The 2024 Sydney Taylor Book Award

Summary: Jake Lightman, caught between his divorced parents' contrasting worlds, finds solace in new friends Caleb and Tehilla. Desperate to join them at Camp Gershoni, Jake weaves a web of lies to escape his parents' restrictions. As his deception spirals, Jake must balance his desire for freedom with the risk of losing those he cares about. Will he choose honesty or continue the charade? The stakes rise as Jake navigates friendship, identity, and the consequences of his choices in this humorous and heartfelt journey.

Summary: In 1905, young immigrant Shoshana embraces the vast North Dakota plains, eager to forge a new identity. Yet, as prejudice looms, she hides her Jewish roots, clashing with her sister Libke, who clings to their past. Torn between acceptance and tradition, Shoshana must discover if her family's differences are their true strength. Can she find harmony in the music of her heart and the resilience of her heritage?

Summary: In a town shadowed by mysterious murders, vampire brothers Adam and Victor must put aside their sibling rivalry. As bodies pile up, a vampire hunter lurks, threatening their family's secret. Can they overcome their differences and stop the killer before it's too late? Dive into this spooky, humorous tale of family, identity, and survival.

Summary: In Nazi-occupied Paris, Jacqueline, a Jewish member of the French Resistance, risks everything to save lives. Disguised as a social worker, she uses a toy duck to smuggle forged identity papers past soldiers. As families hide from persecution, Jacqueline's courage and ingenuity offer a lifeline. Can this unlikely hero outwit the oppressors and deliver hope to those in hiding? Discover a tale of bravery and resilience where a simple toy becomes a beacon of survival.

Summary: Shai, a twelve-year-old, is desperate to return to Israel after moving to America. She plots her escape, eyeing a drawing competition with a travel prize. Struggling with a new language and facing antisemitism, Shai unexpectedly finds allies and begins to question where home truly lies. Can she find belonging in a foreign land, or will her heart lead her back to Israel?