Shirley Russak Wachtel

5 Book Series
12 Total Books

About Shirley Russak Wachtel

Shirley Russak Wachtel is a historical fiction novelist from New Jersey that is best known for “My Mother Shoes.” The work is a memoir that follows her mother’s life from Dombrowe, Poland her hometown to her terrible times in a Bergen, Belsen labor camp, and ultimately when she made a new life for herself in Brooklyn, New York despite her emotional scars. Watchel was born and brought up in Brooklyn and much of her life has been in the shadow of the ordeal her parents went through during the Holocaust. For this reason, she has devoted much of her life to teaching and writing for humanistic causes. Her father would soon find success in business and the family started moving from town to town. They moved from Flatbush to Brownsville and Borough Park where her father opened several lunch

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

4 books in series

Publication Order

  • My Mother's Shoes(2011)
  • The Music Makers(2014)
  • A Castle in Brooklyn(2023)
  • The Baker of Lost Memories(2025)

Publication Order of Picture Books

4 books in series

Publication Order

  • Charlie Wonder--Chef-Detective(2005)
  • Brad Sureshot--Coach-Detective(2007)
  • Zoey and the Purple Elephant(2015)
  • Where is Emmy?(2021)

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

1 books in series

Publication Order

  • The Story of Blima(2005)

Publication Order of Collections

2 books in series

Publication Order

  • In the Mellow Light(2009)
  • Three For a Dollar(2017)

Publication Order of Anthologies

1 books in series

Publication Order

  • Mothers and Other Creatures(2015)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Shirley Russak Wachtel?

Shirley Russak Wachtel is a bestselling author known for 5 book series. Their work has captivated millions of readers worldwide with compelling characters and intricate plots.

What is the best Shirley Russak Wachtel book series to start with?

We recommend starting with Publication Order of Standalone Novels as it is one of the most popular and longest-running series by this author.

How many books has Shirley Russak Wachtel written?

Shirley Russak Wachtel has written over 12 books across 5 different series, making them one of the most prolific authors in their genre.