Set in a working-class Brooklyn neighborhood in 1947, this poignant tale revolves around two of the most endearing characters in recent fiction: an 11-year-old Irish Catholic boy named Michael Devlin and Rabbi Judah Hirsch, a refugee from Prague.

In this unlikely friendship, Michael and Rabbi Hirsch find a connection that transcends their cultural and religious differences. The rabbi opens a window to ancient learning and lore that rival anything in Captain Marvel, while Michael illuminates the everyday mysteries of America, including the strange language of baseball.

But like their hero Jackie Robinson, neither can entirely escape from the swirling prejudices of the time. Terrorized by a local gang of anti-Semitic Irish toughs, Michael and the rabbi are caught in an escalating spiral of hate for which there's only one way out—a miracle.

Deeply affecting and wonderfully evocative of old New York, Snow in August is a brilliant fable for our time and all time—a testament to the power of friendship and understanding.