Initiated in response to the horrific act of domestic terrorism at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA in October 2018, and in continuing response to rising antisemitism in the United States, the Association of Jewish Libraries offers the Love Your Neighbor series of book lists for young readers. The Jewish books recommended on these lists are meant to be shared with ALL readers, including non-Jewish children and teens. Books read in youth impact future outlooks, and it is our hope that meeting Jews on the page will inspire friendship when readers meet Jews in real life.
List #1: Standing Up For Each Other
This first list features stories of Jews and non-Jews standing up for each other, working out differences, and confronting prejudice.
List #2: Synagogues, Clergy, & Jewish Ritual
This second list features books for children and teens that take place in synagogues, that feature rabbis and other clergy, and that demonstrate a variety of Jewish rituals.
List #3: The American Jewish Experience
This third list features books about Jewish life in the United States of America, from the earliest days to the present time.
List #4: Let’s Be Friends
This fourth list features stories of Jews and non-Jews enjoying each other’s company, sharing food, skills, support, and friendship.
List #5: Orthodox Jews
This fifth list features stories depicting Orthodox Jews.
Because some Orthodox Jews have a distinctive manner of dress, they are often easy targets for antisemitism.
List #6: Passover
This sixth list features books about the eight-day springtime festival of Passover, a major Jewish holiday that is one of the most widely celebrated of the year.
List #7: The Black Jewish Experience
This seventh list highlights the varied experiences of being both Black and Jewish.
List # 8: Israel
This eighth list highlights books set in the modern state of Israel.