Private Joel and the Sewell Mountain Seder
by Bryna J. Fireside
grades 2-5

This fabulous short chapter book takes place during the Civil War.  Private J.A. Joel is serving in the 23rd Regiment from Ohio along with 20 other Jewish soldiers. They are stationed in the west Virginia mountains in April 1862, and send a letter to the regiment commander, asking for permission to have a Passover Seder. When the permission is granted, three of the former slaves serving with their regiment ask to join them as well.  Together the 24 men manage to piece together a seder they will never forget. Based on a true story. (My favorite part is where the use an actual brick, since they have neither apples nor walnuts to make charoset!) Highly recommended!