You guys know about me and my book club.
Well, one of the ladies in my club needs help. I’m coming up empty, so I thought I’d see what you guys have to say.
She is looking for a group of books written by a Jewish author, and dealing with Jewish themes — but they have to be age appropriate for a 13-year-old girl. Yep, this is going to be a Bat Mitzvah present.
I’m poring over Flashlight Worthy Books (for whom my own lists are long overdue. Eep!), and so far, all I’ve come up with is The Book Thief, Marcus Zusak’s hit novel.
What else would you suggest? They don’t have to be Holocaust-themed. In fact, the broader we can go, the better.
And… for my Thirteen this week, let’s see if we can make a list of 13 or more books!
I’ll update the list as you guys suggest and discuss in the comments. Thanks!
My friend Melisa suggested All-of-a-Kind Family, written by Sydney Taylor.
Laura from I’m Booking It suggested Chaim Potok, especially Zebra and Other Stories
Janet reminded me to think of the most obvious: The Diary of Anne Frank
Harriet says her daughter suggests some of the American Girl books. She suggested Lindsey, but there’s also Rebecca.
Jade at Brainripples suggested poet Tracy Koretsky. (Although Ms. Korestky herself isn’t so sure she’d be a good choice — read the comments!)
Susan Bearman dropped in with a ton of links. Ready?
The Skokie Public Library has a great-looking list. My own wishlist just grew when I looked this over!
Jane Yolen’s The Devil’s Arithmetic is another suggested read. My book club read this — and it’s also used in my local elementary school for the advanced readers who are pulled into a fifth-grade book club that’s led by one of our Gifted teachers. I know my friend’s aware of this one.
TK Welsh wrote The Unresolved (there’s no link at Powells.com. Thanks to Susan Bearman for the link!)
Avi is a very famous Jewish writer. I’ve got a copy of City of Light, City of Dark here, in fact.
Carol Matas specializes in Holocaust and WWII fiction for middle grades and young adults.
Julia suggested one of my all-time favorites, The River Midnight.
Now, THIS is cool. Tracy Koretsky (see above!) suggested a book, herself! It’s called Marcello in the Real World and was written by Francis Stork. I can’t find a link at Powells, so if you have any information…
And here’s a list from my friend Mari Blaser, whose blog I really need to add to the sidebar so I can find it to link to it properly… she was Tweeting for me and this is what she turned up:
Michele, @banana_the_poet : Mr Rosenblum Dreams in English/Mr Rosenblum’s List – by Natasha Solomons
Donna, @Donna_Carrick :every book by Sylvia Maultash Warsh, especially “Season Of Iron“. Not 100% sure ok for teen.
Lynette, @LynetteBenton: “Diary of Anne Frank” (note from me: link’s above)
Monica, @lil_monmon :”Number the Stars“, by Lois Lowry
J. Sterling @JSterlingS and @4evermore: “The Chosen“, by Chaim Potok.
Patricia recommended Geraldine Brooks’ People of the Book. I’ve read this one; it might be too adult. But then again, it might not be…
Alice Rene popped up over at GoodReads to suggest her own memoir, Becoming Alice.
**As a reminder, the book links take you to Powells.com, where I am an affiliate. Any pennies earned will be turned back to you guys in the form of books!