Reading Our Roots: Books for Jewish American Heritage Month

In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, board members and staff of The Jewish Library of Baltimore are sharing some of their favorite reads. These selections highlight Jewish stories, values and voices, offering a meaningful way to connect with Jewish American heritage through literature.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
“One of my all-time favorite books is The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. This novel captures the Jewish American experience in New York in the 1940s. Although fictional, this novel also tells the story of the golden age of comic books through its protagonists, Joe Kavalier and Sam Klayman. As the boys grow up the story gets richer and more complicated.”
– Ben Goldberg, Board Member

Chutzpah Girls: 100 Tales of Daring Jewish Women by Julie Esther Silverstein and Tami Schlossberg Pruwar
“Chutzpah Girls is a beautiful collection of short biographies of Jewish heroines, accompanied by lifelike portraits created by a diverse group of Jewish female artists. I love that the entries span many ages, backgrounds and time periods and that the book is styled to be both accessible and interesting to readers from advanced middle-grade to adults. My favorite thing about the book, though, is that some of the entries are largely unknown figures who deserve the spotlight they are given here. This uplifting book is just the inspiration that we need right now!”
– Alicia Broth, Library Administrative Coordinator

The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman
“This is a historical fiction story about a young Jewish female immigrant who has to make it on her own in a new country. During that journey she discovers a love for cold desserts and ice cream. This book, spanning seventy years, shows the grit and determination needed to lead a successful business, especially by a woman, and the costs associated with success. This book was so fun to read and included many humorous moments.”
– Diane Seegull, Board Member

RBG’s Brave and Brilliant Women by Nadine Epstein
“RBG’s Brave and Brilliant Women follows trail-blazing Jewish women throughout history—from Miriam, Moses and Aaron’s sister, to astronaut Judith Resnik. This collective biography discusses the background and impact of 33 Jewish women who did their part to change the world for the better. Complete with ‘A Call to Action’ and an introduction by Ruth Bader Ginsburg herself, this book is sure to motivate and inspire!”
– Stacey Weinberg, Judaic Curriculum Specialist

Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry
“Tree. Table. Book is a beautiful intergenerational story about the power and endurance of friendship. Young Sophie is very protective about her octogenarian friend and learns a lot about life in the process. It’s a great Young Adult read.”
– Sonia Kozlovsky, Community Librarian

The Jewish Holiday Kitchen by Joan Nathan and The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
“For anyone with grandchildren, I recommend The Jewish Holiday Kitchen. And, for Jewish influence on another genre, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, which the author notes the influence of tikkun olam.”
– Deborah Dropkin, Board Member

Looking for your next great read? Let these recommendations inspire your summer reading list. Visit The Jewish Library of Baltimore life, history and culture.

Reading Our Roots: Books for Jewish American Heritage Month

Reading Our Roots: Books for Jewish American Heritage Month

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