Cohn's powerful narrative tells how two children, two families--one Jewish, one Christian--and a community resolve to stand together against the shameful actions that have been happening in their home town. Her story is based on real events that happened in Billings, Montana, in 1993. Farnsworth's beautiful paintings illuminate the message of the power of goodness. Full color.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Gr. 3^-5. Based on a true incident that occurred in Billings, Montana, this story begins when a rock is thrown through a boy's bedroom window in which a menorah is displayed. The boy, Isaac, is frightened and unsure whether he wants to put the menorah back. His parents call the police, and his mother goes on television and to a meeting to talk about hate crimes in the community. Inspired by stories of the Danish people helping their Jewish neighbors during World War II, the people of Billings put menorahs in their windows to take a stand against bigotry. When a schoolmate supports Isaac, he takes his own stand by returning the menorah to its place. Although the plot seems a little stilted at times, Cohn deals with the issues in a way children can readily understand. Throughout the book, realistic, soft-focus oil paintings dramatize the action and personalize the characters. A fine book for parents and teachers who want to discuss prejudice and hate crimes with their children, with background information provided in the introduction. Carolyn Phelan
Review
"A must-have book for all ages-child and adult. Powerful."
American Bookseller
"Based on real events that occurred in Billings, Montana, the inspiring story is illustrated with soft oil paintings."
The Horn Book Guide --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An inspiring book of how young and old can fight bigotry,
By Scott Peeples (mpeols@aol.com) (Appleton, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate (Hardcover)
I first saw the documentary of the true story in Billings, Montana on which this book was based. The story comes to life through simple yet powerful words and vivid drawings. When thousands of non-Jewish citizens, including young children, fight bigotry by putting menorahs in their windows, they inspire us that no issue is too big to face head on. Every child over the age of nine should read this book, no matter what the racial or religious make up of his or her community.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Message...,
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This review is from: The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate (Hardcover)
I remember that night in December 1993. As Christians, we displayed the full paged Menorah from the Billings Gazette in our window. It was a message to the skinhead(s) that hatred and bigotry have NO place in Billings, Montana or anywhere else.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good true story read aloud by actor Bill Pullman,
By Friday PM (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate (Concept Books (Albert Whitman)) (Paperback)
The Christmas Menorahs is a compelling story. The Jewish Community Library of Los Angeles selected this book to be included in its public radio production "One People, Many Stories." One People, Many Stories is a 6 CD set of over 30 children's Jewish stories read by Hollywood talent. This particular story was read by actor,Bill Pullman who happens to own a ranch in Montana...the location of this true story of tolerance and sensitivity. You can purchase the CD set (6 CD set $$$) to hear Bill Pullman read The Christmas Menorahs
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
It was a cold December night in Billings, Montana. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Chief Inman, King Christian, Reverend Torney New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | First Pages | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
It was a cold December night in Billings, Montana. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Chief Inman, King Christian, Reverend Torney New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | First Pages | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
7
books
cite this book:
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- Teaching Jewish Holidays: History, Values, And Activities by Robert Goodman on page 103, and Back Matter
- Guardian Angels: True Stories of Answered Prayers by Joan Wester Anderson on page 199, and Back Matter
- Real Kids, Real Faith: Practices for Nurturing Children's Spiritual Lives (J-B Families and Faith Series) by Karen Marie Yust on page 153, and Back Matter
- The Jgirl's Guide: The Young Jewish Woman's Handbook for Coming of Age by Penina Adelman in Back Matter
- The Complete Guide to Service Learning: Proven, Practical Ways to Engage Students in Civic Responsibility, Academic Curriculum, & Social Action by Cathryn Berger Kaye on page 98
See all 7 books citing this book
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