Sharing Shalom - by Danielle Sharkan

Book Synopsis

A girl's community joins hands to fight intolerance in this richly illustrated picture book that sings with hope for young readers.

Leila loves going to Hebrew school and hearing stories of mighty kings and quick-witted queens. Being Jewish is a part of her story, and learning Hebrew connects her to her ancestors. L'dor V'dor! From one generation to the next!

But when Leila's synagogue gets vandalized, she isn't sure what she wants. Something that used to make her feel special now just makes her feel different.

Then Leila's classmates and community come together to repair the synagogue. This compassionate gesture makes Leila realize that everyone around her is different--and that's a beautiful thing.

Lyrical text and gorgeous, textured collage art by award-winning illustrator Selina Alko enhance this uplifting story about honoring a diverse community. Back matter provides a springboard for age-appropriate conversations about inclusion and bridge-building between cultures. Perfect for fans of All Are Welcome and The Proudest Blue.

A Sydney Taylor Notable Book
National Jewish Book Award - Tracy and Larry Brown Family Award Winner
An NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book

Review Quotes

Although hate takes forms that can't be as easily addressed as a broken window, this is nevertheless a lovingly crafted, age-appropriate doorway into a difficult topic. . . An especially important book for the current moment that will empower children to stand up in the face of bigotry.
--Kirkus Review

In this timely picture book, antisemitism is gently, and sensitively introduced to young children. . . This book is highly recommended for public, school, and synagogue libraries as well as family bookshelves.
--Association of Jewish Libraries

The creators address an act of antisemitism with candor and sensitivity, reassuring readers that one can belong to multiple communities without hiding one's beliefs or identity.
--Publishers Weekly

Ren­dered with sen­si­tiv­i­ty and col­or­ful, dra­mat­ic images, this is a cau­tion­ary tale about anti­semitism, and a hope­ful one about com­mu­ni­ty support.
--Jewish Book Council

About the Author

Danielle Sharkan is a former teacher with a background in history, politics, and languages. She has degrees in Political Science and Jewish Studies as well as Middle Eastern Studies and Secondary Education, and taught ESL for ten years. Having grown up in the Chicago suburbs, she now lives with her family in Boulder, Colorado. You can find her on Twitter at @DaniraeShark.

Selina Alko is an award-winning author-illustrator of many books for young readers, including I Is for Immigrants, B Is for Brooklyn, Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama, and The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage. Selina graduated from the School of Visual Arts and lives in Brooklyn. Find her on Instagram @selinaalko.