Jo Joe (PB) (2013)

Judith Ormand learned hate and bigotry early in life. As a child, she was the only Black - and the only Jew - in a small insular Pennsylvania mountain village where she was raised by her white Christian grandparents. Now, she must reluctantly break her vow to never return to the town she learned to hate. During her one week visit, she buries and mourns her beloved grandmother, is forced to deal with the white boy who cruelly broke her heart, and is menaced by an old enemy. But with her traumatic discovery of a long buried secret, Judith finds more questions than answers about the prejudice that scarred her childhood. Jo Joe is a mystery of the heart that takes the reader through a journey of twisted memories, distorted love, and hate that threatens violence. A compelling, beautifully crafted story, with richly drawn, intriguing characters "Thought provoking and inspiring." - Margo Crispino Azzarelli "A riveting read. Astute, psychologically believable and moving." - Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum "I read it through in a single sitting.... masterfully developed." - Professor Claire Herschfel