Mrs. Katz and Tush

Recommended Ages: 4-8

Written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco.

Neighbors Mrs. Katz, an older Jewish woman who came to America from Poland, and Larnel, a school-aged black boy, become fast friends when Larnel gives Mrs. Katz a kitten, whom she names Tush (Yiddish for rear end). During their many visits, Mrs. Katz talks about her life, including experiences with prejudice, and tells stories about her late husband over plates of kugel (a noodle pudding). Their years-long friendship is so sweetly portrayed, and there are parallels drawn between the histories of black and Jewish persecution and oppression.