The Honey Jar
By Joan Schoettler
The Best Children's Books of the Year [2024 edition]
Bank Street College of Education, Children's Book Committee
"I gave my sister away. She was two. I was not yet nine."
In 1920, eight-year-old Bedros fled Armenia with his young sisters, grandmother, and uncle to escape the Turkish soldiers invading their town. But in the confusion, Bedros lost sight of the adults and was left alone to protect his siblings. Told in verse, suspenseful and heart-rending, The Honey Jar depicts a journey from desperation to freedom, anchored in Bedros’ promise to return to his native land and to find the one he left behind. His story will touch the hearts of families everywhere, especially those who have experienced the longing for a new life.
Press & Reviews
» International Armenian Literary Alliance
Endorsments
"I had the honor to read an ARC for this, and oh-my-God! Such a heartrending story of family love, loss, and an unbreakable will to carry on against all odds. I can't wait till THE HONEY JAR hits the shelves!"
—Astrid Kamalyan, author of upcoming book, Babo: A Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing Day
"YOUR BOOK IS AMAZING! Thank you for publishing my nation’s tragedy and raising awareness. I read it yesterday with one breath.Very touching and poetic."
— Tamar Tufenkdjian, Executive Director of Armenian Prelacy
“Fantastic reading, well-covered, and beautifully presented.”
—Varoujan Der Simonian, President Board of Trustees, Armenian Museum of Fresno
"My grandfather’s letting go of his sister is a pain still felt by many of us today. I often imagine the interchange and the feelings he experienced; the pain of loss and the hope in finding. I carry these feelings of great sadness and joy, as my father has before me. They are treasured possessions that we will always have, like a gold cross and a honey jar."
—Kalem Kazarian, grandson of Peter Kazarian
Alice M. Worsley School Book Club
San Joaquin Spotlight
On this edition of San Joaquin Spotlight host Sevag Tateosian talks to local author Joan Schoettler about her latest children's book The Honey Jar, a story about the Armenian Genocide.
Listen on Spotify
Watch at CMAC
Book Details
ISBN 978-1638191544
Publisher: Bushel & Peck Books
HC: $16.99
