GENRE: *Diverse, Lyrical, Historical Fiction
WORDS: 633
Query:
Dear PBParty Judges,
Thank you for this opportunity! I am excited to submit to you a modern retelling of the folktale Stone Soup. STAR SOUP, a 633 word, lyrical, historical fiction narrative for children 8-12, is a glimpse into the life of a hope-filled family struggling to survive in a Jewish Ghetto in World War II. With zero food and left with only their kosher, copper pot stamped with a Star of David, they miraculously make soup and bring their entire community together for Shabbat. Their journey is a tribute to the wonder, and importance of such a historical item, as well as a dedication to all who lost their lives in World War II. A simple item to us today, but this copper pot is a symbol and profound story of how a family likely stayed alive through famine and fear against Nazi brutality.
STAR SOUP will appeal to fans of inanimate objects with soul as in The Table [Bingham/Blevins/Griffin, 2024] and Beam of Light, The Story of the First White House Menorah [Boxer/Moore, 2024]. STAR SOUP can share similar shelf space with Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre [Boston Weatherford/Cooper, 2021] and Shell Song [Fujimoto-Johnson, 2025] about Japanese American incarceration in World War II. Older Stone Soup versions: Stone Soup with Matzoh Balls: A Passover Tale in Chelm [Glaser/Tabatabaei, 2014] and Bone Button Borscht [Davis/Petričić, 1996].
With a BA in Film Studies, I had found my true north: storytelling. I am a former preschool and homeschool teacher, and a CASA for Children in foster care. I am an active member of SCBWI (since 2017), 12×12 PB Challenge, a 2023 Fall Writing Frenzy Honorable Mention, a 2024 PB Rising Star, and a 2025 WriteKidLitNow! scholarship recipient winner. I have several polished manuscripts available and a MG in progress. I currently live in California with my two kiddos, husband, three guinea pigs and two shrimp.
Thank you for your time and consideration of STAR SOUP.
Excerpt:
[Setting: Jewish Ghetto in WWII.]
The soldiers took almost everything.
But inside the pantry the pot still hung — heavy, unwanted, worthless.
Because of the star.
The Star of David, off-center and stamped into its copper handle.
The pot Mama used every Shabbat.
The star caught a glint of light and tears flashed in Mama’s eyes.
“We’ll make soup.” [Sadie]
“There’s no food. You can’t make soup from a star.” [Mama]
What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:
One of these historical pots is hanging in my kitchen. I wonder about its journey to America. How did it get here? The incredible importance such a pot served in keeping families alive in famine and fear is unfathomable and I wanted to further solidify its legacy. STAR SOUP is an important tribute to all of the lives lost in World War II and keeps their memories alive. I relate most to the mother in the story who, no matter the circumstances, stands tall, makes food from nothing for her family and is the matriarch keeping Jewish traditions alive.
1 Comment
Leave your reply.