Make a Wish, Molly [Paperback]

Barbara Cohen (Author), Jan Naimo Jones (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1995 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Excited by the first American birthday party she has ever attended, Russian-born Molly is tempted to eat the pink-and-white birthday cake of her hostess despite the Passover rule that prevents her from doing so. Reprint. K.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A worthy companion to Cohen's Molly's Pilgrim , this equally affecting tale follows Molly, the daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants, as she discovers another tradition observed in her adopted American homeland. Here, Molly attends her first birthday party. Entranced by her friend Emma's cake, which is decorated with pink icing and red roses, Molly imagines it must taste "like clouds." But she doesn't get the chance to find out: because it is Passover, her mother has forbidden her to partake of the party fare. Cruelly taunted by her classmate Elizabeth, Molly leaves the party early. Running home, she tearfully asks her mother, "Why do we have to be different? Why can't we be like everyone else?" But when Emma, Elizabeth and another girl come to visit on Molly's own birthday, her wise mother demonstrates that being a bit different is just fine as she stages an impromptu party and serves homemade rugelach in place of a "pink cloud cake." Jones's effectively shaded black-and-white illustrations ably convey the emotional depth of this commanding story, as well as the strength of the bond between Molly and her mother. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-The indomitable heroine of Molly's Pilgrim (Lothrop, 1983) is back in another story written with great warmth and feeling. When a new friend invites her to birthday party, Molly, a recent Russian immigrant, is thrilled to learn about all of the American traditions. She is especially excited when Emma tells her that there will be a cake just like the mouth-watering one that they have passed in the bakery window. She is devastated when her mother points out that she may not eat the cake because the party falls during Passover, when Jews are forbidden to eat anything made with leavening. This Passover is particularly special, because it is the family's first one in America. Molly's birthday follows soon after, and her mother helps her to share her heritage with her friends and still be true to herself. Cohen has once again created a moving narrative on a universal theme. The characters are all fully developed and believable-even the annoying Elizabeth does not descend into total stereotype. The charcoal illustrations perfectly capture the mood. Make a Wish, Molly is sure to find a welcoming audience.
Micki S. Nevett, Westmere Elementary School, Albany, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (March 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440410584
• ISBN-13: 978-0440410584
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,015,897 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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