Pen Pals: What It Means to Be Jewish in Israel and America

The entire text of this book is composed of the correspondence of two 12-year-old Jewish boys, one in America and the other in Israel, who exchange views on religion, culture, school and family life. While the book works as a teaching tool for those without any knowledge of Jewish life, it is less successful as a novel. It is without any plot, and the letters between the boys feel contrived. Why, for instance, would an Israeli Jew need to explain the holiday Purim, or Sabbath practices, to an observant American Jew? Though the writing isn't as engaging as it might be, the information is good and thorough, making this a useful book for teaching those who know little about Jewish traditions. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)