Book 2 in the YaYa & YoYo Series (For ages 8 and up)
Joel Silver (YoYo) loves to be a comedian and to play practical jokes. However, when he, his twin sister Ellie (YaYa) and the rest of their fifth-grade Hebrew school class find something surprising in the synagogue’s sukkah just before the holiday of Sukkot, it’s no laughing matter. Where did the mysterious four-legged visitor come from? What will become of it? Their unexpected adventure brings Joel and Ellie face to face with the importance of shelter and caring for those in need.
“This is a lighthearted romp for middle readers with some substantial messages subtly worked into the fun. Recommended for ages 8-12.”
Jewish Book Council
“Presented seamlessly within the story, Weinstein includes lots of information about the customs of Sukkot. Practical joker Joel and more serious Ellie are believable, likeable characters. Fans of Sliding into the New Year and readers just making the acquaintance of the Silver family will enjoy this peek into one family’s unusual Sukkot. Highly recommended.
Association of Jewish Libraries
“Embedded within this fun and entertaining book are important messages that kids and adults will appreciate. Weinstein weaves in the Jewish teachings of helping the poor, extending hospitality, and even caring for animals. Kudos to Weinstein for writing a book that will inspire, teach, and help kids react to the realities in the world around them.”
Rabbi Harold Kravitz
Senior Rabbi, Adath Jeshurun Congregation
Board Chair of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
“Dori Weinstein does a beautiful job of teaching Jewish values, from respecting nature and animals, to caring for each other. Readers will enjoy the playful banter and antics of the close-knit and fun-loving Silver family, and will learn more about Judaism’s rich history as we gather under the Sukkah together.”
Gail Rosenblum
Star Tribune Columnist and author of
A Hundred Lives Since Then: Essays on Motherhood, Marriage, Mortality and More
“Another fun romp with YaYa and YoYo and the Silver family! Dori Weinstein portrays the holiday of Sukkot as a joyful celebration of family, friends, and caring for others. Packed with positive messages, Shaking in the Shack is a great addition to Jewish middle-grade literature.”
Amy Ariel
Jewish educator and author of Friends Forever
“It is really exciting to have characters in a series that our Jewish young readers can identify with and learn from!”
Judy Miller, M.S.
Former Head of School
Columbus Jewish Day School
“More adventure. More learning. More fun. So glad to see YaYa and YoYo returning. Another young adult hit by Dori Weinstein. I can’t wait to see what the kids will be doing for Hanukkah!”
Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky
Executive Director, Jewish Outreach Institute
Author of The Discovery Haggadah
“Another winner from Dori Weinstein! Like her first book, the story unfolds so naturally, you don’t realize how much you’re absorbing about Jewish culture and practice. Dori perfectly captures the tween voice with YaYa and YoYo.”
Beth Grafman
Program Director, The Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Former Librarian, Solomon Schechter School of Westchester
YaYa & YoYo 