ABOUT the Award
The Jewish Librarians Association, founded in
1946, was composed of academic, archival, and
research institutions. The Jewish Library
Association, founded in 1962, emphasized
work in synagogue, school, and community
center libraries. These two associations
merged in 1966 and became the Association of
Jewish Libraries. We are currently composed
of two divisions: Schools, Synagogues, Centers
and Public Libraries (SSCPL), and Research,
Archive, and Special libraries (RAS).
The purpose of this award is for outstanding
books that show high literary standards while
portraying the Jewish experience. The award
encourages the publication and widespread use
of Judaic literature.
The Association of Jewish Libraries is an
international, professional organization that
fosters access to information and research in
all forms of media relating to all things
Jewish. The Association promotes Jewish
literacy and scholarship and provides a
community for peer support and professional
development.
Sydney
Taylor
Award
The Longest Night: A Passover Story
Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed
By: Laurel Snyder
ISBN: 9780375869426
By: Lesléa Newman ISBN:9780763665555
Every library is full of Easter and Christmas
books. Wouldn't it be nice to have some
Passover and
Hanukkah books as
well. This book is
the perfect tool to
help young children
make sense of the
origins of the
Passover history
and traditions.
Love cats? Love music? Love sweet stories of animal
rescue? If you do, then how could you possibly resist
picking up a copy of Leslea Newman's Ketzel, The Cat
Who Composed. This is a picture book based on a true
story. The story of Moshe Cotel and his cat, Ketzel,
whom he found on the
street one day. The two
lived well together. One
day when Moshe's
inspiration was lacking,
Ketzel stepped in and
composed music instead.
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Makes Her Mark
By: Debbie Levy ISBN:97811481465595
This is an important
book for upper grade
elementary students. It
clearly shows the power
of the presidency in
nominating these judges
and traces her
achievements in the field
of law back to her
girlhood years,
emphasizing for readers
the importance of disagreement in the face of an
unequal society.
Gathering Sparks
By: Howard Schwartz
ISBN: 9781596432802
All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah
This book is based on Jewish folklore. The grandfather is
asked about the origins of the stars. He explains that they are
pieces of light and must be
gathered up by doing acts of
kindness and love. By applying
Gathering Sparks, children can
see the relationship and special
memories developed as the
grandfather tells his grandchild
about tikkun olam (a Jewish
story about being a good person
and doing good in the world,
which is how stars are formed).
Comparing these two stories will
truly teach children the importance of good relationships with
family, and to appreciate them while they are still with us.
This story is written by Emily Jenkins but follows the
same concepts of Taylor’s books. The All-of-a-Kind
Family gives a
heartwarming glimpse of
a Jewish immigrant
family and their customs
that is as relevant--and
necessary--today as when
it was first written.
Jenkins' charming
compliment to Taylor's
series perfectly captures
the warmth and family
values that made the
original titles classics.
By: Emily Jenkins
ISBN: 9780399554193