mY bAR mITZVAH IS almost here!

 To commemorate the start of Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah), I spoke with Gidon Lev, co-author of THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF GIDON LEV: RASCAL. HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR. OPTIMIST," about his experiences before, during, and after the holocaust. Gidon is a hero! At just age 6 he was sent to the Terezin concentration camp and was one of only 29 children to survive, out of the15,000 total children sent. But Gidon's story doesn't end there! Today, at 88 years young, Gidon is kindness hero! He's he is teaching the world to be tolerant and he’s sharing the truth about the holocaust and helping to put an end to hate and antisemitism. Not only is Gidon speaking up against antisemitism, but he's has also taken social media by storm with his sensational TikToks, advocating for the next generation to speak out against injustice!   Gidon's work inspires youth and adults alike to take a stand, to combat anti-semitism, and to reject hate in all forms. Gidon maintains that black rights, trans rights, women's rights, and ALL rights are human rights!   

I’d been wanting to read the Holocaust graphic novel MAUS by Art Spiegelman for a while & I finally did! MAUS has been banned around the US & the world. It’s  a story that needs to be told, read and remembered! Read MAUS & Never Forget! #NeverAgain

In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, I reviewed the moving middle grade novel DANIEL'S STORY by brilliant author Carol Matas! It's so important to shed light on what happened during the Holocaust to ensure it NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN! This story tells the heartbreaking truth. A story every  kid and adult needs to read.   Follow Carol Matas on social media & on her website at:  https://carolmatas.com/ 

**Look for my interview with Carol Matas coming Spring of 2023 

 Since  Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah)Holiday
I thought it would be the perfect time to share the profound Middle Grade/Young Adult novel, “THE ASSIGNMENT” by the brilliant author, Liza Wiemer. This story educated & inspired me! Tears welled in my eyes while reading it! Watch my book review of Liza’s beautiful book! 

In keeping with my  goal of reading books that are centered around WW2, I reviewed the thrilling middle grade non-fiction tale UNBREAKABLE: THE SPIES WHO CRACKED THE NAZIS’ SECRET CODE, by the talented  & brilliant author Rebecca E. F. Barone. A story that reminds us of what went on behind the scenes in the desperate battle and race against the clock to end WW2. A page-turning true story you won’t want to put down until you’ve read every last incredible detail! 10/10

 It was a treat talking everything middle-grade books with author and literacy advocate Gae Polisner! Gae is the author of numerous YA & middle-grade books, including, CONSIDER THE OCTOPUS! Not only that, but Gae is also a talented artist too! Gae has been such a huge supporter of my reading journey and it was so much fun chatting with her! Be sure to watch our talk and learn more! 

  I had the honor of interviewing the award-winning, New York Times Best Selling author, who’s books always entertain, and inspire, as well as educate, and touch his readers' hearts, my personal hero and storytelling legend Author Gordon Korman! When I learned that Gordon is also Jewish, I knew I had to spotlight his work on my Bar Mitzvah Project Page! 

 In this video I talk "everything books" with Stacy Nockowitz, an educator, literacy advocate, and now Author! Watch and find out about her debut thrilling, Jewish themed, middle grade novel, "The Prince of Steel Pier," as well as, growing up in the 70's!