Like a Maccabee

by Barbara Bietz, Anita White (Illustrator)

Overview

Days before Hanukkah, ten-year-old Ben’s soccer team makes the league championships. Only one thing stands between Ben and victory: the rival team’s best defender, a school bully whose favorite sport, other than soccer, is tormenting Ben. No one at home seems to understand. And now he has to share his bedroom—and his family’s attention—with his grandfather, who has recently come to live with them. Facing humiliation at school and misunderstood by those who love him most, Ben finds an unexpected friend in his grandfather, learning ancient wisdom and steadfast strength, enough for the big game . . . and beyond.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940016162171
Publisher:	Yotzeret Publishing
Publication date:	12/27/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	134
File size:	5 MB
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Barbara Bietz has chaired and served on the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee and maintains a blog dedicated to Jewish books for children at BarbaraBBookBlog.Blogspot.com. A freelance writer, book reviewer, and member of SCBWI, she also conducts writer’s workshops for children and adults. She lives in Oak Park, California. You can learn more about her at www.BarbaraBietz.com.

Editorial Reviews

Using the backdrop of the Hanukkah holiday, the author realistically captures the challenges of peer pressure and positive ways to overcome adversity against a bully. An important addition to the meager amount of Jewish-themed early chapter books, this heartwarming novel marks a promising debut for this first-time author. Kids will enjoy this book at Hanukkah time or throughout the year.

Jewish Book World - Debby Gold

The melding of plot and theme, Jewish history and contemporary life, Jewish values and character development is done very skillfully, with a light touch and a sure feel for childhood emotions and relationships. Ben’s family’s celebration of Hanukkah is portrayed with joy. Consider this a first purchase.

Newsletter of the Association of Jewish Libraries - Linda Silver