What Louis Bran­deis Knows: A Cru­sad­er for Social Jus­tice Becomes a Supreme Court Justice
By Richard Michel­son. Illustrated by Stacey Innerst (Calkins Creek)

Before Ruth Bader Ginsburg, there was Louis D. Brandeis, a lawyer and activist who eventually became a Supreme Court Justice. This engaging nonfiction picture book follows his lifelong commitment to equality, justice and civil rights, showing how his Jewish values inspired him to fight for workers, women and the right to privacy.

The Ped­dler and the President
By Ann D. Koffsky and Illustrated by Pedro Rodríguez (Apples & Honey Press)

This true story explores the unlikely bond between President Harry S. Truman and salesman Eddie Jacobson. They met when they were teenagers, worked side by side and founded a hat shop together. Even when they grew up and went their separate ways, their friendship endured for many years, and their loyalty helped shaped American history.

Read our review of the book here.

Fan­ny’s Big Idea: How Jew­ish Book Week was Born
By Richard Michelson and Illustrated by Alyssa Russell (Rocky Pond Books)

Meet Fanny Goldstein in this biography! She came to America when she was only six years old, and she loved sharing books and participating in various activities through the Saturday Evening Girls Club. Fanny was the first Jewish director of a Boston Branch Library and it’s thanks to her that we celebrate Jewish Book Week today.

Read our review of the book here. 

What Emma Wrote: The Woman Behind the Words on the Statue of Liberty
By Ann D. Koffsky and Illustrated by N. Tarcan (Apples & Honey Press)

From a young age, Emma Lazarus loved stories, writing poetry and exploring the world around her. This book highlights her compassion for others and how the poem she wrote for the Statue of Liberty became one of America’s most enduring messages of hope.

The Mysterious Lopsided Letter
By Ellen Schwartz and Illustrated by Margeaux Lucas (Apples & Honey Press)

Travel back to 1785 with this historical fiction chapter book, which brings the early days of the United States to life through real American heroes and the fight for religious freedom. When flyers start showing up around Boston saying that the Hays family is holding Jewish services in their home, cousins Catherine Hays and Judah Truro are on the case to find out who’s spreading them.

Courtney Shapiro is the Assistant Digital Editor for Hadassah Magazine. She has written for Woman’s World, First for Women and Best Life. Follow her on Instagram for book recommendations, reviews and more.