Mrs. Katz and Tush | The Center for Jewish-Inclusive Learning Portal

Topics

Judaism and Jewish Holidays
Jewish American Heritage

Summary

Mrs. Katz and Tush tells the story of an unexpected friendship between an elderly Jewish woman and a young African-American boy, highlighting shared experiences of hardship, resilience, and connection across cultures.

Through this Passover picture book, students in grade K-5 learn how people from different backgrounds can form meaningful bonds. The story centers on the agreement Larnel makes with his neighbor, Mrs. Katz, after asking her to adopt an abandoned kitten: In exchange, he must help care for the kitten, named Tush.

As their relationship grows, Mrs. Katz shares stories with Larnel about immigrating to the U.S. from Poland and about her life with her late husband. Through these shared moments, students explore themes of friendship, empathy, cultural identity, and the comfort found in community.

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