Welcoming Elijah

By Leslea Newman, Susan Gal (illustrator),

Book cover of Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail

Book description

Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award and the National Jewish Book Award, Welcoming Elijah by celebrated author Lesléa Newman, unites a young boy and a stray kitten in a warm, lyrical story about Passover, family, and friendship.

Inside, a boy and his family sit around the dinner table to…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Welcoming Elijah as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I love Elijah stories, especially those that emerge from Eastern European tradition. But I also realize that such stories do not always speak to post-modern kids.

This particular story appeals to me specifically because it takes the underlying nature of Elijah stories—and those that are connected to the Passover seder ritual—and turns it into a totally accessible and sweet story. 

Jewish tradition teaches that we never know where Elijah may be hiding. Thus, we are instructed to show kindness to all—for it is Elijah who will herald in the messianic era—a time of peace.

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One Giant Leap by Ben Gartner,

Editor's Pick, BookLife by Publishers Weekly.

Gold Medal, 2023 Mom's Choice Awards.

Gold Medal, 2023 Readers' Favorite Awards.

First Place, 2023 Gertrude Warner Middle Grade Awards.

I’m pretty sure I’m about to die in space. And I just turned twelve and a half.

Blast off with the four winners of…

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