Your PJ Our Way Books for August

Check out the four fantastic books offered for August selection! This month, PJ Our Way is pleased to present an exciting assortment of historical and contemporary titles, each starring an engaging main character. Rosetta and her family welcome a teen war refugee into their Montreal home, while 13-year-old Nat gets more than he bargained for when he’s recruited to play professional soccer in England. Zelly’s ready to do whatever it takes to get a dog, and David must show courage in the face of Denmark’s Nazi occupation. Find your next great read: Make your selection by August 10^th!

Room for One More by Monique Polak

Ages 10+

232 pages

Twelve-year-old Rosetta and her sisters get a ready-made brother when her family welcomes teenaged refugee Isaac Guttman into their Montreal home. Rosetta and Esther are less than thrilled to share a bedroom, but soon talkative Rosetta and reticent Isaac form a strong bond. Gradually, he opens up to Rosetta about his past and learns to look forward to a brighter future. Isaac’s experience as a refugee and his family’s persecution by the Nazis provide some age-appropriate detail about the Holocaust, but some funny scenes paired with Rosetta’s nosy but well-meaning personality help keep this engaging book from becoming too heavy.

Striker Boy By Jonny Zucker

Ages: 10+

314 pages

Since Nat’s mom died, he and his dad have been moving from country to country – but after seven years of traveling and playing street soccer, it’s finally time to return to England. Nat isn’t thrilled about being home, but at least their new house is close to his favorite soccer team. Then, when a scout spots Nat’s soccer skills, he gets the chance to make his dream of being a professional player come true! But there’s something fishy – and potentially dangerous – going on at the club. In an effort to help his team, Nat risks getting in over his head both on and off the pitch. This sports-meets-thriller story will appeal to every kid who dreams of becoming a hero.

When Life Gives You O.J. By Erica S. Perl

Ages: 9+

240 pages

Ten-year-old Zelly Fried and her family live in Vermont with Zelly’s grandfather, “Ace” Greenberg. Ace is eccentric and in-your-face, and he has devised a plan to get Zelly the pet of her dreams: All she has to do is pretend that an old orange juice container is a dog. If she can feed and care for her “practice dog,” her parents may reward her hard work and responsible behavior by getting her a real one. The result is an engaging, contemporary story with lots of humor and an emphasis on the development of a close relationship between a girl and her grandfather.

A Time to Be Brave By Joan Betty Stuchner

Ages:  8+

112 pages

Ten-year-old David and his family live in Copenhagen in 1943, three years into the Nazi occupation. Life is complicated and a bit dangerous, as David’s family is Jewish and many of their friends and acquaintances are involved with the Resistance. Despite this worrisome background, David’s attitude is positive and cheerful, and his patriotic pride shines throughout the story. When they discover that the Nazis are planning to round up Denmark’s Jews, David and his family escape with the help of their Christian neighbors. An afterword that includes a honey cake recipe, map, timeline, and “Behind the Story” appendix completes this lovely, informative, and easy-to-read book.

What do you think of this month’s books? Comment below to let us know.