Needs some last-minute Hanukkah gifts? One thing it’s definitely not too late to snag is a book — especially if you pay a visit or call your local bookstore. And because Hanukkah coincides with winter break this year, you may need Jewish books to fill you or your kids’ time (if you are home with the children, here’s hoping they spend as much time possible reading and as little time as possible telling you they’re bored).
We’ve assembled a list of Jewish books that make great gifts for every type of person you know.
For the Jewish toddler or baby in your life:
A love-infused book full of Yiddish words you can use with your littles.
The most important thing to introduce toddlers to is, in my humble and hungry opinion, Jewish food, and this book has an adorable variety of cartoon staples of Jewish cuisine from across the world.
For the kids who love animals, real or imagined:
Forget a puppy for Hanukkah, who doesn't want a dragon for Hanukkah? And who doesn't want their kids' favorite mythical creature in a magical book about the Festival of Lights?
This cute tale of hospitality gone wrong, when a well-meaning bear makes a mess of one family's home during Hanukkah, is filled with delightful snowscapes and dreidels and menorahs galore.
For anyone looking to share the concept of tikkun olam with kids in a way that really hits home:
In this book, the words and illustrations work in tandem to tell a story of what tikkun olam, the Jewish concept of fixing the world, really is — calling out when we see something broken or wrong and using our voice and community to make a change.
For anyone looking to be inspired by amazing Jewish women:
"Chutzpah Girls: 100 Tales of Daring Jewish Women" by Julie Silverstein and Tami Schlossberg Pruwer
A collection of stories of incredible Jewish women from history, illustrated by amazing Jewish illustrators from across the world.
For kids who will delight in how diverse our people are:
"What Jewish Looks Like" by Liz Kleinrock and Caroline Kusin Pritchard, illustrated by Iris Gottlieb
Another great book about Jews who have changed history, from Tracee Ellis Ross and Victor "Young" Perez to Doña Gracia Nasi. It serves as an important reminder that there is no one way to look or be Jewish.
For Jewish middle grade readers looking for their own "Parent Trap":
When two adopted teens meet at a holiday pageant tryout, they bond over their joint fascination with their family holidays, and decide to switch homes to see the magic they've been missing.
For young teens looking for a Jewish spy story with an awesome hero:
The second part of this WWII duology for teens is coming out next year and it's the kind of tale that is actually written for young people, focusing on Max Bergfeld, a young German Jewish teen who doesn't want to leave his homeland for London and makes a plan to go back — as an English spy. This magical tale features his two travel companions — a kobold and a dybbuk named Berg and Stein.
For young ones ready for a fresh take on Anne Frank's story:
This lyrical and poignant retelling of Anne Frank's story by "Practical Magic" author Alice Hoffman is really special.
For young adults with strong convictions:
This is Blum's second young adult novel with an Orthodox Jewish main character, and in this one, our heroine, Yoyo Gold, finds a way to follow her truth in the age of social media.
For young adults who love romance and the stars:
This romantic and witty young adult novel by Hannah Reynolds is an enemies-to-lovers tale set in Nantucket. It centers a confident and wonderful heroine, Jordan, who is fascinated with the stars and looking to reconnect with her father over a summer on the island. Most of all, she's sworn off boys for the city, until her father's research assistant tests that resolve.
For anyone looking for a cozy, caffeinated and very relatable Hanukkah romance:
Enemies to lovers! Lots of delicious lattes! Hanukkah coziness! Jewish family! A story of Jewish love! A tale that really gets at what being the token Jew in town is all about! This book has it all.
For anyone looking for suspenseful and deep fiction you can't put down:
This novel about Eddie Asher, who ends up in a mental hospital after he may or may not have killed his brother's fiancé is unputdownable. The masterful prose and plot full of twists and turns will have you captivated. It's also a fascinating exploration of race and identity, including Jewish identity.
For anyone looking for the Jewish "All Fours":
"Rosenfeld" by Maya Kessler
This very sexy and surprisingly resonant novel about a 36-year-old filmmaker who falls for her older boss is what you need to fill that Miranda July-shaped hole in your heart.
For the Jewish "Bridgerton" fan:
This steamy Snow White inspired and deeply Jewish regency romance is perfect for anyone looking to escape to a different time and place this holiday season.
For anyone looking for more clarity on October 7:
This book by acclaimed Israeli journalist Lee Yaron tells 100 human stories from the day that changed Jewish history forever.
