Book Review: Benny Feldman’s All-Star Klezmer Band Hits All the Right Notes

Image: Cover of the book. Turquoise-blue background. Drawings of klezmer instruments - fiddle, drums, clarinet, accordion. The title, Benny Feldman’s All-Star Klezmer Band and authors’ names Allison and Wayne Marks in black.

Benny Feldman’s All-Star Klezmer Band is so warm and funny it’s the best kind of cozy. This middle-grade novel by authors Allison Marks and Wayne Marks celebrates Jewish music and Jewish identity, friendship, and the messy, courageous journey of trying to figure out who you are in the world. Benny, sixth-grade klezmer musician and the novel’s protagonist, is equal parts anxious, earnest, and endearing. He begins the story with the primary goal of being invisible. Quiet and conflict-averse, for a long time Benny has had one defining rule for social survival: blend in. Never draw attention. Never stand out. It’s a solid strategy and it works until it doesn’t. 

Sure there is a bully who does everything he can to make Benny’s life rotten. Of course they have history, and of course that history also involves many of their classmates. But, here’s the thing: Benny also plays the violin and on that violin Benny plays klezmer. Exceptionally well. And many of the adults in his life . . . and his klezmer-playing ancestors . . . have his back.

So when Benny impulsively signs up for the school talent show as Benny Feldman’s All-Star Klezmer Band there is only one problem: He doesn’t actually have a band. Yet. Recruiting one turns out to be far more complicated—and, frankly, hilarious—than Benny expected. He’s going to need a drummer, a clarinetist, and accordion player and he’s going to need to learn how to communicate, collaborate, take risks, and trust other people.

Benny does not transform overnight into a brave, outspoken leader. Instead, he grows in small but meaningful steps: each act of reaching out to a classmate, standing up to a bully, or voicing an opinion nudges him forward. His gradual confidence-building feels real, rooted in the safe support of family, trusted adults, and strengthening friendships.

For Jewish readers, Benny’s relationship to klezmer offers a rich, affirming cultural anchor. The authors expertly weave Ashkenasic Jewish musical tradition into the story offering klezmer as a living heritage that readers can participate in joyfully. The novel introduces Jewish motifs and humor organically, offering a familiar glimpse of Jewish life. Benny’s Jewishness is simply part of who he is, grounding him when school and life feel overwhelming.

Benny Feldman’s All-Star Klezmer Band also shares a powerful message about the value of Jewish arts for Jewish kids. Many young Jewish readers encounter Jewish holidays in middle-grade books these days, but it’s not so often that we get to engage so richly with Jewish music in contemporary children’s literature.

Beyond Jewish identity, the book insightfully explores themes of anxiety, self-expression, and resilience. Benny’s struggle to become visible in a world that often feels intimidating mirrors the experience of many preteens, Jewish or otherwise. His friendships are sincere and evolving, his fears believable, and his victories earned.

Bonus: this book is genuinely funny. Humor runs throughout the narrative, softening the tension and making the story super accessible. The miscommunications, awkward band tryouts, and early rehearsals are amusing without undermining the novel’s intentions.  

Ultimately, Benny Feldman’s All-Star Klezmer Band stands out as an excellent read for all middle-grade readers because it accomplishes something fabulous: it combines a compelling coming-of-age story with authentic Jewish culture, all while empowering kids to embrace what makes them unique. Benny’s journey invites readers to consider their own talents, their own communities, and their own bravery. It also shows that Jewish music continues to evolve as it is carried forward by each generation.

For any adult looking for books for kids they love that celebrate Jewish identity with humor, heart, and hope, I wholeheartedly recommend this one. For kids who have ever worried about being seen, or who have wondered if the quirk that makes them unique is some kind of fatal flaw, I’m confident that Benny Feldman would love to meet you.