How I Saved Hanukkah by Ella

Hi, I’m Ella. I’m in 5th grade, and I am the girl on the cover of the book, How I Saved Hanukkah! I was really surprised and happy to see my younger brother, Amir, and me on the book cover when I received it in the mail last week! I started reading it right away. I thought it was very cute how the main character Marla and her best friend Lucy found out about Hanukkah together, and helped each other when they were sad. I loved reading it!

While I was reading the book, I felt like I was the main character. Like Marla, I am the only Jewish child in my class at school, and this past Hanukah, I also celebrated one night with my best friend, Leeann, but unlike Lucy, Leeann is Jewish! We lit candles and ate sufganiyot (jelly donuts).

Another difference between Marla and me is my family knows a lot about Hanukkah because my parents, grandparents and relatives were born and raised in Israel! Here in the United States, most people celebrate Christmas, but in Israel, it is completely different, most people celebrate Hanukkah. Instead of listening to friends talk about trees and light decorations, friends in Israel talk about sufganiyot, dreidels and which family and friends are coming over to celebrate! We love having people over to celebrate!

Overall, I think it was very cool to be on the cover of this book. I am sure I will always remember reading this book!

I relate to the character of Marla…do you have a favorite PJOW character? Comment below!