I liked this story of the little kid who was assigned to make a menorah at Jewish school -- he knew his family already had so many menorahs that were important to their family, but his teacher kept saying it would be okay. [return][return]They were both right, because he figures out the right home for the menorah. [return][return]I loved the relationship of the kid with his grandmother, and the matter-of-factness about everyday life. It made the book really relatable to little kids. [return][return]I bet the school craft dilemma is common, too. ( )

I liked this story of the little kid who was assigned to make a menorah at Jewish school -- he knew his family already had so many menorahs that were important to their family, but his teacher kept saying it would be okay.

They were both right, because he figures out the right home for the menorah.

I loved the relationship of the kid with his grandmother, and the matter-of-factness about everyday life. It made the book really relatable to little kids.

I bet the school craft dilemma is common, too. ( )

In my opinion this is an exceptional book. Sam the main character is conflicted because he knows that his parents already have several menorahs and doesn’t know who to give the handmade menorah, which he made in Sunday school.
The writing in this book is engaging and captures your attention right from the beginning. For example, the author opens with a scene of the students collecting items in a park. This hooks the reader because it brings out the curiosity of what they might be doing with the items they are collecting in the park. The plot of the story introduces the conflict at the beginning of the story and hints to what Sam can do with the menorah he has made. When introduced to the solution it is inferred based on the telephone conversations that he has with his grandmother. His grandmother only has an electric menorah and so the conflict is resolved because Sam gives the menorah to his grandmother as a gift to keep in the community room of her apartment building to share with the other residents. This is another example as to how the reader draws the reader in by presenting a conflict and hooking the reader’s interests in finding out the solution to the problem.
As you read each page the illustrations seem to walk you through each description read on the page. For example when Sam explains that his parents already have so many menorahs and don’t need anymore, the picture on the page shows his parents standing in front of seven different menorahs asking him which one they should use this years celebration.
The main idea or concept of this story is the gift of giving. The book centers on the idea of selflessness and giving gifts to others who are in need. Sam realized that his grandmother could use the menorah so he gave it to her instead. This book is also about showing love to family and friends during the holiday season. ( )

Summary: This children's book is about a little boy named Sam who has to make a Menorah for his class project in Hebrew school. He does not want to make a Menorah because his parents already have a bunch at home. As Sam, puts a lot of effort and work into his Menorah he talks to his Grandmother on the phone about his surprise for his parents. His grandmother talks to him about the upcoming holiday and mentions that she can not light a menorah in her apartment and the community lounge only has an electric one. Eventually, Sam cooks up the idea that the menorah will be a surprise for his grandmother and he gives it to her on Hanukkah for her community lounge!

Argument: I believe this is a great read for children for many reasons. This book is great because it addresses different aspects of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday. This not only connects with children who are Jewish in the classrooms but it teaches others about the Jewish culture and tradition. For example, on page 13 it says, "She told the class the story of the brave Maccabees and their fight to save the Temple". Another reason I like this book is for its illustrations. The illustrations are unique and fun to look at. They grab the attention of the reader and they also describe the text on each page. The illustrations help to understand the book and convey meaning.
The theme of this is to give to others who are need.The young boy realized that his grandmother could use the Menorah so he gave it to her instead. This book is also about showing love to family and friends during the holiday season. ( )