Pre-Shabbat Jewish Literary Links

The words "Jewish Lit Links" are printed over what appears to be a portion of a Torah scroll.
Every Friday, the My Machberet blog presents an array of Jewish-interest links, primarily of the literary variety.

  • This week, for the first time, the Sydney Taylor Book Awards (conferred for “books for children and teens that exemplify high literary standards while authentically portraying the Jewish experience”) were announced by the Association of Jewish Libraries as part of the the Youth Media Awards press conference of the American Library Association’s midwinter meeting. Find the full list of titles recognized on the AJL website.
  • The ALA meeting also brought the announcement of the latest work to be honored by the Sophie Brody Medal, which is “given to encourage, recognize and commend outstanding achievement in Jewish Literature.” This year’s winner is Michael David Lukas, for The Last Watchman of Old Cairo, a novel. Honorable mentions include Ronen Bergman (Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel’s Targeted Assassinations) and Jeremy Dronfield (The Stone Crusher: The True Story of a Father and Son’s Fight for Survival in Auschwitz).
  • But, wait! There’s still MORE award news. The latest winner of Britain’s Costa Book of the Year Award is The Cut Out Girl: A Story of War and Family, Lost and Found by Bart van Es, published in the USA by Penguin.
  • Looking to add some Jewish books to your library? The Jewish Publication Society is currently running an essay contest with bookish prizes.
  • A recent addition to this list of places where you can read (and publish) writing on Jewish themes: Protocols is a new online quarterly “for Jews to create, express, transform, organize, resist, and rebel as Jews. We come together as writers, artists, thinkers, and activists committed to meaningful practices of radical creativity and change as well as the endurance and dynamism of Jewish life and culture.” They’re currently seeking submissions for Issue #5: Tikkun/Repair.
  • Shabbat shalom.