Hanukkah Books for the Holidays

 

Hanukkah is coming up December 24^th thru January 1^st. Every year we pull out some favorite books to read during Hanukkah in our homeschool. It’s a wonderful family tradition that we have done since the beginning of our homeschool journey.

 
Here's a few of our favorites:

Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky

 A soldier tells George Washington the miraculous story of how an army of Jewish soldiers defeated a much larger force of powerful Greeks, a tale that provides just the kind of inspiration the General needs. 

This is a favorite story for my history loving family. The illustrations are done in a beautiful array of watercolors. What a wonderful reminder that even during the darkest of nights that miracles do still happen.

Papa's Latkes by Michelle Edwards

 (This is kinda of a sad story but, well worth the read) For Selma and her little sister, this is their first Chanukah without Mama. When Papa comes home carrying all the ingredients for latkes, Selma is worried. Can they make the latkes without Mama? Selma comes to realize that while Chanukah — and especially latkes — will never be the same without Mama, Selma can still celebrate, and will always remember.

Just a reminder to be grateful for what you have.

Alexandra's Scroll: The Story of the First Hanukkah by Miriam Chaikin

I read this book awhile back and I’m excited to read it to my kids for the first time this year.

A young girl’s account of life in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. The hated Syrian-Greek king fills ancient Jerusalem with statues of Greek gods and destroys the Jewish temple, feisty Alexandra takes up reed pen, ink, and sheet of papyrus and turns “scribe.”

In her scroll Alexandra records the everyday happenings of her life, as well as the events of the Jewish rebellion led by the Maccabees. When her father joins the resistance against the Greek authorities, Alexandra must leave her friends and the city she loves. The victory of the Maccabees three years later returns the family to Jerusalem—to old friends, new ones and, for Alexandra, a new life.

Place and time are recreated in this story of a girl caught up in the events that led to the rebuilding of the temple, the miracle of oil that burns eight days, and the celebration of the first Hanukkah.

What are some of your favorite Hanukkah books to read? Since my kids are getting older I wanted to find a something more for there age. I have a few different books on order and I can’t wait to share them with you after we read them.

The Homeschool Crew Review is sharing some of their favorite reads around the holidays so don't forget to stop by and see what books are their favorites.