The Honey Jar

Ages 8 to 12

In 1920, 10-year-old Bedros fled Armenia with his young sisters, grandmother, and uncle to escape the Turkish soldiers invading their town. But in the confusion, Bedros lost sight of the adults and was left alone to protect his siblings. Hungry, cold, and overwhelmed with responsibility, Bedros failed to remember his promise to his mother…Told in verse.

Based on a true story, only some members of a family escape the Armenia genocide and one of them, just a boy during the flight, must return to find a sister who was left behind.Today my mother put me in chargeof my three young sistersand our escape from the Turkish soldierswho were taking over our town.In 1920, 10-year-old Bedros fled Armenia with his young sisters, grandmother, and uncle to escape the Turkish soldiers invading their town. But in the confusion, Bedros lost sight of the adults and was left alone to protect his siblings. Hungry, cold, and overwhelmed with responsibility, Bedros failed to remember his promise to his mother…Told in verse, suspenseful and heart-rending, The Honey Jar depicts a journey from desperation to freedom, anchored in Bedros’ promise to return to his native land and to find the one he left behind. His story will touch the hearts of families everywhere especially those who have experienced the longing for a new life.

About the Author

Joan Schoettler earned a Masters in Arts in Reading and Language from Fresno Pacific University. The Honey Jar is her first middle grade novel. Her picture books include Ruth Asawa: A Sculpting Life, A Home for George, and Good Fortune in a Wrapping Cloth which received the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. She also received the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award. She lives with her husband in California where they raised three sons.Visit her at joanschoettler.com.