Young-adult fiction writer Keren David, who is also an associate editor at the JC, has turned her attention to antisemitism in her latest book, to be published in February 2021.

What We’re Scared Of, being published by Scholastic UK, explores contemporary Jew-hate through the eyes of twin teenage sisters as their family is targeted by social media trolls.

Explaining her motivation for writing the book, Ms David said: “I never thought that antisemitism would become part of British political discourse. Like many Jews, I’ve been horrified at the developments of recent years, both on the right and the left.”

She said that antisemitism is a “complicated subject” and that “many people seem to need more understanding.”  

“I feel passionately that young people need to have more chances to learn about and discuss all forms of racism. There are lots of different ways of being Jewish, and that’s rarely reflected in fiction,” she said. “My hope is to explore some of the complex feeling and experiences of contemporary Jewish teenagers.”

“It’s been an incredible difficult book to write – my hope is that it opens readers’ minds and hearts.”

Miriam Farbey of Scholastic UK said the book was a must-read for “anyone seriously interested in children’s books and diversity”.

The book will be published in February 2021.