job, Sonia has to change schools. Her new classmates ask about being half Indian and half Jewish, causing Sonia to examine her background more closely than before. The book balances the drama trying to fit in at the new school and tension at home.

Sweep by Jonathan Auxier (2018)

Sweep is a magical book. It’s historical fantasy about a girl chimney sweep in Victorian London and her soot-golem friend. While educating the reader about the conditions faced by the orphan chimney sweeps of the time, it paints a beautiful picture of the relationship between Nan and the golem. Brooms up! Sweep won the Sydney Taylor Book Award in 2019.

Sorry for Your Loss by Joanne Levy (2021)

Evie’s parents run a Jewish funeral home, and she wants to be a funeral director when she grows up. Her parents ask her to help with Oren, a boy whose parents have just died. I appreciated all the details given about the Jewish mourning and funeral customs in this book.