What Jewish Looks Like

Gr 3-7–The answer to many questions asked about Jewish laws and customs is—it depends. In this book, the answer is related: Jewish identity can exist in many different ways. There are Jews by birth and Jews by choice, those adopted by Jewish parents, or those who had no idea of their Jewish heritage. Like any group, Jewish people are not monolithic. There are many things to love about this book. Rather than following a chronological presentation, the authors organize 36 diverse profiles into six categories following Jewish principles, like saving a life and repairing the world. Included are several notable personalities many will know as Jewish. But there are many whose Jewish identity might not be as well known, both contemporary and young, which should appeal to the target audience (Daveed Diggs, Jazz Jennings, and Taika Waititi, for example). The biographies are short; about one page, making them eminently readable for middle schoolers. Each is accompanied by an attractively minimal, colorful portrait by Gottlieb. The tone maintained throughout is buoyant, focused on accomplishments and religious positivity.