How I Saved Hanukkah
on Goodreads (24)
What’s inside...
Marla, the only Jewish student in her fourth-grade class, wishes she celebrated Christmas like her best friend Lucy, until one year when she decides to learn all about Hanukkah and to teach her family about it too.
Age
7-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marla Feinstein
Lucy
Discussion points
Why do you think Marla wanted to learn more about Hanukkah?
How did Marla's family change their celebration throughout the story?
What are some ways Marla showed creativity and determination?
How did Marla's actions influence her friends and family?
What did you learn about Hanukkah and its traditions from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences with holidays or traditions.
Praise your child’s insights or connections they make with characters, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and creativity.
Discuss the significance of cultural and family traditions, linking them to the story's themes.
Ask your child how they might solve a problem creatively like Marla did, fostering critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The protagonist, Marla, embarks on a journey to make her family's Hanukkah celebration more vibrant and meaningful, learning about traditions and the significance of the holiday.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to explore and appreciate their own cultural heritage and understand the importance of traditions in building family bonds.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: Marla shows ingenuity by finding ways to celebrate Hanukkah with limited resources, like crafting her own menorah and finding alternative ways to celebrate.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be resourceful and use creativity to solve problems, especially when facing limitations or obstacles.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing initial disinterest from her family, Marla persists in her efforts to celebrate Hanukkah, ultimately bringing her family together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and determination in achieving goals, especially in matters that are important to them personally.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: Marla learns about and shares the Hanukkah traditions with her friends who are not familiar with the holiday, promoting a message of inclusion and understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and embrace diversity, encouraging them to share their culture and learn about others’ cultures.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of family gatherings and shared experiences during Hanukkah, strengthening family relationships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and participate in family activities, understanding the role such interactions play in nurturing close family ties.