Jewish Traditions

Review of The Passover Surprise in San Diego Jewish World

Dear Friends,

Editor Donald H. Harrison recently reviewed my chapter book for children ages 7-12, The Passover Surprise, in the San Diego Jewish World.  His review is below.  Best wishes!  Janet

The Passover Surprise Is Brief Yet Topic Rich

The Passover Surprise by Janet Ruth Heller; illustrations by Ronald Kauffman; © 2015; Fictive Press; ISBN 978-1-927663-17-1; 35 pages including glossary and discussion guide.

SAN DIEGO –A lot of ground is covered in this story for middle schoolers.  It begins with a pre-teenage girl, Lisa, competing with her younger brother, Jon, to win a stamp album, and moves on to a discussion of World War II, the experiences of African American soldiers, and the nascent American Civil Rights Movement taking place as the story unfolds, circa 1960. (more…)

Continue ReadingReview of The Passover Surprise in San Diego Jewish World

Janet Heller Reads Her Book The Passover Surprise and Leads a Creative Writing Workshop at the Congregation of Moses in Kalamazoo on Sunday March 27, 2016

Janet Heller Reads Her Children’s Book The Passover Surprise and Leads a Creative Writing Workshop at the Congregation of Moses in Kalamazoo

Sunday March 27, 2016 beginning at 10 a.m.

Brunch at 10:30 a.m. • Book signing at 12 p.m.

10 a.m.—Story event for children and families

In The Passover Surprise, Lisa and her little brother Jon enjoy collecting stamps. But when their father holds a contest to decide which child will get a new large stamp album, Lisa has to solve a difficult problem. This chapter book takes place around 1960 and includes details about Jewish soldiers’ experiences during World War II and early stages of the Civil Rights Movement. Janet Heller will read The Passover Surprise and discuss issues raised in this book, such as sibling rivalry, bullying, and discrimination.

10:45 a.m.—Workshop for older students & adults

In this Creative Writing Workshop, Janet Heller will share some great short works by Jewish authors and then give participants ideas for their own writing. She will individually help participants to structure their pieces and develop their topics by using specific details. (more…)

Continue ReadingJanet Heller Reads Her Book The Passover Surprise and Leads a Creative Writing Workshop at the Congregation of Moses in Kalamazoo on Sunday March 27, 2016

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