Maya loves to make up stories—big, bright, and full of imagination. But when her teacher asks for a true family story, Maya is stumped. What story could she tell?
Her parents introduce her to two remarkable women from their past: Great-Grandma Essie, who crossed an ocean alone to escape danger in Romania, and Great-Grandma Martha, who rode across the American South in a Jim Crow train car to seek fairness and freedom. As Maya listens to their journeys, full of bravery, laughter, and hope, she discovers a powerful truth: her family’s story is also her own.
Inspired by real events, Maya's Journey: A Story of Two Great-Grandmothers is a moving celebration of intergenerational connection, blended families, and the many ways to be Jewish—and American.
A free downloadable activity guide that highlights the themes in this book is available on the Kalaniot Books website.
Product details
- Publisher : Kalaniot Books
- Publication date : February 24, 2026
- Language : English
- Print length : 32 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1962011100
- ISBN-13 : 978-1962011105
- Item Weight : 12.5 ounces
- Reading age : 6 - 9 years
- Grade level : 1 - 4