Guide to Jewish Literature - November/December 2026

This critically acclaimed bestseller presents the captivating story of Clara Prinz, a remarkable woman forced to leave her native Berlin in 1939. As Clara traveled alone on a voyage into the unknown, she turned to memories of her adolescence during La Belle Époque – the Beautiful Era filled with optimism and cultural transformation at the dawn of the twentieth century. Through Clara’s chance encounters with notable personalities of the period, Clara’s Secret weaves an unforgettable tapestry of personal and historic events. Clara’s Secret is ultimately a compelling story of the advancement of humankind and the survival of its decline.

Readers (ages 7–13) are invited on a profound adventure born of Israeli heroism. Inspired by the late Col. Asaf Hamami, a fallen hero of October 7th, this award-winning book brings essential Jewish values to life for the next generation. At its heart are Hamami’s ten guiding principles of leadership and humanity. Through ten captivating quests, children discover the power of loving your neighbor, helping those in need, and unwavering self-belief. An empowering, deeply rooted gift carrying a timeless message: we all have the power to be heroes.

Here is a remarkable true story for YA readers about Nataliia, a Ukrainian teenager in the early 2010s, who discovers a mysterious box of letters written during the Holocaust. The letters reveal the story of Eliezer, a Jewish boy in hiding during World War II. As Nataliia reads, the past and present echo each other, uncovering family secrets and a history that feels close to home. This powerful tale explores resilience, moral courage, and the quiet choices that shape generations, connecting two lives across time through hope and remembrance.

When Hanukkah and Christmas Eve fall on the same night, one Jewish boy hopes for something extra—and discovers that family, tradition, and love can make every celebration complete. “As someone who grew up in an interfaith home, I wish this book existed when I was a child,” says Rabbi Becky Jaye. Winner—1st Place in Jewish Literature at the Outstanding Creator Awards; Literary Titan Gold Award and 5-star review. A warm, beautifully illustrated holiday story for ages 4–8.

An engaging, contemporary introduction to Yiddish culture. Blending traditional heritage with modern wit, this accessible dictionary pairs vibrant illustrations with idiomatic expressions, humor, and everyday vocabulary tailored for today’s readers. Drawing from his rich family legacy as a rabbi, cantor, and social worker, Mlotek brings the Yiddish language vividly to life on every page.

In The Torah of Social Media, Rabbi Avram Mlotek gathers an engaging collection of essays, reflections, and poetry—featuring contributions from prominent rabbis and social media influencers—exploring spirituality, ethics, and community in the digital age. Examining the internet through a thoughtful Jewish lens, this timely book seeks to cultivate connection and purpose online.

Soul Strength: Inspirational Insights of Rebbe Nachman of Bratzlov invites readers to discover resilience, hope, and spiritual renewal through the timeless teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Bratslov. Rabbi Avram Mlotek, LMSW, pairs Hasidic wisdom with practical reflections on emotional well-being, faith, and meaning, offering accessible guidance for navigating life’s challenges while cultivating joy, courage, and a deeper connection to the soul.

Why does the world keep trying to erase my history? What happens when that history is one my family actually lived? A deeply personal story of one family’s generations in the Land of Israel, through joy, hardship, war, and exile. A journey that weaves together family memories, Jewish history, and a lifetime of witness to the truth the world too often ignores. A story of memory, survival, and an unbroken connection to the Land of Israel.

Growing up in London in the 1970s, there’s a lot that Louise doesn’t know about her family. They fled Iraq forty years ago, but no one will tell her why. She gets her answers when a magical cloak—an abaya—transports Louise back in time to her mother’s childhood in Baghdad. A graphic novel adapted for young readers from the memoir The Wolf of Baghdad. 

Operation Texas is a page-turning thriller that unveils the clandestine effort on behalf of Lyndon Baines Johnson to secure visas for Polish Jews on the eve on the Nazi invasion. Multi-lingual, Jewish, Texas-born Rosalind Fisher is handed the nearly impossible job of easing the visas through the US Embassy in Warsaw while also dealing with German spies. She must ensure the safety of LBJ’s good friend, Jim Novy, also Jewish, as he travels through Poland visiting family. Reviews say Anita “has struck gold again” after her novel, Helen by Anita Mishook.

From the opening vignette in which a photograph is a silent witness to history to the powerful coda “Miracles,” a novella set against the vibrant panorama of the Yiddish theater in America, the fifteen memorable narratives in The Girls of Jerusalem and Other Stories span continents and eras as they chronicle love and loss, piety and heresy, mysticism and rationality to reinterpret ancient tropes of exile, dislocation, and profound change, revealing a new understanding of Jewish history and memory. “Luminous tales of exile and loss that bequeath new life” Kirkus Reviews (starred review). A best book of the year selection.

