Fiction
The year is 1883, and David Kamen works for his father, peddling goods in Indian Territory west of his home in Wichita, Kansas. He and his uncle meet homesteaders and Indians as they travel through blizzards and cattle drives, surviving snakes and rushing rivers.
When an opportunity arises to own land in the new Oklahoma territory, David and Uncle Simon are eager to journey west and stake their claim. But as they face unforeseen obstacles, they wonder if they'll ever be able to realize their dreams.
In this captivating book by award-winning author Tovah S. Yavin, readers will walk west with David as this little-known period in American Jewish history comes to life.
"Dramatic and fascinating historical fiction [that] opens a window to a long-ago era in the American West."
"Sukkos 2024 Releases,"The Frum Book Newsletter (Substack), 9 October, 2024,
https://frumbooks.substack.com/p/sukkos-2024-releases?subscribe_prompt=free
Available from: www.menuchapublishers.com
Journey on the C & O Canal
Gabe Marks signs on for a thrilling adventure but discovers slippery tunnels, near-drowings, threatening thunderstorms, and a way of life he could never have imagined. Step back to 1909 and an almost forgotten chapter in American life as you follow Gabe's journey on the C & O Canal.
And don't forget the sick mule!
"... should delight and inform fifth through seventh graders about a little-known but important part of how America was built and the strong people and animals who built it."
G.J Berger, Historical Novel Society, November 2021
"This is a quality piece of work. I used the book in my 6th grade classroom and I plan on doing it again with my class next year."
Naftali, Sixth Grade Teacher, May 2021
"[A] warm and loving story … positive and authentic Jewish content … [told] with gentle humor, appealing characters, and language appropriate to the age level."
Judith S. Greenblatt, The Sydney Taylor Shmooze, 2021
"... a book for kids that pays tributes to those who have helped form the fabric of American Jewish history ..."
Susan, reader/purchaser September 2021
Available from www.menuchapublishers.com
The Free and the Brave
It's the summer of 1814. The British are advancing on Baltimore, where Jacob Franks and his family live. They've already burned down Washington, D.C. Will Baltimore be next? Jacob and his friends do their best to help out by digging trenches and building ramparts. They bring kosher food to the Jewish soldiers at Fort McHenry. But will the people of Baltimore be able to protect their beloved city?
Join Jacob and his friends as they defend the land of the free and the home of the brave.
"This beautifully expedited novel ... spreads the message of the importance of family, friendship, hard work ... and pulling together across racial/ethnic barriers in times of need."
Fiona Alison, Historical Novel Society
"… this slice of American Jewish history gives an important educational message. The youth of today can find meaning in examining the significant role of Jews in the emerging American society. Readers will also focus on the value of community, dedication to one's country, and the need for self-reliance in an uncertain world."
Marge Kaplan, Jewish Book Council
Available from : www.menuchapublishers.com
All-Star Season
Brothers Reuven and Avi have two strong bonds – the solidity of their Jewish family life and their passionate love of baseball. Both are desperately working for a spot on the end-of-season All-Star team. The tensions leading to the big game and its surprise outcome will satisfy all young baseball fans.
Winner, Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award
Sydney Taylor Notable Book, 2008
PJ Our Way Book Club Selection
"All-Star Season is sure to be a hit with young baseball fans."
Amit Magazine
"…will engage a young reader from the first page. [Who] doesn't relate to sibling rivalry, team competition, school achievement and family relations? Add girls … and you've got the perfect mix for this age group."
Chicago Jewish Star
Available from: www.amazon.com
Prefer Short Fiction??
Try these anthologies ...
Jewish Love Stories for Kids
Yavin, T. (2002). Like Ruth and Naomi. In Jewish Love Stories for Kids (pp. 99-138). New York, NY: Pitspopany
Press.
Jewish Detective Stories for Kids
Yavin, T. (2001). Treasure in a Teapot. In Jewish Detective Stories for Kids (pp. 29-54). New York, NY: Pitspopany Press.
Summer Shorts
Yavin, T. (2006). Why Do the Horses Stand in the Sea. In Summer shorts: A short story anthology (pp. 24-39). Austin, TX: Blooming Tree Press.
OR ... NONFICTION
A Star-Spangled Jewish New Year
Highlights Magazine, September 2015
When the White House Celebrates Hanukkah
Highlights Magazine for Children, December 2017
Science Weekly
Issues on:
Hurricanes, Living in Space, Science of Soap, Buoyancy,
Roller Coasters, Reflections and Echoes, Muscles,
Measurements, Time, Pulleys, Scuba Diving,
Helicopters, Hybrid Cars, Accidental Science,
Earth's Atmosphere
Archived at Proquest SIRS Discoverer