Jesse's Star

by Ellen Schwartz

tagged: holocaust, emigration & immigration, multigenerational

Description

Jesse's project about his immigrant ancestors is due tomorrow and he hasn't started. In a last-ditch effort to find some information about his great-great grandfather, Yossi, Jesse rummages through the mess in the attic until he finds a little battered travel case, full of pictures, and something else—a Star of David. At first it looks plain and unimportant, but as he holds it in his hand, the star begins to glow. Jesse is in for the surprise, and adventure, of his life as he finds himself becoming the star's first owner, his own great-great grandfather.

About the Author

Ellen Schwartz is the author of over fifteen books. In addition to writing books, she has published dozens of magazine articles and adult short stories, and her stories for children have been published in children's magazines and teaching anthologies. Ellen, whose background is in education, currently works as a corporate and curriculum writer and editor, and teaches creative writing classes at Simon Fraser University and Douglas College. Ellen has two daughters and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.ellenschwartz.net.

Age:: 9 to 12
Grade:: 4 to 7
Reading age:: 9 to 12

Awards

, Young Readers' Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Awards
Short-listed, Chocolate Lily Book Awards
, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Fiction Award
Long-listed, BC and Yukon Book Prizes
Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

Editorial Reviews

"Young readers will be readily drawn into the well-crafted plot and will be easily able to find a personal connection to Jesse and his present-day dilemma."

— CM Magazine

"An exciting time warp tale...A fun book that packs a powerful lesson."

— San Diego Jewish Times

"Shwartz's...depiction of the village has all the gusto and sprightly characterization of a folk tale...This optimistic tale of Jewish immigration fills a niche with its appealing warmth and energy."

— Quill & Quire

"[The ending] is SO exciting that I would like you to read the book for yourself so that you can find out!"

— The Active Page

"Well written, fast paced, and a manageable length, this time-travel book is just right for those looking for an easy read."

— School Library Journal

"The plot is fast-paced and well-structured...The story of Yossi's mishaps and heroism is credible and engaging, as is the description of Russian Jewish culture and the village's way of life."

— Resource Links

"Schwartz has managed successfully to weave historical fact into compelling fiction."

— VOYA

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Jesse's Star

by Ellen Schwartz

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