New Releases by Nancy Churnin

During World War II, Robert Yano and his family were among the thousands of Japanese Americans forcibly interned on the West Coast. When he enlisted, the women in the camp sewed one thousand stitches into a traditional Japanese belt for him, the kind warriors wore in battle for protection. Robert wore his belt under his American uniform, fighting for his country while honoring Japanese tradition. As a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit made up entirely of Nisei—second-generation Japanese Americans born in the United States—Robert fought with remarkable resilience and courage. Known as the “Go for Broke” battalion, these solders were willing to risk everything to fight for America and prove their patriotism.

When a surprise guest joins the Passover Seder, Snail learns that everyone deserves a place at the table. Snail is determined to host the perfect Passover Seder. With beautiful new dishes, delicious food, and a special cup for Elijah, everything is ready—until his friends arrive with a surprise guest. As Snail struggles to make room for lonely Raccoon, he learns that the true meaning of Passover isn''t found in fancy place settings, but in welcoming others with kindness. This heartwarming story celebrates friendship, inclusion, and the joy of opening both your door and your heart to those in need.

“Big or small, in soil or pot, we thank the trees on Tu B’Shevat!” Celebrate the Jewish new year for trees in this lively rhyming picture book that honors the many gifts trees share with our world. From the towering leaves that feed hungry giraffes, to the branches that provide homes for birds, to the maple syrup poured over pancakes, young readers discover the surprising ways that trees support people, animals, and the entire planet—and they learn how they can support trees in return. Featuring vibrant, labeled illustrations of various types of trees, this story invites kids to appreciate nature on Tu B’Shevat and all year round.

Hanukkah is a holiday known for the miracle of the oil, of light lasting longer than was thought possible. This is the story of a modern-day Hanukkah miracle, a menorah bringing light when it''s needed most. When the synagogue of Mariupol was bombed by Russia in 2022, everyone thought the large menorah that was the center of the Jewish community''s Hanukkah celebration was destroyed. But in a modern-day Hanukkah miracle, the menorah was found, just in time to bring its light to the Jews of Mariupol, now refugees scattered all over the world. The candles were lit by a Ukranian helper and drove away the darkness, uniting everyone in the warm glow of hope.

Discover the fascinating true story of Jewish immigrants who played a key role in the creation of the beloved teddy bear, connecting their humble Brooklyn candy shop to the President of the United States.

This collection of stories and poems by sixteen Jewish writers portrays the magic of Hanukkah for each person who celebrates it, as well as what it means to be Jewish. Celebrate Hanukkah with a diverse collection of poems and stories filled with history, humor, and hope. Cheer on a young baker as he tries to make sufganiyot from a family recipe. Learn about code breakers in England during World War II. Imagine hosting a refugee cousin or finding long-lost relatives. In this anthology, characters make discoveries, connect with family and friends, and mourn loved ones. Encompassing a range of genres and experiences, there’s something for readers of all faiths in the illuminating pages of The Festival of Lights.

A true story of allyship and standing up to anti-LGBTQ hate. A 2025 Notable Social Studies Trade Book Winner When a lesbian couple comes home one day to find their Pride flag stolen and their front porch egged, the sense of belonging they had felt in their community is threatened. Are they safe in their house? The support they need comes from an unexpected place--the neighborhood''s children. Together, the local kids create a plan to show Cari and Lauri just how valued they are in the community. Based on real-life events, Rainbow Allies tells the story of how a Massachusetts neighborhood rallied together around Cari and Lauri--and their dogs, Twink and Scout--to make them feel welcomed and loved again after an act of hate. Written by multi-award-winning author Nancy Churnin, this book is an inspiring introduction to allyship for young readers and changemakers. Backmatter includes guidance for how children can be LGBTQ allies in their own communities.

Kar-Ben Read-Aloud eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to bring eBooks to life! Shabbat brings 1 table, 2 candles, and 3 braids in the challah, kittens waiting to be fed, friends knocking at the door, smiles all around, and more. Count from 1 to 10 as you get ready for Shabbat.

How an enterprising woman helped establish a tradition that Americans still observe today. When Esther Howland first saw the fancy valentine her father brought home from England, most Americans thought Valentine''s Day was a waste of time. But through the card, Esther felt how much her father loved her. Could she help others express themselves in the same way?

An Irish immigrant moves to America, bringing along a now-beloved Halloween tradition.

This tender story explores the impact of a parent''s cancer diagnosis on a child''s daily life, while offering kids ways to help loved ones on their recovery journey. This poignant and true story follows a child who watches her mother go through the pain and distress of hospital stays, surgery, and chemotherapy. She helps her mother by sharing jokes, crafting get-well cards, and giving hugs, and she tries to be understanding when they can''t do all the things they used to do. Finally, after a year of treatment, her mother gets to ring the bell that means she is better.

Eliza Davis believed in speaking up for what was right, even if it meant telling Charles Dickens he was wrong.

Anne Frank and Martin Luther King Jr. were born the same year a world apart. Both faced ugly prejudices and violence, which both answered with words of love and faith in humanity. This is the story of their parallel journeys to find hope in darkness and to follow their dreams.

"Henrietta Szold took Queen Esther as a model and worked hard to save the Jewish people. In 1912, she founded the Jewish women's social justice organization, Hadassah. Henrietta started Hadassah determined to offer emergency medical care to mothers and children in Palestine. When WWII broke out, she rescued Jewish children from the Holocaust, and broadened Hadassah's mission to include education, youth development, and women's rights. Hadassah offers free help to all who need it and continues its mission to this day."-- "Henrietta Szold provides a model for social justice, how to work for it, no matter the obstacles. Her determination and spirit remain an inspiration to women all over the world"--

A Mighty Girl''s 2020 Books of the Year The true story of the unconventional woman and her enduring song about the spirit of America. Katharine Lee Bates first wrote the lines to "America the Beautiful" after a stirring visit to Pikes Peak in 1893. But the story behind the song begins with Katharine herself, who pushed beyond conventional expectations of women to become an acclaimed writer, scholar, suffragist, and reformer. Katharine believed in the power of words to make a difference, and in "America the Beautiful," her vision of the nation as a great family, united from sea to shining sea, continues to uplift and inspire us all.

Irving Berlin came to the United States as a refugee from Tsarist Russia, escaping a pogrom that destroyed his village. Growing up on the streets of the lower East Side, the rhythms of jazz and blues inspired his own song-writing career. Starting with his first big hit, Alexander''s Ragtime Band, Berlin created the soundtrack for American life with his catchy tunes and irresistible lyrics. With "God Bless America," he sang his thanks to the country which had given him a home and a chance to express his creative vision.

Dashrath Manjhi used a hammer and chisel, grit, determination, and twenty years to carve a path through the mountain separating his poor village from the nearby village with schools, markets, and a hospital. Manjhi Moves a Mountain shows how everyone can make a difference if their heart is big enough.

All William Ellsworth Hoy wanted to do was play baseball. After losing out on a spot on the local deaf team, William practiced even harder--eventually earning a position on a professional team. But his struggle was far from over. In addition to the prejudice Hoy faced, he could not hear the umpires' calls. One day he asked the umpire to use hand signals: strike, ball, out. That day he not only got on base but also changed the way the game was played forever. William "Dummy" Hoy became one of the greatest and most beloved players of his time!