Your PJ Our Way Books for January

Check out the four great reads that PJ Our Way is offering for January selection. Travel by ship across the ocean from Germany to Cuba, help four friends start an underground news show, learn about the life of one of Israel's great leaders, or find out what happens when a kid moves to the countryside and discovers … life-changing donuts? Whether you choose history or biography, contemporary or graphic novel, you're sure to pick an awesome book. Choose one of these great titles by January 10th!

37 Days at Sea: Aboard the M.S. St. Louis 1939
by Barbara Krasner

Ages 10+

168 pages

Twelve-year-old Ruthie and her family flee Nazi Germany on a ship bound for America via Cuba. In this novel in verse, Ruthie tells of her antics with her new friend Wolfie and the kind captain who tries to make the refugees feel at home – but also the Nazi crewman and the growing fear that no country will accept the refugees and the ship will be forced to return to Europe. Although Ruthie and her family do reach safety, an afterword gives more information, told in an age-appropriate way, about the fate of the M.S. St. Louis and many of its passengers.

The Renegade Reporters
by Elissa Brent Weissman

Ages: 10+

288 pages

Eleven-year-old Ash is kicked off the school news team after an unfortunate incident involving a dancing gym teacher and a viral video. She and friends Maya and Brielle start their own news channel and soon discover that an educational software company might be selling personal information collected from their fellow students. This is an empowering story about young investigative journalists, and Ash learns some important lessons about accepting responsibility for her actions.

Natan Sharansky: Freedom Fighter for Soviet Jews
by Blake Hoena

Ages: 9+

64 pages

This is a short graphic novel biography of Natan Sharansky. It describes his childhood, teen years, and imprisonment as an activist for Soviet Jewry. Kids will be amazed to read about the courage and persistence of this great Jewish hero, and the role American Jews played in his release from Russian prison.

The Doughnut Fix
by Jessie Janowitz

Ages: 10+

304 pages

When Tristan's father loses his job, he decides to relocate the family from Manhattan to rural upstate New York. Tristan's younger sister Jeanine is a math genius who copes by spending all of her time studying and Skyping with her best friend from home. Four-year-old Zoe adapts fairly well, especially after her Dad installs a zip-line in the basement. Tristan is left somewhere in the middle, struggling to maintain a friendship with his best bud from home while trying to find his place in a town that doesn't have a single restaurant. When Tristan discovers a new friend and a recipe for life-changing chocolate cream doughnuts, he realizes that he might be able to put his baking skills to use in surprising ways.

Note: Quantities of each title are limited! If you see another book offered for selection this month, head over to Story Central to check it out.