Jesse's Star

by Ellen Schwartz

tagged: holocaust, multigenerational, emigration & immigration

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 eighteen award-winning books for children, as well as one non-fiction book for adults, a collection of profiles of women singer-songwriters. In addition to writing books, Ellen works as a corporate writer and editor and as a freelance magazine writer who has published hundreds of magazine articles. Ellen has taught creative writing classes for many years at the college and university levels. Her passions include reading, jazz dancing, baking, and hiking. After a decade of being hippie homesteaders in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, Ellen and her husband now live in Burnaby, BC.

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

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

— San Diego Jewish Times

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

— The Active Page

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

— VOYA

"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

"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

"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

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Jesse's Star

by Ellen Schwartz

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