The Christmas Menorahs

How a Town Fought Hate

Plot Summary

After someone throws a rock through Isaac Schnitzer's window, the people of Billings, Montana, join together to fight a series of hate crimes.

Awards

1996 CBC/NCSS Notable Trade Book-Social Studies; 1996 Honor Awards Skipping Stones, A Multicultural and Ecological Children's Magazine; Pick of the Lists, American Bookseller

Reviews

"A must-have book for all ages–child and adult. Powerful." American Bookseller

"Based on a true incident that occurred in Billings, Montana, this story begins when a rock is thrown through a boy's bedroom window in which a menorah is displayed....A fine book for parents and teachers who want to discuss prejudice and hate crimes with their children, with background information provided in the introduction." Booklist

"When Isaac Schnitzer's family become the target of a hate crime during the holiday season, their entire community stands together to denounce the act of bigotry and violence. Based on real events that occurred in Billings, Montana, the inspiring story is illustrated with soft oil painting." The Horn Book Guide

Associated Keywords
holiday, prejudice, hate crimes, Judaica, Jewish, multicultural, Hanukkah, diversity, Jews, Judaism, Christian, religious, menorah