• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: p to 3

A girl’s community joins hands to fight intolerance in this richly illustrated picture book that sings with hope for young readers.

Leila loves going to Hebrew school and hearing stories of mighty kings and quick-witted queens. Being Jewish is a part of her story, and learning Hebrew connects her to her ancestors. L’dor V’dor! From one generation to the next!

But when Leila’s synagogue gets vandalized, she isn’t sure what she wants. Something that used to make her feel special now just makes her feel different.

Then Leila’s classmates and community come together to repair the synagogue. This compassionate gesture makes Leila realize that everyone around her is different—and that’s a beautiful thing.

Lyrical text and gorgeous, textured collage art by award-winning illustrator Selina Alko enhance this uplifting story about honoring a diverse community. Back matter provides a springboard for age-appropriate conversations about inclusion and bridge-building between cultures. Perfect for fans of All Are Welcome and The Proudest Blue.

Danielle Sharkan's profile page

Selina Alko spends her days melding words and mixed-media art to convey stories of hope and inspiration—as well as an alternative viewpoint. Her books include The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage, Can I Touch Your Hair?, Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama, I is for Immigrants, and Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport, which was a National Jewish Book Award Finalist and selected as a Best Children's Book of the Year by Bank Street College of Education and School Library Journal. Selina lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Selina Alko's profile page

"The creators address an act of antisemitism with candor and sensitivity, reassuring readers that one can belong to multiple communities without hiding one’s beliefs or identity."—Publishers Weekly

"Ren­dered with sen­si­tiv­i­ty and col­or­ful, dra­mat­ic images, this is a cau­tion­ary tale about anti­semitism, and a hope­ful one about com­mu­ni­ty support."—Jewish Book Council

"A crucial story for our time. Sharing Shalom is the perfect introduction to the topics of discrimination, othering, and religious-targeted hate. A compelling look at the tendency to hide what makes us different, and a celebration of the people who make it safe to be who we are." —Elisa Boxer, Sydney Taylor Honor author of Hidden Hope: How a Toy and a Hero Saved Lives During the Holocaust
"A thought-provoking reminder that we need to be ever alert to all prejudice, in large and small circumstances, and to remain faithful to our own personal convictions while always being respectful of others. Parents should read and discuss Sharing Shalom with their children regardless of their background." —George Van Dusen, Mayor of Skokie, IL

"This story is lovingly and beautifully told. Leila’s heart is on every page; her joy and pain are palpable. Children will be right there with her, wondering both how she will cope and how the hateful act will be dealt with, and they will rejoice at the uplifting and hopeful ending. Selina Alko’s art is gorgeous. This is a book children and adults will cherish."—Karyn Friedman-Everham, author of Otter Oughta Know

"I can't say enough good things about this book! The story is well-written, engaging, and opens the door for further discussions. The art is stunning and pairs perfectly with the text. Highly recommend."—Jessica Stremer, Cook Prize Silver Medalist author of Great Carrier Reef