Hanukkah at Valley Forge

 

Title: Hanukkah at Valley Forge

Author: Stephen Krensky

Illustrator: Greg Harlin

Age:11-14

The story begins with General George Washington discussing the war and his army of men. Some of the men didn't have weapons to defend themselves, clothes to wear, or enough food to eat. Then the general looks through a window and sees a soldier lighting a candle. The soldier is startled by the general and explains that it is the first night of Hanukkah and that is why he is lighting a candle. George Washington did not understand what Hanukkah was so the soldier explains it to him. The soldier explains that in Poland, his homeland, he was not able to practice his religion and beliefs. The soldier goes on to explain that the people of Israel had to follow the Greek idols and their beliefs. The soldier explains a battle that occurred in which Judah and his armies won, therefore, the people of Israel were able to practice their religion. They lit the menorah and it lasted eight days without oil. So, the soldier explains that he lit the first candle to celebrate the festival of lights and he will continue lighting the rest of them.

The illustrations look like they are done with watercolor paints. The illustrations are detailed and convey the emotions of the characters. The facial features on the people are detailed and very real-looking.