2019 Best Jewish
Children's Book

Mazel Tov! The Association of Jewish Libraries proudly announces its coveted Sydney Taylor Book Awards for 2019 for the most distinguished contributions to Jewish children’s literature. This year’s distinguished contributions to Jewish children’s literature reflect the blessings of positive Judaism.

Winners receive cash prizes from the estate of Sydney Taylor, author of the All-of-a-Kind-Family series, at the AJL convention in Los Angeles in June. Taylor’s success created American Jewish children’s literature. Librarian Ellen Cole recommends these special books. Winners, Honors, Notables and All-of-a-Kind-Family series are in the Library for you.

The 2019 Younger Readers winner is All-of-a-Kind-Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins

illustrated by Paul Zelinsky. Charming text and playful illustrations merge in a new picture book version inspired by the classic chapter books by Sydney Taylor for whom the awards are named.

The Older Readers gold medalist is Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster 

by Jonathan Auxier.  Golem meets Mary Poppins’ pals in an energetic super-hero adventure built on Jewish legend and the social horrors of Victorian England’s chimney sweeps.

Author/Illustrator Vesper Stamper captures the Teen Readers gold with What the Night Sings.

In this moving novel, a teenage Holocaust survivor struggles to reconcile her identity after the tragedy.

There are five honor winners in the three categories:

There are five Honor Winners in the three categories:

Picture Books:
 A Moon for Moe and Mo
Through the Window: Views of Marc Chagall’s Life and Art. 


Older Readers: 

All Three Stooges and The Length of a String.
Teen Readers:
 You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone

There are 9 Notable Books in the three categories. Please contact the Levine Library for this list.

Library Hours
Tuesday 2:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon