From the author:
I'm
passing along news of my upcoming storytime appearance at Lofty Pigeon
Books, 743 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, on Saturday, June 6, from 10:30 to
11 am.
And here is a sampling of the rich praise the book has garnered:
Kirkus Reviews: “Bennett paints rich portraits of both Alex and the congregants. Older readers, especially those sharing the book in an educational setting, will find it deeply moving. Sophisticated and quietly powerful for the patient, perceptive reader.”
Booklist:
“Neiss’s stylized watercolor illustrations eloquently capture the
chaotic beauty of the synagogue, as well as the story’s inspiring
moments and characters’ emotions. A uniquely American Jewish story about faith and community.”
Publishers Weekly: “A picture book crafted like the best-drawn journalism. Fluid digital and watercolor renderings pulse with immediacy and genuine affection.”
School Library Journal: “The themes of remembrance, intergenerational connection, and the enduring impact of the Holocaust make this an excellent choice for students studying Jewish history or World War II. A thoughtfully crafted, informative title recommended for middle school collections and upper elementary classrooms.”
The Tenth Man tells
the true story of a young man, Alex Brown, racked with grief and guilt
over the loss of his Old World grandfather. In a tailspin, he stumbles
upon what he perceives to be an abandoned synagogue. But when he hears
faint singing emanating from within, he is drawn to investigate. After
knocking on the door, he is greeted by an elderly congregant, one of
nine Holocaust survivors keeping the synagogue afloat, who pulls him
inside as a buzz, "The tenth man, the tenth man," echoes through the
shul. (In Orthodox tradition, a quorum of ten men is required to read
from the Torah and to say certain prayers, such as Kaddish for deceased
loved ones.) Alex stays with these men for the next six-plus years,
developing deep friendships and helping to revitalize the shul. And,
ultimately, he sees each of these men on their final journey.
Graced with luminous watercolor artwork by debut illustrator Shira
Neiss, this powerful, life-affirming story brims with heart and humor.
Note also that Anshe Sfard, the synagogue featured in this true tale,
will be celebrating its 100th anniversary on September 5, 2026.
I'm also the author of the classic kids’ book The Butt Book, now in its tenth printing,The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t, which won the Magnolia Book Award, given by the children of Mississippi, Poopendous!, Peter Panda Melts Down!, Belches, Burps, and Farts—Oh My!, and What’s Afoot! Your Complete, Offbeat Guide to Feet.
HuffPost has said: "It appears there is no topic that Mr. Bennett can't make funny and educational."
