On All Other Nights

February 23, 2024

Gr 4-7-Fourteen short stories follow the 14 steps of the Jewish Seder. From Kadesh to Nirtzah, each step is described and accompanied by four questions. These thought-provoking queries invite readers, regardless of their religion, to pause and connect with the steps of the Seder. Then, a story inspired by that step begins. The stories are diverse in genre and written by a collection of notable Jewish authors. Each one offers a different glimpse into how Passover is celebrated in America. The use of Hebrew terms throughout the book may necessitate some work on the part of a non-Jewish reader, but this is no reason to discount the title and its robust collection of stories. VERDICT A strong candidate for strengthening and diversifying school and public library's holiday collections.-Jessica Caron

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2024
Grades 3-6 Few Jewish holidays unify families like the spring observance of Passover, and few celebrations are as open to individualization as the rituals around the Passover meal, or Seder. In this welcoming and buoyant anthology, 3 editors join 11 additional contributors in offering a chapter that corresponds with each of 14 traditional steps of a Passover Seder, joyously melding broad cultural affirmation with insights on religious rituals. This who's who of contemporary middle-grade Jewish literature, with a stockpile of Sydney Taylor Book Awards among the authors, offers stories in formats and tones consistent with their popular work and joyously reflective of the variety of their backgrounds and own Jewish traditions. Each chapter begins with an explanation of that step of the Seder and discussion questions (four, naturally), and most include full-page black-and-white interior art that brings a charmingly vintage feel to even the contemporary and fantastical entries. Five notable chefs provided Passover recipes to round out the collection. A festive reflection of Judaism's limitless range, with author appeal extending interest beyond religious holiday collections.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

April 1, 2024
An anthology centered around the seder, a dinner held on the first one or two nights of the eight-day springtime holiday of Passover. "Why is this night different from all other nights?" This question is one of four asked by the youngest child present at a Passover seder, an ancient celebration with steps guided by the reading of the Haggadah and highlighted by a delicious meal. In this anthology, the steps are named in Hebrew, with definitions followed by four related, open-ended questions from the editors. Each story opens with a striking black-and-white illustration. The diversity of the contributors (including Laurel Snyder, Adam Gidwitz, Sofiya Pasternack, Ruth Behar, A.J. Sass, and Veera Hiranandani) and the families portrayed in the stories are real strengths. The entries include hilarious mix-ups, grief for a departed grandparent, and immigrants struggling to leave the old country or adjusting to life in early 20th-century New York City. Other themes include coming to grips with the dark history of Exodus, experiencing angst about fitting in, growing up and accepting new roles, and being truthful about gender identity. Some Yiddish and Hebrew expressions aren't fully defined, and the volume overall expects readers to have a deep knowledge of Judaism. Young people will become engrossed in the richly detailed narratives, learn a great deal about different ways to conduct a seder, and root for the protagonists. Unusual, entertaining, and deeply moving. (recipes, author bios) (Anthology. 9-13)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2024
In this collection of fourteen Passover-themed tales by different authors -- Laurel Snyder, Adam Gidwitz, Veera Hiranandani, among others -- one story is assigned to each step of the Seder. Each piece is preceded by an explanation of that step and four reflection questions. The engaging tales cover a vast range of Jewish experiences, including emigration from Eastern Europe and Cuba, Orthodox family life, women's varied roles in Jewish ritual, and interfaith families; as well as parts of life beyond the holiday, including losing a grandparent, coming out, being bullied, and neurodiversity. Most readers will find something that speaks to them and reflects who they are. The formats are also diverse, including realistic fiction, autobiography, fantasy, verse, and a story partially told in comics format. The tales invite readers to think about their personal relationships to the themes of family, freedom, and identity. Hochman's stark and atmospheric black-and-white drawings at the start of each story may remind readers of some Haggadah illustrations. Appended recipes invite hands-on interaction.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)