Barbara Bietz

Barbara Bietz is a children’s author, freelance writer and teacher living Oak Park, California. She wears many hats, including that of the newly appointed chair of the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee. The award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Bietz’s own children’s book – Like a Maccabee ­– is published by Yaldah Press. She spoke with Scribblers on the Roof about her work, her inspiration, and the niche market of Jewish children’s fiction.

Scribblers on the Roof: Where did the inspiration for your book, Like a Maccabee come from and what do you hope children learn from reading it?

Barbara Bietz: I have always been concerned about religious values being observed in a vacuum, as if Jewish principles only applied at Hebrew school or during holidays. My hope for my own children, as well as my readers, was that they would come to understand that Jewish values are not antiquated, but can have an important role in our daily lives. “Being Jewish” is as important at home, school, and even on the playground as it is in synagogue.

In the story, Ben is a ten-year-old facing a bully on an opposing soccer team. He is a typical kid in a tough situation. To complicate matters, his grandfather has just moved into the family home and is sharing his room. As they build a relationship, Ben’s grandfather shares stories about Hanukkah and about himself that connect with Ben and help him find resolve. I also hope reading Like a Maccabee will encourage kids to talk to their grandparents. Many kid don’t realize that although technology advances and fashions change, feelings and emotions stay the same from generation to generation.

SOTR: What is your Jewish background and how does it influence your writing?

BB: I am the ultimate eclectic Jew! I grew up and was married in a Reform synagogue that is still near and dear to my heart. As an adult, I have been affiliated with Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox congregations. I am comfortable in any Jewish community. In recent years I have attended a Chabad shul where I love learning and feel most welcomed. I have always felt deeply connected to my Jewish roots, no matter where I worshipped. My childhood years were very much shaped by the books I read, most significantly, The All-of-a-Kind Family series by Sydney Taylor. Books gave me a strong Jewish identity at an early age.

SOTR: How would you describe your writing process?

BB: Hectic! Usually I get an idea, fall in love with the idea, take notes and do some research. From there I write a rough outline, then jump in. Editing and revising are the most time consuming and difficult part of my writing. I am fortunate to have a stellar critique group of incredibly supportive writers who give me lots of feedback. My writing time is limited, but I am lucky to be involved in so many activities that nourish my writer’s soul.

SOTR: How big is the Jewish children’s fiction market and how varied is the material out there?

BB: Books are the cornerstone of Jewish life. Although it is a niche market, there are many wonderful Jewish books for children. Books available range from those created for the Orthodox market, to trade publications for the mass market. There have been a growing number of books in all genres within children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult. The literary content of these books improves each year.

SOTR: You write book reviews for Jewish Book World magazine and the Association of Jewish Libraries newsletter. What are some of the best books in this genre you’ve read recently and what makes them special?

BB: There are so many wonderful books, it’s hard to name just a few. As a member of the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee, which seeks the best books in Jewish children’s literature, I would defer to our award winners:

As Good As Anybody: Martin Luther King, Jr. and Abraham Joshua Heschel’s Amazing March Toward Freedom by Richard Michelson and Raul Colon

Brooklyn Bridge by Karen Hesse

A Bottle in the Gaza Sea by Valerie Zenatti,

The books on our “Notable” list are also wonderful and I would encourage people to check out the following link for more information: http://www.jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/awards/stba/index.htm

Another resource for Jewish Literature for children is on my blog, where I introduce books and interview authors – www.BarbaraBookblog.blogspot.com

SOTR: What qualities do you need to write children’s books?

A love of children’s literature, tenacity, heart, and a willing spirit. Creativity is a gift, but writing is a craft that must be honed. In addition to learning the specific genres within children’s literature, a good writer must be a good reader. Most children’s writers are able to talk about children’s books they have read for hours on end. Many people think writing children’s books must be easy because children’s books are short. In fact, it is a difficult process because every single word must count and help move the story forward.

SOTR: You’ve just been appointed chairperson of the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee. Mazal Tov! What does your job entail and how did you become involved with the committee?

I am honored to be the incoming chair. I have not started my duties yet, but I am looking forward to jumping in! As a committee, we read and review books submitted throughout the year. It is a time-consuming task that we do not take lightly. In July, we attend the Association of Jewish Libraries Convention where we do a session of book talks and the award winners make presentations. Librarians rely on our input to make the right choices for their collections.  My additional tasks as chairperson will be to reach out to publishers for submissions and work with committee members, among many other things.

SOTR: What are your plans for the upcoming Jewish holidays?

BB: I spend the holidays with my family and going to services. My favorite ritual is taschlich, when the entire congregation walks to a nearby lake to toss in breadcrumbs, which represent our regrets from the previous year. It’s lovely custom.

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