Hanukkah at Valley Forge
Grade 2-4–The presence of Jews in the American Revolution is the subject of this fictional encounter between General George Washington and a Polish immigrant fighting with the Continental Army. As Washington surveys his troops on a cold winter's evening, he stops at a hut to watch the soldier as he lights candles and murmurs a prayer. The man explains that it's Hanukkah, and tells the general the ancient story of the fight for religious freedom against King Antiochus. Likening the Jews' struggle and ultimate triumph against a powerful oppressor to the American fight for independence provides a bridge between these two men and broadens the scope of the tale. Quietly beautiful watercolor illustrations draw a visual distinction between the frigid blue Pennsylvania night and the golden light of ancient Israel, which is further reflected in the warm glow of the Hanukkah candles. An author's note details the historical facts upon which this anecdote is based, providing an interesting perspective through which to view a familiar holiday story.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public LibraryCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.