Since 2006, May has been designated as Jewish American Heritage Month. During this month, we celebrate the contributions that people from this culture have made to American society in a variety of ways. Here at the South Huntington Library we show our appreciation through books, of course!
Listed below are just a sample of books held in our Young Adult section that highlight authors and characters that take pride in their Jewish heritage. There’s many more where these came from, so please visit us numerous times this May to check out our collection!
Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert (10th gr. & up)
YA F COLBERT
After being away at boarding school for a year, Suzette is excited to return to her family in LA, but soon finds that all is not well. Her stepbrother is still resistant to taking medication for his bipolar disorder, something that caused drama before she was sent away, and now that she and Lionel are both falling for the same girl, she fears that her close bond with him will never be repaired.
We Are Inevitable by Gayle Forman (10th gr. & up)
YA F FORMAN
Aaron Stein is mourning his older brother’s recent death, the consequent implosion of his parent’s marriage, his mother’s abandonment, and his father’s difficulty in handling all these changes. When he finds out that his family's bookstore, which is bleeding money and falling apart, is now under his name, he sells it in the hopes of removing at least one stress from his life. Before he can tell anyone about the sale, however, the store becomes the nexus of friendship bonds and healing relationships. How can he tell his new support system about the decision he made? Is it too late to hold onto the store that has come to mean so much to him?
They’ll Never Catch Us by Jessica Goodman (9th gr. & up)
YA F GOODMAN
Stella and Ellie Steckler have a lot going for them, not least of which is their talent when it comes to cross-country running and the drive they have to keep the top spots on the team and use it as a way out of their hometown. The unbeatable duo suddenly face some competition when new girl Mila threatens their college scholarship dreams, so when Mila disappears while on a training run, all eyes- and fingers- point to the Steckler sisters…
A Million Quiet Revolutions by Robin Gow (10th gr. & up)
YA F GOW
In their small Pennsylvania town, diversity of any sort is pretty lacking, so it’s no wonder that teenagers Aaron and Oliver- the only trans people of any age in their community- stick together. Commonalities lead to friendship, which leads to support and eventually love- until Aaron’s family suddenly decides to move to New York. The author weaves in historical elements as the couple find inspiration in stories about queer people through history- including two trans male soldiers from the Revolutionary War who were in love and wrote letters to each other just as Aaron and Oliver do when they are forced apart.
Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse (9th gr. & up)
YA F HESSE
Are you a historical mystery fan? This novel by Hesse is a terrific example of the genre, as it brings 1943 Nazi-occupied Amsterdam to life while keeping the thrills coming with a fast paced mystery. In this dangerous time in history, teenager Hanneke makes a living by finding highly sought after items and selling them on the black market. Her latest request presents her with quite a challenge, however- a trusted client has asked her to find a person, a Jewish girl who disappeared without a trace from a secret room where she was being hidden from the Nazis. In searching for the missing teen, Hanneke’s view of the world will be forever changed.
Ethel’s Song: Ethel Rosenberg’s Life in Poem by Barbara Krasner (9th gr. & up)
YA F KRASNER
In 1953, Ethel Rosenberg and her husband Julius were executed via the electric chair for conspiracy to commit espionage. Accused of being American spies conspiring to assist the Soviet Union in their attempt to bring about the downfall of American society, was Ethel really so diabolical? Or was she simply an innocent victim of the Red Scare, a time in our history when government officials seemingly saw potential spies around every corner.
Author Barbara Krasner presents an intriguing historical novel in verse that fictionalizes Ethel’s story, but weaves plenty of facts into the compelling narrative, which will appeal to readers whether they have heard of Ethel or not.
Strange Creatures by Phoebe North (9th gr. & up)
YA F NORTH
Annie and her older brother Jamie were once so close, taking solace from their challenging lives by spending time in the nearby woods making up stories about another world named Gumlea, a world so much more appealing than their own reality. When Jamie disappears one day, their family and community eventually face the reality that Jamie is gone forever, but Annie is convinced that he has somehow become trapped in Gumlea and she is the only one who can set him free.
From Dust, a Flame by Rebecca Podos (10th gr. & up)
YA F PODOS
When Hannah, newly 17, wakes up with snake eyes, she discovers that her mother has been hiding a huge, mystical family secret from her and her brother. Vowing to find a cure for the myriad of mutations that Hannah is now victim to, her mom leaves- but as weeks go by with no word from their mother, Hannah and Gabe realize that they must seek out answers themselves.
The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros (8th gr. & up)
YA F POLYDOROS
This genre mash-up, which includes elements of historical fiction, thriller, and fantasy, has something for everyone. In this story, set in Chicago in the 1890s, a recent Jewish immigrant from Romania discovers that his best friend (and crush) has been murdered- the latest in a long line of Jewish boys that have been killed, with authorities remaining clueless as to who is responsible. In his quest to find and defeat the perpetrator, Alter must face otherworldly forces- and his past.
We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon (7th gr. & up)
YA F SOLOMON
Wedding harpist Quinn and wedding catering waiter Tarek are destined to spend the entire summer working together surrounded by happy couples- but slightly cynical Quinn and hopeless romantic Tarek have polar opposites views on love and will never see eye to eye. Right?