Ariel Isaacson, having migrated westward with his family following the Civil War, is determined to have his Bar Mitzvah, while he also forms a deep friendship with Lozen, an Apache warrior girl.

Linda Silver selected the titles that "represent the best in writing, illustration, reader appeal, and authentically Jewish content--in picture books, fiction and non-fiction, for readers ranging from early childhood through the high school years."--P. [4] of cover.

"Chasing the Sun" is a guide to Western fiction with more than 1,350 entries, including 59 reviews of the author's personal favorites, organized around theme.

Thirteen-year-old Rose takes on the wild west, outlaws, and the strict rules of the early 1900s. When Rose Solomon's brother, Abe, left El Paso, he told the family he was heading to Brooklyn. But Rose discovers the truth the day she picks up the newspaper at Pickens General Store and spies a group photograph captioned The Southwestern Scourge of 1915! There stands Abe alongside none other than Pancho Villa and his army! Rose is furious about Abe's lie; fearful for his safety; and worried about her traditional parents who, despite their strict and observant ways, do not deserve to have an outlaw for a son. Rose knows the only way to set things right is to get Abe home, but her clandestine plan to contact him goes awry when she is kidnapped by Villa's revolutionaries and taken to his hideaway. Deep in the desert, amidst a richly rendered assortment of freedom-seekers that includes an impassioned young reporter, two sharp-shooting sisters with a secret past, and Dorotea, Villa's tyrannical young charge, Rose sees no sign of Abe and has no hope of release. But as she learns to lie, hide, and ride like a bandit, Rose discovers the real meaning of freedom and what she's willing to risk to get hers back. A Sydney Taylor Honor book A National Jewish Book Award finalist

Manuel Nuñez’s life changes forever on the day his parents trust him enough to reveal a secret; they are Jews. Brought up as a Christian during the Spanish Inquisition of the 17th century, Manuel is surprised, but proud when he learns of his family’s true heritage. Manuel’s family must observe their Jewish traditions in secret, for if they are discovered they will be punished – or worse. Manuel’s safety is further threatened when he falls in love with Violante, the sister of a suspected witch. Being with Violante gives Manuel joy, but also brings him and his family even closer to the Inquisitors.

Sacred Visitations recounts one woman's wondrous spiritual experiences in the midst of creative work, family obligations, and everyday chaos (indcluding a couple close brushes with death). Interspersed throughout these affectingly written stories are contemplative tips about how to Outsmart Your Mind using 5 Steps to Sacred Awareness - easy steps readers of any tradition can use to unravel inner experiences and sacred insights, and enter the heart of spiritual life.

Understanding Diversity Through Novels and Picture Books goes beyond the usual multicultural lists and looks at the wide expanse of the diversity of cultures and lifestyles impacting children's lives in America today and identifies good books to have in library collections for them to read. Included are annotated titles with discussion questions from all of the identified cultures and subcultures and annotated teacher/librarian resources, print- and Web-based, as well as an excellent list of topical annotated journal articles. Grades 4-8. Knowles and Smith examine current research on diversity and multiculturalism. They move away from the traditional aspects of multicultural education (food, fashion, folktales, festivals, and famous people) to a focus on novels and pictures books, and realistic fiction to show children with diversity issues that there are others in similar positions. The issue of authenticity (whether the author of the book should be of that culture or merely familiar with the culture) is discussed. Topics include: Ethnicities (Asian, Latino/Hispanic, African/Black, Native American, White/European, Bi/Multiracial), Exceptionalities, Ageism, Socioeconomic Status, Sexual Orientation, Gender, and Religion. The authors provide this valuable resource for libraries, schools, and communities that wish to utilize literature to help diverse students walk in the shoes of others and to match books to children and young adults to heighten understanding and acceptance. Grades 4-8.