Book 5 in the YaYa & YoYo series
(for ages 8 and up)
When fifth-grade twins Ellie and Joel Silver (also known as YaYa and YoYo) learn that their favorite tree in the whole world may be cut down, they spring into action to save it. Their schemes include everything from disguising the doomed tree so the tree cutters can’t find it, to protesting and rallying the community. It feels particularly unfair since this all happens in the days leading up to Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish holiday celebrating trees. YaYa and YoYo always knew that trees were important but they never expected that one single solitary oak “wood” cause so much commotion and “leaf” them in such a “stick”-y situation. Can they save their beloved tree?
REVIEWS
“Weinstein introduces readers to Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees. She masterfully weaves its rich rituals and environmental teachings into an accessible middle-grade story that is both humorous and touching. We need books that celebrate the depth, meaning, and joy of Judaism, and Rooting for the Trees delivers just that. An absolutely delightful, informative, and invigorating tale that made me—at age 83—feel 11 once again!”
Rabbi Elliot Dorff
Rector and Distinguished Service Professor of Philosophy
American Jewish University, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
“Did you ever think a ‘kids’ book’ could make you laugh, cry, feel empowered about Jewish values, and HOPE for the future? Rooting for the Trees gets to the ‘root’ of Tu B’Shvat, activism, inter-generational relations, disability representation and more—but mostly it’s a rousing read for all ages!”
Rob Kutner
Author of The Jews: 5000 Years and Counting,
and Emmy-award-winning comedy writer for late-night TV (The Daily Show and Conan)
“Filled with friendships, activism, and a gentle—but hopeful—reminder of grief and the circle of life, Rooting for the Trees is a funny and heartwarming celebration of Tu B’Shvat with a cast of characters that you can’t help but root for!”
Joanne Levy
Award-winning author of Sorry For Your Loss
“Fast-paced and full of heart, this page-turning adventure entertains while instilling timeless values of kindness, responsibility, and care for our world. Weinstein never fails to impress with her addictive storytelling. I absolutely DEVOURED this book!”
Heidi Shertok
Author of Unorthodox Love and Match Me If You Can
“Weinstein had me rooting for the trees—and the characters! This is a story packed full of revealing emotional moments all converging. As the stakes got bigger, it made me appreciate how powerful a personal connection to a tree can be. The built-in lessons, plus information about trees, leave you with great context and knowledge, all powering a heartwarming story of community. A must-read!
Scott Reister
Best-selling author of Baseball Spy and Football Spy
