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Anne of Green Gables
Jacqueline Dembar Greene (Adapter),
L.M. Montgomery,(Original Author)
ISBN-10: 1946260258
ISBN-13: 978-1946260253
About
Follow the adventures of feisty dreamer Anne (with an "e") as she is taken in by Marilla and her brother, Matthew. This classic retelling of the original book, with numerous color illustrations, will be a favorite first chapter book for readers ages 7-10.
Classic Adventures
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Treasure Island
Jacqueline Dembar Greene (Adapter),
Robert Louis Stevenson (Original Author)
ISBN-10: 1946260260
ISBN-13: 978-1946260260
About
The classic tale of pirates, parrots, and hidden treasure unfolds in this beautifully illustrated adventure, retold for young readers ages 7-10.
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Walk Till You Disappear
by Jacqueline Dembar Greene
ISBN-13: 978-1541557222 hardcover
ISBN-13: 978-1-541557239 paperback
About
Miguel Abrano’s family lives in Arizona Territory in 1872. Their horse ranch has been passed down from the time of the Spanish conquistadors in 1535. Raised a Catholic, Miguel suddenly learns that his ancestors were Jewish, and his world seems to turn upside down. Rushing from the house, he becomes lost in the desert and is captured by a band of Apaches. After a daring escape, he encounters Rushing Cloud, a Tohono O’odham youth running away from a mission school. As the boys travel toward home, Miguel learns to survive in the desert, but more importantly, he begins to see his heritage in a new light.
Review
"The desert is brought to life in a scenic novel with an important lesson about humility."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Middle-grade readers who love a good adventure will be turning pages eagerly in this new novel blending historical fiction with a survival story. Jewish kids...will discover a bit of their own heritage while delving into the very modern issues of diversity and acceptance of differences...A lot of danger, adventure and eye-opening scenes are included...and a literal 'cliff-hanger...' "
—Lisa Silverman, Jewish Journal
“A tale of a rite of passage for a young boy in the Desert Southwest as he embraces the knowledge of other cultures to overcome challenges to his sense of self-identity…[I]nspiring…”
—Angelo Joaquin, Jr., Coyote Clan, Tohono O’odham Nation
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The Finders Keepers Rule:
A Maryellen Mystery
by Jacqueline Dembar Greene
illustrated by Juliana Kolesova
ISBN-10: 1609587588
ISBN-13: 978-1609587581
About
Maryellen takes a break from practicing for the big "Rock Around the Clock" holiday dance to go to the beach with her friend Davy. While playing in the waves, they find a barnacle-encrusted ring buried in the sand. They imagine that it's lost treasure from a sunken ship. But why do other people seem desperate to get the ring?
The Leveller
by Jacqueline Dembar Greene
ISBN: 9781938700323
Honors
American Bookseller “Pick of the Lists”
The Boston Globe “Recommended Reading”
Reviews
“Tom Cook is a complex and well-developed character, and the descriptions of his home and humorous escapades are rich and vivid….this is an amusing tale that begs to be read aloud….”—School Library Journal
“Greene does a remarkable job of weaving local legend, historical detail, humor and adventure together in this colorful tapestry….”—Booklist
About
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In Westborough, Massachusetts in the late 1700s, rumor was that Tom Cook’s mother had sold his soul to the Devil in return for his recovery from a childhood illness. His neighbors thought he was bewitched, and Tom became a loner, stealing from the wealthy farmers and secretly depositing his booty in the homes of the poor. While some called him a thief, Tom called himself a “leveller.” He said he leveled off the fortunes of those who had too much with those who had too little. Tom is clever and wily at outwitting his neighbors, but can he trick the Devil into sparing his soul?
