Golemcrafters

Emi Watanabe Cohen's 'Golemcrafters' introduces Faye, a biracial girl who finds it easier to be silent than to navigate school bullies or her competitive, inattentive family. Her closest bond is with her brother, Shiloh, with whom she shares a unique language. The story takes a magical turn when their Jewish uncle and cousin arrive, revealing a secret family tradition: Golem crafting. Faye discovers a surprising talent for this ancient magic, even more so than her brother. This narrative explores themes of self-discovery, cultural identity, family dynamics, and the power of finding one's voice, making it a compelling read for children aged 8-11.

Emi Watanabe Cohen’s sophomore novel travels from the most awkward surface tensions to the beautiful depths of Jewish culture and lore for a tale of magical and emotional discovery. Faye has a tough time concentrating in School. It’s easier to be silent and fade into the woodwork than take on the challenges of kids at school who mock her biracial heritage, and her competitive family at home, none of whom are good listeners. Except possibly for her brother Shiloh, who tries to speak extra so she doesn’t have to. (Maybe a bit too much extra?)They have a private made up language that they call “Effalese” which is Japanese (from one side of the family) written in Hebrew letters (from the other side of the family.) And a thousand inside jokes. But the family dynamic is shattered when their uncle and cousin from the Jewish side arrive unannounced to say that it’s time the children learn the secret family magic: Golem Crafting. And it seems Faye DOES have a gift for it, even more so than Shiloh. But will it truly be the thing that makes Faye feel whole? And will it heal the bitter rifts in the family?