Topic

Jewish Identity

Summary

In Brand New Bubbe, Jillian gets a brand new bubbe (Yiddish for grandmother) when her stepdad joins the family. As she adjusts to this change, Jillian must overcome her hesitation and learn how to connect with her blended family.

Through this story celebrating open-mindedness, students explore problem-solving and the concept of found families. They follow Jillian’s journey as she moves from initial resistance toward her new grandmother and worries about her relationships with her Gram and Noni, to appreciation and acceptance after a matzo ball soup-making lesson.

To resolve her concerns about leaving anyone out, and to show her continued love for all of her grandmothers, Jillian plans a special soup celebration where all three can share the joy of cooking together.

Students in grades K-2 come away with the same lesson Jillian learns: family is built with love, and, like soup, there’s always room for more.