This multi-disciplinary examination of the major divides within the American Jewish community prior to, and in the wake of, the Israel-Hamas war lays out a blueprint for how American Jewry can develop a much-needed, vocal center capable of productive discourse despite areas of disagreement.

Get into the Hanukkah spirit with this brand-new Hanukkah romance. Max and Samantha are supposed to be each other’s bashert, but when Max finds out Samantha represents the company trying to destroy the ice rink he’s trying to save, it will take more than a Hanukkah miracle to get these two together. Available now!

A funny, foodie friendship tale for Hanukkah about patience, courage, and trying new things. Perfect for early readers, with easy-to-read words and without contractions. Includes the story of Hanukkah, a science experiment to do at home, and a latke recipe! “Lively . . . funny and familiar.” —Publisher’s Weekly. “An engaging holiday tale that folds in a lesson on trying new things.” —Kirkus Reviews.

Janelle Logan’s spiritual life is upended when her beloved yoga guru is accused of sexual assault. Key to her healing—along with close friends and lots of meditation—is an exploration with a visiting cousin of her long-abandoned Jewish roots. Booklife/Publishers Weekly, which calls the novel “a breezy enjoyment,” says, “Together, the women uncover religious revelations about their Jewish ancestry that prompt them to realize one must acknowledge the past to allow the future to come to fruition.” A great book club read or holiday gift!

Do you recognize the accomplishments of these Jewish women: Elinor Awan Ostrom, Barbara Novick, Ruth Handler, Louise Nevelson? In When Einstein Met Kafka: Jewish Contributions to the Modern World, historian, Diego Moldes, offers a comprehensive introduction to The Jewish People and Anti-Semitism, then profiles the worldwide achievements of over 1,000 Jews in all fields of human endeavor. By highlighting the accomplishments of modern global Jewry, this book completely repudiates the disinformation spread by Judeophobes. KIRKUS REVIEW describes When Einstein Met Kafka as “A well-researched, engrossing overview of the Jewish legacy in the modern world.”

When the nuclear family dissolves, the effects on the children can be heartbreaking. However, in this easy reader, children’s picture book: “Hannah’s Two Homes: Life in a “blended” family; a 5-year old’s perspective” they can find comfort and learn to adjust to this stressful situation. Meet Hannah, who is living between her Mom’s and Dad’s residences, with new step parents and half-siblings. All while still embracing both, traditions of her Jewish and Christian heritage. Speaking in her own voice, she represents an optimistic role model who knows “wherever she is, she is loved.”

A family torn apart by hatred. A promise that survives the Holocaust. A new generation determined not to forget. When the World Forgot Us is a sweeping story of survival, love, Israel, and the unbreakable bonds that carry us from darkness into light.

A grandmother, two university-age grandchildren, and a journey through Europe’s great museums become an unexpected lesson in how to see. Through art, Jewish wisdom, memory, love, suffering, and wonder, Look Again invites us to discover what has been hiding in plain sight—and to see the world, and one another, with new eyes.

Some of our sweetest moments are the ones we pass down. Share the Book of Exodus with the little ones you love: a richly illustrated companion to the weekly Torah portion, filled with stories, conversation questions, and hands-on activities. Perfect for ages 4 to 6, this book turns story time into treasured Torah time, and makes a gift they’ll return to all year.

A musical story celebrating the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. This book features fresh lyrics and a toe-tapping melody. The colorful illustrations mirror the joy of this special bond. Use the QR code printed inside the book to download the song. Prepare to make memories to last a lifetime—listening, reading and singing together!

Named one of the Best Books of the year by Kirkus Reviews.  “A compelling work…poignant and eloquent.” Bittersweet coming-of-age story of Mira Adler and what she learns about life and love from her Yiddish and violin teacher, Chaver B, a mysterious immigrant from Prague who harbors a painful secret. Winner of Next Generation Indie and Independent Press Awards.  Ages 13-110. Great for book clubs.

This suspenseful family saga, love story and gangster tale, set between the World Wars, brings to life a family forged in tragedy and hope, dreaming of success while living amidst the Jewish and Italian gangs who ruled Brooklyn’s streets. Ben, Golda, Morty and Sylvia captivate readers as the family struggles with loss, danger, financial disaster and passionate love. Like Kraut’s acclaimed novel, How to Make a Life, this well-researched page-turner is a great book club read, and first place winner of the 2025 CIBA Goethe Award for late historical fiction. Author will meet in person or Zoom with book clubs.