The New York Times Book Review
Light performs multiple roles in this fascinating glimpse at a little-known slice of Jewish American history, beautifully rendered in chalk pastels.
—Pamela Paul
Publishers Weekly
In this beautifully illustrated and evocative tale set in the 18th century, Emanuel is a Jewish boy living in the whaling town of New Bedford, Mass. Emanuel’s father, a merchant near the sea who lived as a secret Jew in Portugal until he immigrated to America, still suffers from fear of religious persecution. Emanuel pleads with him to celebrate Hanukkah by placing the menorah lights on the window sill, but he resists. It is only when Emanuel takes matters into his own hands that his father realizes the true meaning of freedom and miracles. Akib’s chalk pastels set a somber yet hopeful mood perfectly, while the captivating storytelling will keep young readers glued. Ages 5–9. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"Emanuel, inspired by the whalers who frequent his father’s shop in New Bedford Massachusetts, dreams of a life at sea. According to his father, 'the life of a whaler is lonely and dangerous' and he encourages Emanuel to become a merchant when he grows up. Emanuel views his father, an immigrant from Portugal who practices Judaism in secret, as being timid and fearful. Although they live in America, they light the Shabbat candles with the curtains closed, and every year his father refuses to put a whale oil menorah in the window in celebration of Hanukkah. This year is no exception. When his father refuses again, Emanuel runs away and leaves his father a note saying that he needs to experience freedom for himself; he hopes that someday his father will be free, too. Emanuel hides on a ship heading out to sea the next day, but soon discovers life as a stowaway to be quite different than he imagined. A storm is raging and the ship attempts to return to New Bedford, but it loses its bearings. Fortunately, Emanuel’s father and the rest of the Jewish community decide to place their menorahs in their windows, thus enabling the captain to steer his ship to shore. Emanuel’s note causes his father to have a change of heart, and to show he is no longer fearful of persecution because of his religion. He puts his menorah in the window and encourages his fellow Jews to do the same. An original setting and bold illustrations make this a unique Hanukkah story that will appeal to young children. In muted dark colors, the dramatic illustrations complement the story. Teachers and librarians will find it to be a terrific read-aloud. Although the ending is predictable, there is enough dramatic tension for most of the intended audience to overlook this flaw. Author Heidi Smyth Hyde (Mendel’s Accordion and Feivel’s Flying Horses) proves to have a knack for creating memorable historical fiction; however, a more elaborate author’s note with additional historical facts about the Jews who settled in New Bedford and their role in the whaling industry would have been helpful for readers thirsty for more information. Recommended for all libraries that serve young Jewish readers." —AJL Newsletter
Kirkus Reviews
A boy's insistence on exercising freedom of religion helps an 18th-century Portuguese-Jewish immigrant community openly practice and observe its faith. Emanuel works with his merchant father offering supplies to the whalers of New Bedford, Mass., and, with dreams of joining a ship when he is older, loves to listen to Captain Henshaw's adventurous seafaring stories. But his cautious father, scarred by the Spanish Inquisition, tells him that whaling is a dangerous occupation and that Emanuel's place will be at the store. Emanuel grows weary of his father's fears. He particularly cannot understand why they do not openly celebrate Shabbat or the eight nights of Hanukkah with their menorah's candles beaming in the window. On the eighth day of Hanukkah, the determined 9-year-old stows away on Captain Henshaw's ship, leaving a note expressing his search for freedom. Disaster strikes immediately in the form of a fierce storm that causes the ship to turn back. As suspense builds, the darkness is lit with the numerous flickering menorah candles in the windows of the Jewish homes, guiding the struggling ship and its crew back to shore. Opaque dark-blue– and brown-hued paintings provide a shadowy atmosphere; the chiseled faces of hard-working men are illuminated by candlelight. Emanuel's New World innocence, untouched by persecution, is reflected in his boyish, smooth face. Although didactic and idealized, this broad interpretation of freedom from a Jewish perspective is one not often seen. (Picture book. 5-8)
