Like a Maccabee
The Eagles have made it to the league championships! But now they must play the Bulldogs, and their defender is Travis the Tank. Ben’s praying for a Hanukkah miracle!
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What the Book is About
Jewish Content & Values
Positive Role Models
Content Advisory
Talk it Over!
More for You
What the Book is About
Ten-year-old Ben’s got a lot on his mind in this Hanukkah-themed easy reader chapter book. He’s worried about facing his nemesis in his upcoming soccer championship game: Travis “the Tank” is not only the intimidating defender of the other team, he’s also the school bully. To make matters even more complicated, Ben’s aging grandfather has recently relocated from Chicago – right into Ben’s bedroom. Ben feels misunderstood and anxious until he is inspired by his grandfather’s Hanukkah stories to stand up to Travis like a Maccabee. Young sports fans will enjoy reading this sweet and heartwarming story.
Jewish Content & Values
- Ben’s family celebrates Hanukkah by eating latkes and fried doughnuts, playing dreidel and lighting the menorah.
- Since Ben’s grandfather has come to live with them, Ben’s family lights Shabbat candles and recites a short prayer before dinner.
- Ben’s grandfather narrates the story of the Maccabees and the Miracle of the Oil after they light the menorah as a family.
Positive Role Models
- Ben begins the story as a somewhat self-centered, anxious child with a defeatist attitude. Inspired by the heroics of the Maccabees, he finds the courage to stand up to Travis, and the maturity to welcome his grandfather into his life.
- Ben’s grandfather is sensitive to his grandson’s feelings about sharing his room and makes a real effort to connect with him and encourage him to reach his soccer aims.
Content Advisory
None.
Talk it Over!
- Do you think Ben was right to stand up to Travis? Do you think Ben was smart to stand up to Travis? What are some other good ways to deal with a bully? Is there anyone in your life who acts like Travis?
More for You
Jewish Comic Book Writers:
Jewish cartoon artists and writers held leading roles in the start of the comic book industry, notably Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel (Superman) and Bob Kane and Bill Finger (Batman), among many others. For a great depiction of Jewish involvement in the comic book industry during World War Two, we encourage you to read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, the highly acclaimed (historical fiction) novel for grownups by the very talented Jewish author Michael Chabon.
What the Book is About
What the Book is About
Ten-year-old Ben’s got a lot on his mind in this Hanukkah-themed easy reader chapter book. He’s worried about facing his nemesis in his upcoming soccer championship game: Travis “the Tank” is not only the intimidating defender of the other team, he’s also the school bully. To make matters even more complicated, Ben’s aging grandfather has recently relocated from Chicago – right into Ben’s bedroom. Ben feels misunderstood and anxious until he is inspired by his grandfather’s Hanukkah stories to stand up to Travis like a Maccabee. Young sports fans will enjoy reading this sweet and heartwarming story.
Jewish Content & Values
Jewish Content & Values
- Ben’s family celebrates Hanukkah by eating latkes and fried doughnuts, playing dreidel and lighting the menorah.
- Since Ben’s grandfather has come to live with them, Ben’s family lights Shabbat candles and recites a short prayer before dinner.
- Ben’s grandfather narrates the story of the Maccabees and the Miracle of the Oil after they light the menorah as a family.
Positive Role Models
Positive Role Models
- Ben begins the story as a somewhat self-centered, anxious child with a defeatist attitude. Inspired by the heroics of the Maccabees, he finds the courage to stand up to Travis, and the maturity to welcome his grandfather into his life.
- Ben’s grandfather is sensitive to his grandson’s feelings about sharing his room and makes a real effort to connect with him and encourage him to reach his soccer aims.
Content Advisory
Content Advisory
None.
Talk it Over!
Talk it Over!
- Do you think Ben was right to stand up to Travis? Do you think Ben was smart to stand up to Travis? What are some other good ways to deal with a bully? Is there anyone in your life who acts like Travis?
More for You
More for You
Jewish Comic Book Writers:
Jewish cartoon artists and writers held leading roles in the start of the comic book industry, notably Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel (Superman) and Bob Kane and Bill Finger (Batman), among many others. For a great depiction of Jewish involvement in the comic book industry during World War Two, we encourage you to read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, the highly acclaimed (historical fiction) novel for grownups by the very talented Jewish author Michael Chabon.
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