Jason Belongs - by Audrey Ades & Jason Schachter McKinney (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The true story of Jason Schachter McKinney.

Jason has a big voice. He sings everywhere--until a whisper runs through his Jewish day school: Jason is Black. Is he really Jewish? "Can I be both Black and Jewish?" wonders Jason. He stops caring about Jewish songs and prayers.

His African ancestors' music continues to touch Jason's heart and spirit, but he longs for a community where he can be his complete self. When he finds his way to services at a synagogue years later, can Jason learn to sing with his whole spirit, both Black and Jewish?

Review Quotes

"The story arc, deliberately simple, makes McKinney's journey accessible to any child who has questioned where or how to fit in with community, family, and school. The story also has an inevitability that makes his arrival at the synagogue in Antwerp a pitch-perfect moment. Vibrant illustrations of McKinney's life also contribute to the accessibility of the story; that a majority of the book is about McKinney as an adult will leave children encouraged that growing up is a forever process and there will be plenty of time for life-altering decisions. Ades treats questions of identity with a light touch, which only gives the story more power."--School Library Journal

"This journey of self-discovery while growing up in a biracial, interfaith family is sure to resonate with young readers exploring the intersection of their interests and identities."--Booklist