Review: A Girl Revives Holiday Spirit In How I Saved Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah!

Last night was the first night of Hanukkah. It is celebrated for eight days by Jewish people all over the world.  Some of my friends celebrate and are really excited about it, especially because they get lots of gifts.

But in the book, How I Saved Hanukkah, by Amy Goldman Koss, Marla Feinstein’s family doesn’t really do much to celebrate Hanukkah. And she doesn’t  have any friends who do. She is the only Jewish kid in her class. So, for December holiday projects, when everyone else is using red and green paper for Christmas, she uses Jewish colors of blue and white.

Even though her family is Jewish, they always forget to light the candles on the menorah. Plus, her mom doesn’t even know how to play dreidel!  So, Marla decides to find out what Hanukkah is really about and soon her family is getting in on the Festival of Lights spirit! They even make latkes!

I’m not Jewish, but a few years ago, I got to learn about the celebration with our family friend, Ms. Laura. I got to light one of the candles and learned to make latkes. It was fun.

I liked this book because it showed how Marla grew to accept that she was Jewish and decided to help her family celebrate the Festival of Lights.

I recommend this book for Jewish kids who feel they are too different because they celebrate Hanukkah or Passover. Also, to anyone ages 8-10.

I give this book 3 out of 4 roses.