Henderson, Judith. Becca the Brave: Becca and Benj. Amy Jindra, Illus. Becca the Brave;
bk. 1. Reycraft, 06/2024. 48pp. Fiction. Trade $15.95. 978-147887-595-6. Paper $9.95. 978-1-
47888-793-5. GRADES 1–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Best friends Benj and Becca celebrate Shabbat and confront a bully in this early reader chapter book. Benj isn’t Jewish but that doesn’t keep him from celebrating Shabbat with his best and bravest friend Becca. Together they spy on the neighbors, learn some Yiddish, and even confront Warren the worst after he pushes them and makes fun of Shabbat calling it “Shabbat-butt-butt.” But Benj and Becca discover that donuts, especially Jewish jelly donuts, might help them all find some Shabbat shalom (peace) after all. Full-color illustrations by Amy Jindra show Benj (and his mom) as Black with dark skin and black natural hair; all other characters are illustrated as white. Becca, her family, and neighbors are Jewish.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District