This book was born from brainstorming with more than 75 students at two premier Jewish Day Schools in southern New Jersey. After passionate debate and discussion with each group, the author weaved their thoughts, plots and character suggestions into four stories that string together the themes of social justice, tolerance, respect and the healing powers of hope and faith. "The Book That Will Not Open" takes place in a Jewish day school where strange doings suddenly occur. Many students start to wonder whether they may be experiencing a new onslaught of the Plagues. For the source of their troubles, some point to a mysterious book that will not open. Some think Hashem may be punishing them for bringing miraculously healthy yet delicious sufganiyot into the school. One lone girl, Shadassah, thinks differently. She questions everything while learning the meaning of faith. In "The Education of Figdot Trumpledorf" we are drawn deeper into the world of education and a battle between good and brilliant, and student versus principal. While battles, even intellectual, can lead to animosity, one young student - who has a heart that refuses to close - teaches everyone what's more important than winning. "Not My Usual Shabbat" takes us on a fantastic journey with a young boy who just once would like to stay home and watch TV instead of going to Saturday morning services. In fact, he prays for such an opportunity. When his prayer gets answered, he faces an unexpected array of new questions and challenges before learning one of the most important lessons of Shabbat. In the closing story, we meet the Giltfarb family. Young Davida Giltfarb and her "super friends" live in luxury and total comfort. They seem to get everything they want, yet feel they are entitled to even more. Davida's father worries that his daughter may lose her soul before she becomes Bat Mitzvah. When Davida seems unappreciative even after her beautiful Bat Mitzvah reception, Shlomo makes a drastic move and takes Davida on a life changing journey. By the end of the story, Shlomo's daughter is singing another tune... "The Psalm of Davida." Author S F Hochman thanks the second, third and fourth grade students of Politz Day School and Kellman Brown Academy for sharing their vivid imaginations and very special souls. He believes what started in their young hearts will warm the hearts of others, young and not so young. Their stories may even give you some laughs and scares along the way.