Jewish Just Like You - Paperback

by Barbara Mendes (Illustrator), Kylie Ora Lobell (Author)

"Jewish Just Like You" is the first children's book for the children of Jewish converts. It teaches children to be proud of their Jewish heritage and respect the traditions of both parents' families.

• "'Jewish Just Like You' made me cry more than twice. Kylie has captured the complexity of conversion for children in a truly 'Jewish' way - directly, honestly, and with humor and artistry," - Actress Mayim Bialik, "The Big Bang Theory"
• "An emotionally uplifting, profound yet fun book, written by one of the most sincere, talented and insightful writers of our time, beautifully illustrated, that will be a blessing and a treat to children and parents alike!"- Rabbi Jason Weiner, senior rabbi and director of the Spiritual Care Department at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, and rabbi at Knesset Israel Congregation of Beverlywood
• "I was so touched to read Kylie Ora Lobell's book, 'Jewish Just Like You.' With stunning and meaningful artwork, beautifully done, this book is enhanced by the story behind it. Anyone can appreciate the message of this work, which is clearly driven by a passion for Judaism and Lobell's love for all her family, her family of origin and chosen family. I appreciated the respect and space given to the whole experience and the joy of finding where she belongs. Most importantly, it's a love letter to her little one, who I'm sure will be lucky enough to be raised by a special family. Highly recommended!" - Shira Lankin Sheps, The Layers Project Magazine
• "Kylie Ora Lobell is one of today's most eloquent Jewish voices in print. This book fills an important gap in the market and introduces children to sensitive and nuanced subject matter in a gentle and positive way, overflowing with Jewish pride. 'Jewish Just Like You' will capture your heart with its sincerity, powerful imagery and clear presentation." - Rabbi Elchanan Shoff of Beis Knesses of Los Angeles and author of, "Paradise: Breathtaking Strolls through the Length and Breadth of Torah"
• "Kylie Ora Lobell has written a very sensitive and important book for children of all ages. She has dealt very wisely with the delicate subject of how children relate to their parents who are righteous converts to the Jewish People, as well as interacting with the latter's non-Jewish family. This is often an area where well-meaning people (including family members) often and unwittingly make mistakes that are quite painful to the convert and his/her family. This book is a much-needed and incisive guide (in the guise of an entertaining story, richly illustrated) to navigating around these thorny questions. It succeeds masterfully!" - Rabbi Eli Stern, Director of Outreach at LINK Kollel in Los Angeles
• "This is a delightful and charming story with captivating illustrations. The story's positive theme about being the child of a convert is a much-needed and timely contribution to diversity in literature for young Jewish children." - Judy Gruen, author of "The Skeptic and the Rabbi: Falling in Love with Faith"
• "Through charming rhymes and vibrant illustrations by Barbara Mendes, Jewish Just Like You is told through the voice of a mother who shares her story of conversion in a way that's simple, yet deeply meaningful: 'Mommy was a kid like you, but Mommy was not born a Jew.'" - Tabby Refael, The Jewish Journal of Los Angeles