By Gail Tsukiyama

This story takes place in Japan in the years 1939-1966.  Tragedies and a war bring turmoil to the life of two orphaned brothers growing up with their loving grandparents. In this novel we are exposed the horrors of World War II as Japanese go through hunger, fire bombing of Tokyo, atomic bombs, death of loved ones, and American occupation. The author takes us through the healing process of a defeated nation and its people. At the same time we are exposed to many of Japan’s traditions, the arts of Sumo and Noh, and the cultural changes that took place after the war. The main characters: two orphaned brothers, two motherless sisters, and the people devoted to them, are all trying to reach their dreams in spite of hardships and heart breaking losses

By Tova Sadka

Little is known about the Jewish Diaspora from the Arab World. This collection of moving stories, describes the hardships and tribulations of families who were uprooted from their homes in Baghdad and left for Israel and the United States. Jews lived in what is called today Iraq since their exile by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylonia in 586 BC. In the 20th century while living with Arab Government’s oppression, anti-Jewish riots, a pogrom that left many Jews dead, and a hostile media, most Jews had to escape Iraq in the 1940-1950’s as their assets were confiscated. The author,who grew up in Baghdad, describes with affection and humor the struggles of these refugees as they lost everything and faced drastic cultural changes while acclimating in Israel and the United States. This book is a tribute to the disappearance of an ancient rich culture.

 by Jack Gantos

This lively, funny book is a combination of autobiography of Jack Gantos, fiction, and history. Twelve year old Jack spends the summer of 1962 helping Miss. Volker in a small town in Pennsylvania, named Norvelt. Charming Miss Volker writes the town obituaries and she and Jack form a deep friendship. While we are reading about the town’s past, Hells Angels,  Jacks’ nose bleeds, a murder mystery, and life in the 1960’s, we also encounter Jack’s history remarks. His heroine is Eleanor Roosevelt and his respect goes to Ann Frank, Geronimo, Emma Goldman, Aztecs, Underground Railroad, Magna Carta, Houdini and others. He does not stop remarking on the world’s evils such as the Spanish Explorers, the Spanish Inquisition, the Atomic Bomb, the Nazis, racist people and more. It is not only  Jack’s observations that are so intriguing but also the older people in the story as they see their town fade away. Very touching and full of humor.

 by Maaza Mengiste

Here we find sad descriptions of the events taking place in Addis Ababa in 1974 during the communist revolution in the life of Hailu, a doctor, his family and friends. One of the alternating narratives is about the presumed last tragic days and thoughts of the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie.  The emperor and those who fought Italian colonialism are now considered the “Enemy of the People.” As with many revolutions, this one was also followed by a reign of terror and we observe the atrocities committed by the new rulers supported by other communist regimes.   Gradually, properties and privileges are taken away from the Hailu and others. People are sent to jail and do not come back, no one is immune from arrest and suspicion while neighbors are afraid of each other. During this upheaval, the love and bonding between father and sons, mothers and children, friend’s betrayal, and the dignity of an ancient kingdom, are revealed. It is a painful story but enlightening about this African nation.