Isaac Blum author page

Isaac Blum biography

Isaac Blum is a writer and educator who writes young adult fiction. He has taught English at several colleges and universities, and at Orthodox Jewish and public schools.

His debut novel, The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen, was published by Philomel Books on 13 September 2022. The book follows Yehuda “Hoodie” Rosen, an Orthodox Jewish teenager whose community moves to the fictional town of Tregaron, where antisemitic crimes and a forbidden friendship shape the story.

The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen was longlisted for the National Book Award and won the Morris Award. A paperback edition was published by Philomel Books on 17 October 2023 with discussion questions included.

Blum’s second novel, The Judgment of Yoyo Gold, was published by Philomel Books on 15 October 2024. The story follows Yocheved “Yoyo” Gold, an Orthodox Jewish teenager who questions parts of her community while using TikTok anonymously and navigating friendship, family expectations and romance.

The Judgment of Yoyo Gold was a finalist for the 2025 National Jewish Book Award.