“Like one great big bear hug.” — Carol Matas, Maven since 2020
Back in May 2019, we (Heidi and Susan) were trying to find a discussion group that focused on our favorite topic, Jewish children’s literature. Unable to locate one, we started our own Facebook group: the Jewish Kidlit Mavens. We invited a handful of friends to join us, and much to our astonishment, it quickly snowballed — now we’ve got close to 2,200 members. When we started, we didn’t even know there were that many people who shared our passion for Jewish kidlit!
Jewish Kidlit Mavens is a place to discuss Jewish books from early childhood through middle grade and young adult. We are thrilled with the diversity of the group, which includes librarians, educators, publishers, authors, illustrators, agents, booksellers, book bloggers, reviewers, and others with an interest in Jewish youth literature. The kidlit is Jewish; the group members may or may not be.
The connections made through the Mavens have led to new friendships, and even to the creation of new books, and it has become a hub for the industry. The group is full of lively discussions and a multitude of Jewish kidlit resources. We are delighted to see how far this group has come and are excited to see where it goes.
This June, there was a gathering of dozens of Mavens at the Association of Jewish Libraries conference held in Chicago, as you can see in the photo above. On a high from the fun of being together, we posted in the Facebook group to ask “what does Jewish Kidlit Mavens mean to you?” We were touched and humbled by the responses, a sampling of which can be seen below.
If you aren’t yet a Jewish Kidlit Maven, we invite you to give it a try!
“Being a part of the Mavens has been a transformtive experience in my life. Not only did I find a community after feeling so alone, I have developed true and lasting friendships because of this group. This is a priceless gift.”
— Liza Wiemer, Maven since 2019
“Before I joined JKM, I wasn't writing Jewish books. Thanks to this supportive and talented community, I have leaned into writing Jewish stories. I understand the assignment.”
—Chana Stiefel, Maven since 2019
“In a world and an internet designed to isolate us, this group is a rare gem of unity and support and love.”
— Emily Barth Isler, Maven since 2021
“The Mavens have been a lifeline, offering support, comfort, and company during the last few years which have been challenging, to say the least. Truthfully, being a part of this group is the main reason that I stay on Facebook.”
— Lesléa Newman, Maven since 2019
“This group gave me an introduction to a world I had no idea existing previously. There is a trove of knowledge and a wonderful community here. Every look at the posts here is eye opener.”
— Nimrod Dweck, Maven since 2024
“It has changed how I see myself and how I present myself when talking about my own book and its relevance at this moment.”
— Laurie Schneider, Maven since 2023
“The comraderie and unconditional support is unmatched. Mavens gatherings feel like family reunions!”
— Richard Ho, Maven since 2022
“Knowing this community is here has provided me with support I didn't know I needed.”
— Ann Manheimer, Maven since 2023
“I love the camaraderie and intelligence of this group. I feel supported, and I’ve learned a lot. It’s kind of a safe haven for me. I’m secular, and I feel appreciated, and I appreciate everyone here.”
— Amy Losak, Maven since 2019
“The Mavens group is now like extended family. I feel embraced and loved in ways that are uniquely Jewish.”
— Selina Alko, Maven since 2022
“It's a port in a literary storm — and a place to call home.”
— Artie Bennett, Maven since 2025
“What a gift to feel safe in this divisive world, even if Mavens have different life experiences and Jewish practices — yet we are all united by the values of Chesed, Tzedek, and Tikkun Olam.”
— Elizabeth Suneby, Maven since 2020
Filed under: Resources
I love your substack. Thank you! It's never miss reading!
Thank you so much, Heidi and Susan, for bringing us Jewish writers, illustrators, librarians, editors, publicists, publishers, book community professionals & more together! You are blessings.