Zevi Takes the Spotlight chosen by PJ Library to be a PJ Our Way Selection!

ZEVI TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT has been chosen by PJ Library as a PJ Our Way Selection.

And I have been honoured, too, and awarded the PJ Our Way Grinspoon Jewish Story Award! I am delighted that Zevi will be sent to Jewish families all over North America — for free! From The Harold Grinspoon Foundation. It's an incredible initiative that I am so proud to be part of.

Zevi is a Jewish teen who has one dream — to become an actor. But he has an unwanted talent. He's psychic! And being psychic keeps getting in the way of his acting career. This is especially true since the famous Jewish actor Robert Lemon has come to Vancouver to film a new movie — part of it in Zevi's house! But when "accidents" start to happen, Zevi and his best friend Nir must save Robert Lemon from a murderer.

Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb

Many thanks to Deborah Kalb for her blog interview about my two latest books: Zevi Takes the Spotlight for middle grades.

"I wanted to write a fun book but a book that would get kids thinking about what fame really is. I started noticing that young people have gone from wanting to become scientists, or vets, or firefighters, to YouTube influencers. It seemed to me that fame had become the goal, not the result of hard work or inspiration. So, something to mull over."

Exciting news for Zevi Takes the Spotlight

 Zevi Takes the Spotlight has been chosen by School Library Journal as one of 42 Stellar Middle Grade books for 2024.

MATAS, Carol. Zevi Takes the Spotlight. Orca.
Gr 4-7–This hi-lo title excels in the genre, packaging an accessible, dyslexia-friendly text with a compelling plot and likable protagonist whose journey readers will happily follow.

More great news for Zevi Takes The Spotlight

What a wonderful review from the Association Of Jewish Libraries (AJL).

“Prolific Canadian author Carol Matas has another winner with this fun middle-grade novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, Jewishness, friendship, and the extraordinary…The plot is entertaining, the portrayals of family and friendships are positive and the inclusion of Jewish practices and values are few, but important, especially at the conclusion of the book, set at the family Shabbat dinner table.”—Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL)

Plus: School Library Journal has included Zevi Takes the Spotlight in their Top Trends in SLJ's Starred Books/ The 2024 Stars issue!