The Bronze Bow  •  Elizabeth George Speare LITERATURE •  1972 •  PAPER  • 254 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS This modern classic is set in Galilee in the days of the Roman Empire. Hot-headed Daniel longs to expel the Romans from Israel, but then he meets a young woman who -- like her teacher, a certain Nazarene -- advocates nonviolence. This young adult novel powerfully evokes the political and religious climate of Jesus's times, and it's quite a thrilling read to boot. It's also completely secular. (ISR41, $6.95)
The Family Haggadah  •  Ellen Schecter CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1999 •  PAPER  • 80 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) An excellent introduction to the Passover Seder for children of all backgrounds. Prayers are given in English, Hebrew and transliteration. (ISR57, $13.99)
Israel, A True Book  •  Elaine Landau CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2000 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) An introduction to Israel -- its geography, citizens and history -- for children 6 to 8. With its large color photographs, large-scale maps and accessible text, this book is an engaging primer. (ISR42, $6.95)
The Return  •  Sonia Levitin LITERATURE •  1991 •  PAPER  • 181 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS Desta and her siblings, Falasha Jewish orphans, set out from their home in Ethiopia, hoping to reach the Sudan and transport to Israel in this moving novel for young adults. It culminates with a vivid recreation of the "Operation Moses" airlift of 1984-85. (ETP13, $5.99)
Saladin, Noble Prince of Islam  •  Diane Stanley BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Here's an illustrated biography of the Sultan of Egypt, Syria, Yemen and Palestine, the charismatic leader who recaptured Jerusalem from the French in 1187. (ISL24, $17.00)
This Is Israel  •  Miroslav Sasek CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2008 •  HARD COVER  • 622 PAGES • FAMILY This is Israel, first published in 1962, visits the Promised Land, a sun-drenched panorama of many hues and many traditions. From the Sea of Galilee to the Red Sea (it's really blue); from modern Tel Aviv to Jerusalem new and old; from Mt. Zion to King Solomon's mines; Sasek presents the biblical glory of its past and the golden hope of its future. (ISR60, $17.95)
Walking the Bible, An Illustrated Journey for Kids  •  Bruce Feiler TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  2005 •  PAPER  • 108 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Feiler's account of his journey to the places where biblical stories unfold (in the company of an archaeologist guide), with maps, illustrations and the author's photographs, is geared for kids grades 4-8. (MDE97, $7.99)