Best of the Season: Sukkos 2022 Releases
The season of new releases has arrived, and that means our bi-yearly roundup! After many big hits this past Pesach, this season is a bit slower, but there are still great picks for your Yom Tov reading. Top Picks are books that will be appreciated by the widest audience, read the short description to find the book that best matches your tastes. Want a more specific recommendation? Drop your question in the comments, or reply to this email.
Gmar Chasima Tova and Good Yom Tov to all!
Young Readers
2nd to 4th Grade
Easy as Pie by Menucha Fuchs — the delightful and funny escapades of a school cook. Great for fans of the PJ Pepperjay series
Bentzi and the Peacock Feathers by Shifra Glick (Coming soon!) — an exciting full-length mystery with large print and illustrations that make the Bentzi series a perfect entry to longer chapter books (series can be read out of order)
Kids Like U 4 by Miriam Schonzeit — assorted short stories, great for kids who want to read short bits at a time
Mrs. Make a Mentsch by Dvora Glick — charming and whimsical, the neighborhood Bubby helps kids fix themselves up with creative solutions
5th to 8th Grade Girls
Strange New World by Rochel Burstyn — a girls’ adventure set in a fascinating speculative universe. Esther Malky emerges from her childhood in a bunker to make her first foray into the real world, only to find the world locked down, and nothing is as it seems
String of Secrets by Tamar Shy — the girls at Samphire boarding school laugh and grow together through antics, mishaps, and excitement
Only Mimi! by G. Schiff — a hilarious and witty girl describes her zany adventures, written in the much-loved diary style
The Summer Everything Changed by Ellen Roteman — when an innocent summer job turns much more complex, a fun-loving teen steps up to the plate
5th to 8th Grade Boys
No 186 by Meir Stein — frum boys unwittingly get roped into a wild, imaginary, and fantastical mission in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea
My Story by Zivia Reischer — kids of all ages share their experiences and bring readers into their unique world
Stolen by Millie Samson — chasing the mystery of their grandfather’s missing Judaica collection, boys end up on an international expedition
Danger at Romani Manor by Y.M. Hodgbi — dramatic and suspenseful, an adventurous boy promises to stay out of trouble but gets pulled into a mystery that begs to be solved
Adults
Historical Thriller
The Captives by Rochel Istrin — Fans of The Mexico File will be enthralled by this fast-paced and nonlinear Western set in unexplored terrain. Dual plots weave a frum Russian immigrant family between the most unlikely settings. When surviving a Cherokee stake, swamp settlement, or Southern ball demands attention, can they maintain their identity and hope?
Shattered Worlds by Yair Weinstock — Suspense meets history and its trauma in a dramatic and intriguing journey that leaps across time. Desperate to fulfill their father’s last will, the Eisen brothers mine their family history and discover a family set on bitter revenge. As they stitch together the threads across generations, the brothers finally understand the people around them - and what has to be done to resolve deep-rooted fears.
Contemporary Fiction
Dream On by Gila Arnold — In a delightful seminary bubble, staff and students discover themselves and form connections. But when well-meaning becomes unhealthy, they’re forced to question their perceptions and make tough decisions. The layered plot reveals the complexity of relationships and internal development, while adorable dialogue and experiences make for a fun and easy read.
Light Years Away by Ruti Kepler — Light Years Away has developed a “Love it or hate it” relationship with readers. Fans love the bold, fresh plot and nuanced characters who experience complex character development when their fiery ideals of Kollel and Kedushah come face to face with real life. Other readers shied away from the niche conflict and prominent “lesson” that framed the plot.
The Darkest Hour by Rachel Schorr — A slow-paced and compelling psychological saga that highlights a family coming to terms with its bizarre circumstances. After waking up from a seventeen year coma, Bruriah learns that life has moved on without her. To heal, she must confront her life experience - what is age without the years? How can she take her place in her children’s present life and build bridges to replace memories?
Inspirational Non-Fiction
I Have an Amazing Story for You 4 by Rabbi Nachman Seltzer
Center Stage by C.B. Weinfeld
Biography
Our Morah in Uniform by Fradl Adams
For the Sake of Heaven by Devora Gliksman
Reb Dovid: Continuing the Brisk Dynasty by Rabbi Shimon Yosef Meller