Reviews of the Original 1995 Edition
"A true story set in Billings, Montana, of a Jewish family's house that was vandalized during Hanukkah because of a menorah in their window. Because of understanding people who believed everyone should celebrate their holidays without fear, a town of all faiths united against these acts of hate. A must-have book for all ages-child and adult. Powerful."
-Pick of the Lists, American Bookseller"A powerful narrative about how two children, their families, and a community resolve to stand together against bigotry and hatred."
-A Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies for 1996, chosen by the National Council for the Social Studies and The Children's Book Council"Thank you Janice Cohn for all your work to record this inspiring event which occurred in Billings, Montana in 1993...this touching, unforgettable book will inspire generations to come to speak out against hatred. If I had a magic wand, I would wish this book into every household."
-Skipping Stones Magazine"[An] inspiring true story."
-Instructor Magazine"[An] important story about religious freedom."
-Library Talk"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... 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."
-Booklist"In Billings, Montana, a menorah displayed in a boy's bedroom prompted someone to throw a rock through the window. The resulting true story of one town's fight against bigotry is the subject of this award-winning book. 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."
-Scholastic Magazine"Although this says juvenile literature, I think this is a book that everyone should read or have read to them.
-State Library Division, State of Utah
Based on a true incident that occurred in Billings, Montana, this story begins when a rock is thrown through Isaac's bedroom window in which a menorah is displayed. Frightened, he removes it. Afterwards, the mother goes on television and to a meeting to talk about hate crimes in the community, and inspired by stories of the Danish people helping their Jewish neighbors during World War II, the whole town puts menorahs in their windows to take a stand against bigotry. Reassured, Isaac replaces the menorah in his window. Realistic soft-focus oil paintings dramatize the action and personalize the characters. Background information is provided in the introduction. A great book for discussing prejudice.
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.