The Miracle Seed

“Restores hope in the idea that all things are possible; especially empowering for young women interested in STEM subjects.” 
— Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)

“Captivating..” 
— The Wall Street Journal

The ancient Judean date palm plant is reborn through the innovation of two female scientists in this miraculous true story.

Thousands of years ago, in a time of rebellion, the Jewish people fought against their Roman rulers. The brutal Emperor Titus ordered the destruction of everything precious to the Jews: towns, villages, even their beloved Judean date palm trees. Centuries passed. The Jewish people were scattered, and the Judean date palm faded into extinction. 

Then, in 1963, a team of archaeologists uncovered two-thousand-year-old date palm seeds at the ruined fortress of Masada. For another forty years the seeds waited—until 2004, when Israeli scientist Dr. Sarah Sallon had a big, courageous idea. What if those ancient seeds could bring the Judean date palm back to life? Dr. Sallon recruited her friend Dr. Elaine Solowey, and their amazing experiment began. 

Intertwining world history, the scientific process, and dynamic artwork, The Miracle Seed follows the Judean date palm’s journey from tragic extinction to incredible rebirth. Now in paperback, this graphic novel is an unforgettable look at perseverance and survival in the face of impossible odds. 

Part of Eerdmans’ Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series, The Miracle Seed is a Junior Library Guild and PJ Library selection and was named to the Tablet Best Jewish Books list, among others.

Awards 

• A PJ Library Selection
• A Junior Library Guild Selection
• The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries, Inc. (CBHL) Award of Excellence in Literature for Young Adults (2025)
• Tablet Best Jewish Books List 
• Christianity Today Book Award in Young Adults 
• Foreword Reviews INDIES Book of the Year Award in Juvenile Nonfiction Gold Winner