Like a Maccabee

Days before Hanukkah, ten-year-old Ben's soccer team makes the league championships. Only one thing stands between Ben and victory: the rival team's best defender, a school bully whose favorite sport, other than soccer, is tormenting Ben. No one at home seems to understand. And now he has to share his bedroom with his grandfather, a man he barely knows! Facing humiliation at school and misunderstood by those who love him most, Ben finds an unexpected friend in his grandfather, learning ancient wisdom and steadfast strength, enough for the big game and beyond. Includes latke recipe and dreidel game instructions. Ages 8-12.

Children's Books

Bietz, Barbara

Literature & Fiction

Yotzeret Pub Inc

A colorful year of Jewish holidays, with apples as the central theme.

Apples, Apples, All Year Round!

Sobel, June

Holidays & Celebrations

Apples & Honey Press

A Sydney Taylor Notable Book for Younger Readers, 2017During the early days of settling the "Wild West", there were many Jewish families who became fearless pioneers seeking to create new communities in the desolate terrain. In this story, a young boy and his family move to the desert Southwest where they are the only Jewish family in their small town. Despite keeping busy with chores, adapting to their new home among strangers proves challenging. Every Shabbat, Mama complains that there is "too much soup, not enough family." The young boy has an idea to help relieve Mama's homesickness and invites their new neighbors for Shabbat dinner. By honoring the Jewish value of inviting guests into their home for a meal, the family creates a sense of community in their new town.

The Sundown Kid: A Southwestern Shabbat

August House

Many Jewish families helped settle, diverse communities in the desolate, desert terrain of the Wild West. Although Sweet Tamales for Purim is a work of fiction, it is inspired by a true event. In 1886, the Hebrew Ladies Benevolent Society of Tucson planned a Purim Ball for the entire community. Barbara tells the story from the perspective of a young girl, who along with her new friend, Luis plan to create a Purim festival for their town. Their plans for the celebration were well underway until the family goat, Kitzel, ate all of the traditional holiday pastries, Hamantashen. Fortunately, they find another way to celebrate Purim and the family is able to share their cultural traditions with their new neighbors. 
 Purim celebrates the courageous stand that Queen Esther made to save the Jewish people from being banished by the king. The young girl's determination to create a spirited Purim celebration in her western town, provides a unique insight into how children can creatively overcome challenges when life doesn't go as planned. Her quick thinking, persistence and resourceful actions give their first Purim festival added significance.

Sweet Tamales for Purim

D.I.J. - Do It Jewish: Use Your Jewish Creativity!

Arts, Music & Photography

Intergalactic Afikoman

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Books by Bietz, Barbara