The Burning Light [Hardcover]

Betsy Ramsay (Author), Elizabeth Ramsay (Author), Avi Katz (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Two young time-travelers are caught up in the adventure and heroism of the Hanukkah story. They quickly discover that the Maccabees have to fight not only Antiochus and the Greek empire, but the many Jews who have accepted the ways of the Greeks and their gods.

1) Ideal for ages 9-12 because it views the historical action through the eyes of this age group. 2) Well researched so that the child learns of places and people recorded in history. 3) Reveals some of the conflict that occurred within the Jewish camp between those who wanted independence and those who were completely assimilated.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This novel by an Israel-based author whisks its characters back in time. In their Tel Aviv apartment, Galit and Gidon venture out of bed to spin the dreidels in the curio cabinet, but when Gidon mistakenly handles a block marked Cronos (the Greek god of time), the siblings find themselves transported to the scene of the Maccabees' rebellion against the Greeks. The historical details, like those in Scroll, are excellent; the plotting runs more to cliffhanger-style action (as suggested by the cover, showing two terrified children gripped in the trunk of an elephant ridden by armed Greek soldiers) while the prose runs to the formulaic. B&w art throughout. Ages 9-14.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Betsy Ramsay is an author of three books of original poetry. Her poetry has been anthologized in "AMERICAN SINGS’ and "POETRY." Betsy is a freelance journalist for both English and Swedish publications. Her previous book, " FOOTSTEPS" appeared both in Swedish and English.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 143 pages
• Publisher: Simcha Media Group (NJ) (August 19, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1930143435
• ISBN-13: 978-1930143432
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,049,132 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book ever!, November 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Burning Light (Hardcover)

This book would be fun to read any time of the year...but especially in the weeks before Chanukah. It is funny and exciting but also serious in some parts. A boy and a girl travel back in time to the time of the Maccabees. They are spies for Judah Maccabee. The kids learn a lot about the true meaning of Chanukah. There are battles and soldiers on elephants, friends and enemies, poisoness snakes and slave traders, suprises and miracles, angels and secret hiding places. The whole story of Chanukah is told in an exciting way. Our mom liked it because God is mentioned often...Judah prays and the kids talk about Torah and God and why it was so important to get back the Temple. Our Mom read two chapters every day to us ... but the words were easy enough that I could have read it by myself ....

5.0 out of 5 stars De-Light-Full, December 19, 2007

By 

Alyssa A. Lappen (Earth) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Burning Light (Paperback)

My only regret about this book is that I found it tucked away in a young reader's section --- after this year's Chanukah celebrations had ended.

It's a lovely story for mid-level young readers who love adventure and enjoy learning Jewish stories.

This one is the classic story of Judah Maccabees's victory, against all odds, in the ancient battle for Jerusalem and the First Temple, against the Greek conquerors lead by Antiochus.

What makes this rendition so special is the way in which two modern Israeli children, living within 12 miles of Modi'in, are transported back through the centuries, and find themselves participating in the battle with Judah Maccabee, saving lives, defending their faith, and learning first hand the importance of fighting for religious freedom, and their people's survival.

I bought the book for a mid-level reader, of course, but found myself tearing through the story one night. It's pure magic, and brings to life the glow of Chanukah's miracles and the story of the Festival of Lights.

--Alyssa A. Lappen