BOSTON (JTA) — The Depression-era story of an observant Jewish girl trying to fit in and a Raoul Wallenberg biography were among the choices for Sydney Taylor Book Awards.
Hannah’s Way," by Linda Glaser, and “His Name Was Raoul Wallenberg,” by Louise Borden, were named Jan. 21 by the Association of Jewish Libraries.
The awards recognize new books that portray the Jewish experience.
Glaser’s book, with illustrations by Adam Gustavson, was the choice for young readers and tells of a girl who feels out of place in her new home in a rural Minnesota mining town.
The Wallenberg book, about the Swedish humanitarian who rescued Jews during World War II, won the award for older readers.
“The book, teeming with photographs, shows how the courageous actions of one person, despite tremendous obstacles, can make a difference,” said Aimee Lurie, chair of the awards committee.
For teen readers, the winner was “Intentions,” by Deborah Heiligman, a novel about moral challenges and trust facing a Jewish teenage girl.
Honors winners include “The Elijah Door: A Passover Tale,” by Linda Leopold Strauss, illustrated by Alexi Natchev; “Zayde Comes to Live,” by Sheri Sinykin, illustrated by Kristina Swarner; “The Wooden Sword,” by Ann Redisch Stampler, illustrations by Carol Liddiment; and “Beyond Courage: The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust,” by Doreen Rappaport.
The prestigious award memorializes Sydney Taylor, author of the classic “All-of-a-Kind Family” series.
