Lisa Greenwald is the author of the new middle grade novel Ellie's Deli: Wishing on Matzo Ball Soup!. Her many other books include the Friendship List series. She lives in New York.
Q: What inspired you to write Ellie’s Deli, and how did you create your character Ellie and her family?
A: A love of deli and grandparents inspired Ellie’s Deli. I was super close to my grandparents growing up and I wanted to write about a character who had that relationship as well. Add in a deli setting and voila - it all came together!
Q: How did you choose the recipes you included in the book, and do you have a particular favorite?
A: I went through the recipe box I got as an engagement gift and then also my mom's recipe packet and selected my favorites. My bubbie's matzo ball recipe is my ULTIMATE favorite.
Q: The Kirkus Review of the book called it a “cute and concretely Jewish take on a classic storyline.” What do you think of that description?
A: I love this description. I love to write about Judaism in a way that feels accessible and comfortable. And writing about kids saving the day is one of my favorite storylines.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?
A: I hope kids take away the importance of family and how food brings communities together!
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I'm working on the sequel to Fortune Tellers, which comes out May 7! The sequel will be out in May 2025.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Every morning as I drop my kids off at school, I tell them "be good, be kind, be useful." I took this from a saying the Obamas used with their girls and I think it's a good instruction for all of us. :)
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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