Hanukkah Books Available from Wolfner Library
(December 2006)
At the end of each annotation you will find the call number or numbers for each title. BR means braille. Braille is contracted (grade 2) unless otherwise noted. A Print/Braille book has braille, standard text, and illustrations. LP means large print. RC and WOC mean recorded cassette. MOD is a recording in cassette format made by Wolfner Library volunteers. Not all titles are available in all formats.
To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through our OPAC. Happy Reading!
For Preschool-Grade 2
Hanukkah Lights, Hanukkah Nights by Leslie Kimmelman.
In simple text, the eight nights of Hanukkah are celebrated by an extended family. The endnote describes the origin of this holiday, and explains how, at Hanukkah, Jewish people remember the victory of the Maccabees and the freedom won to worship as they believe. Print/Braille. For grades P-2 and older readers. BR 8999.
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel.
It is the first night of Hanukkah and although Hershel is tired and hungry he steps lightly. Soon he will reach the village where bright candles, merry songs, and platters of tasty potato latkes await him. But when he reaches the village, he does not see a single candle. The villagers explain that wicked goblins who hate Hanukkah haunt the synagogue. Hershel decides that he must help the villagers. For preschool-grade 2. RC 31281.
In the Month of Kislev: A Story for Hanukkah by Nina Jaffe.
The children of a peddler too poor to buy a potato for Hanukkah fall happily asleep each night enticed by the delicious smell of the latkes from the rich merchant Feivel's house. When the greedy Feivel learns of their enjoyment, he takes the poor peddler's family to court to demand payment—and learns a lesson about the meaning of Hanukkah. For preschool-grade 2 and older readers. RC 38213.
For Grades K-3
A Confused Hanukkah: An Original Story of Chelm by Jon Koons.
When the rabbi is out of town as the time for celebrating Hanukkah approaches, the villagers of Chelm don't remember what to do. So Yossel travels down the road and returns with a new version of the Festival of Lights. For grades K-3. (This book is still in production, but may be reserved by requesting RC 60392.)
Elijah’s Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas by Michael J. Rosen.
Michael, a nine-year-old Jewish boy, spends long hours at the barbershop of Elijah, an elderly black man who is Christian and is a woodcarver. Michael loves Elijah's work. When Elijah gives Michael an angel on a day during Chanukah that is also Christmas Eve, Michael worries it is a "graven image"--until his father assures him it is a symbol of friendship, which is universal. For grades K-3 and older readers. RC 38127.
The Glass Menorah and Other Stories for Jewish Holidays by Maida Silverman.
A collection of eight brief stories featuring the Berg family, their cat Bessie, and their neighbor Mr. Yomtov. They celebrate various Jewish holidays including Rosh Hashanah, Simchat Torah, Passover, and Hanukkah. For grades K-3. RC 37140.
Inside-Out Grandma by Joan Rothenberg.
When Rosie asks her grandmother why she is wearing her clothes inside out, Grandma says it is to remind herself to buy enough oil to fry potato latkes for Hanukkah. The answer confuses Rosie, but gives Grandma a chance to tell a story involving Rosie’s father, Hanukkah gelt, a dreidel, and a menorah. For grades K-3. RC 45540.
It’s a Miracle!: A Hanukkah Storybook by Stephanie Spinner.
This is Owen's first year to light the Hanukkah candles on the menorah. On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah his grandmother tells him a bedtime story. The last story makes him especially happy. Includes the Hanukkah legend and blessings and a glossary. For grades K-3. RC 60212.
The Miracle of the Potato Latkes: A Hanukkah Story by Malka Penn.
Every year when Hanukkah arrives, Tante Golda reaches into her barrel and takes out eight of her best potatoes. She peels and grates them and makes a batch of golden, crispy latkes for her guests. But this year when Tante Golda reaches into the barrel, all she finds is one tiny potato. For grades K-3. RC 43729.
Moishe’s Miracle: A Hanukkah Story by Laura Krauss Melmed.
Moishe the milkman is kind to everyone in his poor village of Wishniak. One winter he receives a magic frying pan that produces delicious Hanukkah latkes until his selfish wife meddles. For grades K-3. (This book is still in production, but may be reserved by requesting RC 62307.)
The Story of Hanukkah told by Amy Ehrlich.
Retells the biblical story that is celebrated by Jewish people in the feast of Hanukkah. For grades K-3 and older readers. Print/Braille. BR 8929 and RC 33242.
The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco.
During a scarlet fever epidemic one winter in Michigan, a Jewish family helps make Christmas special for their sick neighbors by making their own Hanukkah miracle. For grades K-3. RC 53572.
Why Does It Always Rain on Sukkot? by Susan Schaalman Youdovin.
Many people believe that it often rains on the Jewish holiday of Sukkot because the holiday is celebrated in the rainy autumn. But the real reason is that long ago the chief angel called a meeting in heaven of the holidays—Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot—and gave each a special gift; Sukkot, fearing he had been left out, wept profusely. For grades K-3 and older. RC 35151.
For Grades 2-4
December Secrets by Patricia Reilly Giff.
Everyone in the class must pick one person to be especially nice to during the month of December. This person won’t know who is being so kind till the last day before vacation, but Ms. Rooney will know. By the time Emily Arrow gets to choose her secret friend, the only one left is someone no one else has chosen: that fat crybaby, Jill Simon. For grades 2-4.
Hanukkah: Festivals and Holidays by June Behrens.
A simply written treatment of a festive Jewish holiday that celebrates a great historic victory and a miracle. The celebration is described from the vantage point of two Jewish children. For grades 2-4 and older readers. RC 22326.
Horrible Harry and the Holidaze by Suzy Kline.
