On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration in 14 Stories
edited by Chris Baron, Joshua S. Levy, and Naomi Milliner; illus. by Shannon Hochman
Intermediate, Middle School    Amulet/Abrams    304 pp.
3/24    9781419767296    $18.99
e-book ed.  9781647009779    $17.09

In this collection of fourteen Passover-themed tales by different authors—Laurel Snyder, Adam Gidwitz, Veera Hiranandani, among others—one story is assigned to each step of the Seder. Each piece is preceded by an explanation of that step and four reflection questions. The engaging tales cover a vast range of Jewish experiences, including emigration from Eastern Europe and Cuba, Orthodox family life, women’s varied roles in Jewish ritual, and interfaith families; as well as parts of life beyond the holiday, including losing a grandparent, coming out, being bullied, and neurodiversity. Most readers will find something that speaks to them and reflects who they are. The formats are also diverse, including realistic fiction, autobiography, fantasy, verse, and a story partially told in comics format. The tales invite readers to think about their personal relationships to the themes of family, freedom, and identity. Hochman’s stark and atmospheric black-and-white drawings at the start of each story may remind readers of some Haggadah illustrations. Appended recipes invite hands-on interaction.

From the May/June 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.