Jodie's First Dig

Jodie’s First Dig introduces students in grades K-2 to archaeology, history, and curiosity-driven learning through the story of a young girl who visits an active archaeological dig site near Jerusalem. Eager to participate, Jodie helps the volunteers and archaeologists shovel and carry buckets of earth at a site where Judah Maccabee once fought the Syrians.

When her small size allows her to explore a narrow space the adults can’t reach, Jodie bravely descends into a cave and discovers an ancient arrowhead, which links her directly to the distant past.

The book offers an introduction to Jewish history, helping students understand that modern Israel sits atop ancient civilizations while exploring themes of curiosity, courage, and connection to the past.