Miss Mackle's third graders share December holiday traditions, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Three Kings' Day, and Korean New Year, with one another and with Harry's great-grandfather who just moved into a nursing home. For grades 2-4. RC 58706.
I, Amber Brown by Paula Danziger.
Amber prepares for Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations with her mother and her mother's fiance, Max. Meanwhile, Amber doesn't help the growing irritation between her mother and her father when she sneakily gets her ears pierced. For grades 2-4. RC 50501.
The Jar of Fools: Eight Hanukkah Stories from Chelm by Eric Kimmel.
A story for each night of Hanukkah about Chelm, a town where the people are either foolish or strangely wise, depending on which version of the title piece, "The Jar of Fools," one believes. For grades 2-4 and older readers. RC 51581.
Ten Holiday Jewish Children’s Stories retold by Barbara Goldin.
Highlights traditions that have grown out of Jewish holidays. Includes Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B'Shvat, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot. Each story is accompanied by questions for discussion. For grades 2-4 and older readers. BR 15719 and RC 58831.
For Grades 3-6
Dance, Sing, Remember: A Celebration of Jewish Holidays by Leslie Kimmelman.
Introduces eleven Jewish holidays including Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot that are celebrated throughout the year; and Shabbat, which is celebrated every week. Explains each observance and some of the related stories, songs, and recipes. For grades 3-6. BR 13458.
Jeremy’s Dreidel by Ellie Gellman.
Jeremy’s art class at the Jewish center is making dreidels for Hanukkah. Each child can design one. Jeremy plans to use a special design for his father, who is blind. For grades 3-6 and older readers. BR 12254 and RC 48390.
Jewish Holidays by Betty Bacon.
History and customs of seven Jewish holidays: the Sabbath, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Purim, and Passover. For grades 3-5. RC 11698.
The Spotted Pony: A Collection of Hanukkah Stories by Eric Kimmel.
A collection of eight Jewish folktales, each preceded by a brief "shammes" story, to be read on the eight nights of Hanukkah. Includes "Leviathan and the Fox," "Did the Rabbi Have a Head?" and "The Caliph and the Cobbler." For grades 3-6 and older readers. RC 39534.
Stone Lamp: Eight Stories of Hanukkah through History by Karen Hesse.
An episode, seen through a child's eye, for each night of Hanukkah, following a chronicle of the Jewish people from twelfth-century England to twentieth-century Israel. Describes painful periods such as the Crusades, the Inquisition, and Kristallnacht. For grades 3-6. RC 58358.
There’s No Such Thing as a Chanukah Bush, Sandy Goldstein by Susan Sussman.
Robin would give almost anything to have a Christmas tree, but her parents, who are Jewish, won’t even let her have a Chanukah bush. For grades 3-6. BR 6055 and RC 22882.
While the Bear Sleeps: Winter Tales and Traditions retold by Caitlin Matthews.
A treasury of stories about solstice celebrations—festivities that occur when the sun is farthest from the equator. Includes Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and twelfth night; describes many of the customs that accompany these holidays. For grades 3-6. RC 50613.
Yossi Asks the Angels for Help by Miriam Chaikin.
Yossi is dismayed when he discovers that the eight quarters he has to buy Hanukkah presents for his family have disappeared through a hole in his pocket. Yossi prays to the angels for a miracle and waits for them to help him. When the clever rebbe points out that "Sometimes, we must act as if there is no God, and figure things out for ourselves," Yossi comes up with a solution to his problem. For grades 3-6. RC 26222.
For Grades 4-7
Alexandra’s Scroll: The Story of the First Hanukkah by Miriam Chaikin.
Alexandra is unusual because she can read and write in the Jerusalem of some two thousand years ago. She tells the story of the dangers facing Jews and the events of 165 B.C.E. that are commemorated in the holiday of Hanukkah. For grades 4-7. RC 56463.
All About Jewish Holidays and Customs by Morris Epstein.
Follows the Jewish calendar through the year, describing both the gay, fun-filled celebrations such as Purim and Hanukkah, and the solemn ones such as Yom Kippur. Grades 4-7 and older interested readers. RC 22211.
The Family Treasury of Jewish Holidays by Maika Drucker.
Arranged by the Jewish calendar, this collection of stories, poems, songs, crafts, and games discusses each of the religious holidays beginning with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Included are Sukkot, Simhat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B'Sh'vat, Purim, Pesah, Shavuot, Yom HaShoah, Yom Ha'atzmaut, and finally the Sabbath. The history and rituals of the observance are discussed at the beginning of each section. For grades 4-7 and older readers. RC 40298.
To Every Season: A Family Holiday Cookbook by Jane Breskin Zalben.
Presents a brief history of holidays throughout the calendar year with recipes for traditional favorites. Covers New Year's, Valentine's, St. Patrick's, April Fools', Easter, Passover, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. For grades 4-7 and older readers. BR 14146.
For Young Adult Readers
Broken Song by Kathryn Lasky.
During Hanukkah in 1897, the family of quiet, violin-playing Reuven Bloom is murdered in their Russian village and the fifteen-year-old flees with his baby sister. While fighting against the Russian army, Reuven helps another family to escape, that of Sashie from The Night Journey (RC 61475). For grades 5-8. (This book is still in production, but it may be reserved by requesting RC 61760.)
Hanukkah Lights: Stories of the Season; f rom NPR’s Annual Holiday Special.
Twelve stories celebrating Hanukkah by contemporary authors Myra Goldberg, Daniel Pinkwater, Harlan Ellison, Dani Shapiro, Elie Wiesel, Mark Helprin, and others. In Anne Roiphe’s "The Demon Foiled," a new Jewish mayor attempts to light the family Hanukkah candles while he is being filmed for local TV. For high school and adult readers.