Personal Librarian: Sukkos 5782 Book-Buying Guide
Hi! I hope you find this comprehensive book list useful. Books have been sorted by age/reading level and prioritized based on quality and relevance. Where no great options were available from this season’s new releases, a title from Spring or Summer of this year was listed. Full book descriptions are available via the publisher link. Have a Gut Yom Tov!
Young Readers
Grades 3-4
Penina Farina and the Humongous Snowstorm: Menucha Publishers — funny family tale
The Adventures of PJ Pepperjay 4: Feldheim — funny and adventurous, no need to read series in order
Layla’s Sugarland Winter: Menucha Publishers — girlish tale of friends and family
Girls: Grades 4-8 (var.)
Blending Secrets, R. Drew: (Grades 5-8) Israel Bookshop — drama, somewhat sad
On the Move (Grades 4-6) Menucha Publishers — friendship and adventure, #5 in Achdus Club series - no need to read series in order
Meet the Milsteins: (Grades 5-8) Menucha Publishers -— humorous family tale, diary-style, great for boys too
Too Many Secrets: (Grades 4-6) Judaica Press — assorted short stories
Sheva’s Diary: (Grades 4-6) Israel Bookshop — light and fun diary read
Boys: Grades 5-7
A Bridge in Time: Menucha Publishers — fantasy, historical, adventure
Under Cover: Judaica Plaza (published by Israel Bookshop) — crime mystery
Flying Colors: Israel Bookshop — crime mystery
Power Plays: Israel Bookshop — mystery, science
Girls: Grades 9-11
Coercion: Menucha Publishers — fast-paced crime thriller, #8 in Yael Reed series, most similar to School of Secrets, no need to read series in order
— Exclusive interview with Ruthie Pearlman coming soon! Subscribe to be notified when it’s out :)
Right Angles: Israel Bookshop - a teacher and her students’ personal lives, easy read
Adult Fiction
Thriller
Burning Question: Israel Bookshop — fast-paced, suspense, party historical
Mind Games: Israel Bookshop — mystery, suspense, partly historical
Light
Yardsticks: Israel Bookshop — light read, strong plot, fresh storyline
Rule of Three: Menucha Publishers — strong and lovable characters, humorous, fun easy read
— Exclusive interview with Esther Kurtz -
Historical
My Sister in China: Feldheim — engrossing setting and conflict, family story spanning generations
Full Circle, Gita Gordon Judaica Press — great writing, family saga, interesting and untold part of history
Contemporary Drama
Jamila: Israel Bookshop — dramatic and emotional
All I Ask: Judaica Plaza (published by Israel Bookshop) — setting, plot and conflict are fresh and unique, quick read
Biography
A Tap on the Shoulder: Artscroll — powerful and inspirational, deep dive
Living Legend: Artscroll — engaging, quick-paced, fascinating stories
— Watch or Listen to Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger interview the Living Legend himself, Rabbi Grossman!
Non-Fiction Inspiration/Stories