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Out of Many Waters
by Jacqueline Dembar Greene
ISBN 9780595380473
Honors
A Sydney Taylor Honor Book
New York Public Libraries “Book for the Teen Age”
About
Looking for adventure? This historical novel is set in 1654, against the backdrop of the Portuguese Inquisition. It follows the journey of 12-year-old Isobel Ben Lazar, who escapes from a monastery where she and her sister have been held. Isobel hopes to find her parents again. Braving loneliness, storms and privateers, Isobel is befriended by a group of passengers and becomes one of the first Jewish immigrants to settle in New Amsterdam. (Ages 9 to adult)
Reviews
“Love of history attaches children to their roots, gives them a sense of belonging and builds bridges of pride and understanding between generations…The landing of 23 Jews in New Amsterdam in 1654…stands as one of the signal events in American and Jewish history, and it has been nicely dramatized….Greene weaves history, drama and narrative into an arresting story.”—New York Times Book Review
“Greene’s novel, based on the Portuguese Inquisition, makes history come alive….Isobel is courageous, but her bravery is borne of necessity and a powerful desire to see her family again….Greene has written an engrossing tale.”—School Library Journal
“Excellent characterizations in a poignant, dramatic story based on fact.” —Assoc. of Jewish Libraries, Nov./Dec. 1988
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One Foot Ashore
by Jacqueline Dembar Greene
ISBN 9780595396276
Honors
A Sydney Taylor Honor Book
American Booksellers “Pick of the Lists”
About
Ready for another ship voyage? Lots of readers asked for another book about the Ben Lazar sisters, and this story was born. A companion novel to Out of Many Waters, it follows the adventures of Isobel’s older sister, Maria, who escapes on a separate ship. After weeks hidden in a cramped storeroom, with only a family of ship rats for companionship, Maria steps ashore in Amsterdam. Instead of finding her sister, and her parents, she discovers that she cannot speak the language, and is not welcome in this new country. She is rescued by the painter, Rembrandt, who brings Maria into his household and helps her search for her missing family. Trips to Amsterdam and Rembrandt’s home helped me bring this story to life. (Ages 9-Adult )
Reviews
“Greene creates a concrete, convincing sense of the time and place. Even the risky introduction of Rembrandt…is handled so skillfully that he emerges as a complex character…Maria’s love for her pet rat Domingo adds a very personal dimension to the story. An intriguing historical novel….”—Booklist
“Excellent historical fiction.”—The Boston Globe
“[A] gripping companion book to Out of Many Waters…[Maria’s] rescue by Rembrandt van Rijn and her subsequent life in his lively home are a marked counterpoint to her shipboard experience. Special attention is paid by the author to the two very different settings, each described in vivid detail as the plot unfolds. Maria is an extremely well-drawn character who the reader will care for…This novel exemplifies the best of historical fiction, providing a real sense of the times, a plausible plot, and authentic characters.”—Horn Book Magazine
“Adventure and history are intertwined in this engrossing story….an absorbing read.” —School Library Journal
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Anne of Green Gables
Jacqueline Dembar Greene (Adapter),
L.M. Montgomery, Jamie Green (Illustrator)
ISBN-10: 1946260258
ISBN-13: 978-1946260253
About
Follow the adventures of feisty dreamer Anne (with an "e") as she is taken in by Marilla and her brother, Matthew. This classic retelling of the original book, with numerous color illustrations, will be a favorite first chapter book for readers ages 7-10.
Buy
Speak Up, Tommy!
by Jacqueline Dembar Greene
illustrated by Deborah Melmon
ISBN-10: 0761374973
ISBN-13: 978-0761374978
Awards
Review
“…this story offers universal themes about being the new kid and fitting in. Tommy's anxiety is realistically depicted, as is the thoughtless (but not cruel) teasing of the other kids. Their change in attitude once their interest is piqued is realistic as well. Expressive watercolor cartoons convey the characters' emotions and give individuality to each child in the crowded classroom."
—Heidi Estrin, School Library Journal
Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books 2012
Sydney Taylor Notable Book
Jewish Book World Starred Review
About
Tommy’s classmates tease him about his Israeli accent and the way he speaks English. He decides he will never speak out loud in class again! But then his knowledge of Hebrew makes him a hero when a police officer and his dog come to visit Tommy’s school.
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The Secret Shofar of Barcelona
by Jacqueline Dembar Greene
illustrated by Douglas Chayka
ISBN-10: 0822599449
ISBN-13: 978-0822599449
Awards
Sydney Taylor Notable Book
PJ Library Pick
Reviews
“Greene’s stately narrative softly raises the tension for the climactic concert and satisfying payoff, while Chayka’s dusky artwork transports viewers….A handsome offering that’s equally educational and inspiring.”—Booklist
"Greene provides a smooth, suspenseful view into a rarely depicted portion of Jewish history….”—Kirkus
“Based on a legend, this intriguing slice of converso life offers a thoughtful hero and a suspenseful plot. The warm, opaque paintings are expressive and create a strong sense of place.”—School Library Journal
About
It’s almost Rosh Hashonah in 1500s Barcelona, but Jews aren’t allowed to celebrate or worship openly. They’d be thrown into prison! Conductor Don Fernando, a secret Jew, plans a concert for the eve of the holiday, but he has a hidden plan. If the entire city is celebrating the event, perhaps the Jews can gather to pray and hold festive dinners without being suspected.
When Don Fernando’s young son Rafael hears his father’s clever idea, he devises a risky plan to blow the shofar during the concert. Then the Jewish townspeople will hear its sound for the first time. Rafael practices in the fields where no one can hear. On the night of concert, he is ready to blow the ram’s horn, but he cannot help feeling afraid. What will happen if the Duke and the members of the Inquisition discover his secret?
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Nathan's Hanukkah Bargain
by Jacqueline Dembar Greene
illustrated by Judith Hierstein
ISBN-10: 1589804546
ISBN-13: 978-1589804548
About
More than 2,000 years ago, the Maccabees in Jerusalem celebrated their first Hanukkah by lighting oil in a special holder called a menorah. Now, it's Nathan's turn to celebrate Hanukkah and to search for a perfect menorah of his very own. Joined by his grandpa, Nathan visits shop after shop and learns about Jewish tradition and the art of bargaining.