This 2021 National Jewish Book Award finalist by author Megan Hoyt and illustrator Iacopo Bruno brings to light the inspiring, true story of Gino Bartali, a beloved Italian cyclist and secret champion in the fight for Jewish lives during World War II. Gino Bartali pedaled across Italy for years, winning one cycling race after another, including the 1938 Tour de France. Gino became an international sports hero! But the next year, World War II began, and it changed everything. Soldiers marched into Italy. Tanks rolled down the cobbled streets of Florence. And powerful leaders declared that Jewish people should be arrested. To the entire world, Gino Bartali was merely a champion cyclist. But Gino’s greatest achievement was something he never told a soul—that he secretly worked with the Italian resistance to save hundreds of Jewish men, women, and children, and others, from certain death, using the one thing no authority would question: his bicycle. This compelling nonfiction picture book for elementary-age readers offers a unique perspective on World War II history. It's a strong choice for units on the war and for biographies of lesser-known heroes in history and in sports.

From the author of the National Jewish Book Award Finalist Bartali’s Bicycle comes the story of unsung hero Katalin Karikó, the scientist whose research of mRNA led to the world-altering development of the Covid-19 vaccine. Perfect for readers who love science, STEM, and books like Dr. Fauci: How a Boy from Brooklyn Became America’s Doctor or Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race. When she was young, Katalin Karikó decided she would study science—even though she had never even met a scientist! But she was determined to learn as much as she could about the human body, and once she made a decision, she stuck with it. Katalin had to learn English while attending university, but she worked hard until she became a doctor. After facing many challenges, including lack of research funding and harsh immigration policies, Kati and her family uprooted from Hungary and moved to America, where she became a top researcher. She knew that, with work, she could teach one of the building blocks of life, messenger RNA, to fight off harmful viruses. There was just one problem—no one else believed her. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and Kati and her work were thrust into the spotlight. But with her unshakable will, she was ready to face the challenge. Includes a note from Dr. Karikó, a time line, and more information about mRNA.

This count down to the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah explores life and celebration on a family farm through the eyes of a young girl allowed to help with preparations for the first time. It’s just three days until the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. A young girl and her family are getting ready for the traditional holiday feast. Family and friends gather to help harvest and clean the fall root vegetables, mix them with honey and dried fruits, and cook them into the traditional sweet vegetable stew, called tzimmes, ‘for a sweet new year.’  It’s hard but satisfying work that leaves everyone with aching arms, sore feet and happy hearts. When Rosh Hashanah morning arrives, they join together at the synagogue to hear the shofar, the horn that is blown to announce that the holiday has arrived. Back at home on their farm with a diverse group of friends and neighbors, they celebrate both a new year and the joy of being together. This food and farm-focused story is sweetened by illustrations full of cheerful colors and textured patterns. Award-winning author Megan Hoyt helps readers explore both culturally specific Rosh Hashanah practices and life on a small family farm, while providing a universal message of community and tradition.

After the Great Chicago Fire, people were anxious to know who started it. Despite the newspaper reports, Clara doesn't believe it was her neighbor Mrs. O'Leary's cow. In fact, she has a few suspects in mind! Clara decides to become a detective and get to the bottom of this mystery herself. This short, 32-page historical fiction book will appeal to hi-lo readers who enjoy a good whodunnit.

This 2021 National Jewish Book Award finalist by author Megan Hoyt and illustrator Iacopo Bruno brings to light the inspiring, true story of Gino Bartali, a beloved Italian cyclist and secret champion in the fight for Jewish lives during World War II. Gino Bartali pedaled across Italy for years, winning one cycling race after another, including the 1938 Tour de France. Gino became an international sports hero! But the next year, World War II began, and it changed everything. Soldiers marched into Italy. Tanks rolled down the cobbled streets of Florence. And powerful leaders declared that Jewish people should be arrested. To the entire world, Gino Bartali was merely a champion cyclist. But Gino's greatest achievement was something he never told a soul-that he secretly worked with the Italian resistance to save hundreds of Jewish men, women, and children, and others, from certain death, using the one thing no authority would question: his bicycle. This compelling nonfiction picture book for elementary-age readers offers a unique perspective on World War II history. It's a strong choice for units on the war and for biographies of lesser-known heroes in history and in sports.

From the acclaimed author of Bartali's Bicycle comes the inspiring story of violin virtuoso Isaac Stern and his mission to save the beloved Carnegie Hall from demolition. When Carnegie Hall first opened its doors in 1891, no one could have predicted its incredible success. With talented artists like Duke Ellington and Albert Einstein gracing its stage, the hall quickly became a place where all people-no matter their skin color, religion, or social status-could come together under one roof to be entertained. People like Isaac Stern. The son of Jewish immigrants who fled war-torn Ukraine for America to escape the Holocaust, Isaac was a talented violinist whose dream of one day performing on Carnegie Hall's legendary stage came true, many times over. So when a real estate tycoon sets out to demolish Carnegie Hall, Isaac knew something had to be done to preserve decades of hopes, dreams, and inclusivity. Author Megan Hoyt and illustrator Katie Hickey tell the true story of one man's fight to save a historical landmark whose timeless symbol of equality will forever stand the test of time.