Maya's Journey

From Essie and Martha to Maya—three generations, two journeys, one unforgettable story.
When young Maya sets out to tell a family story, she uncovers the courage, laughter, and dreams of her great-grandmothers—and discovers the powerful story she was always meant to tell.
Maya loves to make up stories—big, bright, and full of imagination. But when her teacher asks for a true family story, Maya is stumped. What story could she tell?
Her parents introduce her to two remarkable women from their past: Great-Grandma Essie, who crossed an ocean alone to escape danger in Romania, and Great-Grandma Martha, who rode across the American South in a Jim Crow train car to seek fairness and freedom. As Maya listens to their journeys, full of bravery, laughter, and hope, she discovers a powerful truth: her family’s story is also her own.
Inspired by real events, Maya's Journey: A Story of Two Great-Grandmothers is a moving celebration of intergenerational connection, blended families, and the many ways to be Jewish—and American.
A free downloadable activity guide that highlights the themes in this book is available on the Kalaniot Books website.
About Kalaniot Books
Kalaniot Books is dedicated to sharing the richness and diversity of Jewish life and culture with today’s children and families. With a special focus on amplifying voices from Jewish communities around the world, Kalaniot celebrates the many ways Jewish identity is expressed—through story, song, language, and art. Every book is a window into Jewish heritage, designed to spark curiosity, connection, and pride in young readers.

Marcella White Campbell is a writer, educator, and director of the Pomegranate Writing Fellowship at the Jewish Women’s Archive, where she leads a groundbreaking initiative supporting Jewish women writers of color. Her writing has appeared in Lilith Magazine, Kveller, and The Forward, among others, and she frequently speaks on Jewish identity, race, and the power of storytelling in shaping community. Marcella lives in California with her family.