Dori Weinstein is the author of the YaYa & YoYo Jewish children's book series (ages 8 and up). The books in the series include Sliding into the New Year (about Rosh Hashanah), Shaking in the Shack (about Sukkot), and Hoopla Under the Huppah (about a Jewish wedding) and the newly-released In a Latke Trouble (about Hanukkah). Sliding into the New Year was awarded a Moonbeam Children's Book Award- Gold Medal.
Both as a parent and a teacher, Dori was searching for middle-grade Jewish-themed books that were contemporary, entertaining, and relatable for all children regardless of their background or affiliation. (Sort of a cross between All-of-a-Kind Family and Judy Blume.) She wanted to find books that celebrate all that is wonderful, positive, and fun about Judaism in today's world and not just about the Holocaust or life in the shtetl. When she couldn't find just what she was looking for, she decided to take on the task herself. When completed, the 12-book series will cover a full calendar year, intertwining Jewish holidays, life-cycle events and other experiences with one or more Jewish values woven into the stories.
The series follows tween twins Ellie and Joel Silver (YaYa and YoYo) as they try to balance living a Jewish life in a secular world. The books have been enthusiastically received, enjoyed, and used as a teaching tool at Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and community schools as well as enjoyed by thousands of readers who just think they're fun!
Dori grew up in Queens, New York. She is a graduate of Binghamton University (back when it was called SUNY Binghamton) and Teachers College, Columbia University. Dori taught in public schools in New York City as well as the Talmud Torah Jewish Day School in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Currently she enjoys traveling around the country sharing her passion for writing and introducing her books to young readers. When she's not traveling or writing, she teaches Hebrew and Jewish music to preschoolers. Dori lives in Minneapolis with her husband Gary. They have three grown children.
