Print ISBN: 0807531456

Language: English

JUV017110  –  Juvenile Fiction / Holidays & Celebrations / Hanukkah

REL034040  –  Religion / Holidays / Jewish

Worldwide

How do Jewish children around the world celebrate Hanukkah? On every continent, in every culture, families gather to recount the courage of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil. HANUKKAH: EIGHT LIGHTS AROUND THE WORLD travels to celebrations in the United States, Israel, Mexico, Argentina, France, India, Morocco and Russia. How do children in these different cultures celebrate? What foods do they eat? What traditions do they keep alive? The eight vignettes in HANUKKAH: EIGHT LIGHTS AROUND THE WORLD give us a glimpse into this magical night, so special to children everywhere.

With beguilingly simple prose, Sussman transports readers around the globe weaving unifying themes of Hanukkah - freedom, charity, security, heroism - into the fabric of her brief stories. Joining Sussman’s THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A CHANUKAH BUSH, this is a vibrant choice for holiday collections.

—Booklist

A boy and girl lighting a menorah illustrates the cover of this volume telling stories in eight different countries in connections with Hanukkah. One is introduced to various customs making this book an enjoyable learning experience.

—Association of Jewish Libraries

The nights of celebration are described through the eyes of children in Israel, Mexico, Argentina, the United States, France, India, Morocco, and Russia -- always with the loving guidance of the elders. It's an informative, respectful book.

—Reading Teacher

A collection of eight short stories about how modern Jewish families celebrate the holidays in different countries of the world. This book would make an excellent addition to a basic holiday collection for young readers.

—Tri-State YA Book Review Committee-Drexel University

The episodes are believable and add human interest amidst contemporary settings to those looking for something besides straight history. There is a helpful glossary of Yiddish and Hebrew words and phrases and a bibliography of children and adult sources.

—Children's Book Review Service - Brooklyn, NY

Each community is represented by a Jewish boy or girl, and each story is flavored with the spirit of the community it represents. Instead of concentrating on the past the author links the festival of Hanukkah with the idea of religious freedom, which these modern Jews wish to enjoy always.

—Southeastern PA School Library Book Review

...its text is so interesting that it is a must addition to any library because of its unusual slant in content.

—Allegheny Intermediate Unit

Outstanding illustrations, a glossary, and a bibliography accompany and enrich a well-written, inspiring text. A fine book for discussions about constitutional freedoms or religions around the world.

—Oklahoma State Dept. of Education - Book Reviews K-12

Susan Sussman

Susan Sussman is the author of twenty-two books as well as numerous articles and musicals. She won an EMMY for the screen adaptation of her book THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A CHANUKAH BUSH, SANDY GOLDSTEIN (now available on DVD) and is currently working on a mystery series set in the courtrooms of south Florida.