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jaij7's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written. Excellent message. Great for immigration, Holocaust, Jewish, being grateful, compassion, or World War II lesson. My son and I had a great discussion while reading this together before bed.
swtmarie's review against another edition
4.0
The authors take a heavy and difficult topic and turn it into a gentle yet informative read for children. "It is important to look for the blessings" is the message that is spread throughout the story and the young protagonist Oskar encounters many good people in his travels as a refugee to NYC. The thought that a young boy who enters an unknown country alone and has to travel over 100 blocks to find his aunt after experiencing one's own worst nightmare is unreal. What a strong demonstration of resilience and bravery in the face of evil and war. My family and I enjoyed reading this story along with the co-author's note at the end. The map highlighting each of the blessings Oskar received in the back of the book was a nice visual addition as well.
allmadhere106's review against another edition
4.0
For: readers looking for a Holocaust lit book for younger readers.
Possible red flags: heavy subject topic that will need some explaining.
Possible red flags: heavy subject topic that will need some explaining.
snazel's review against another edition
5.0
Despite his life absolutely sucking— he's just fled Germany in 1938, he's lost his family, he has to walk the length of Manhattan in December, he's starving— Oskar still manages to find eight good things as he walks, on the last evening of Hanukkah. I normally have trouble with books whose message is "you should look on the bright side!" but this one manages to not be trite. It's too real to be trite.
pwbalto's review against another edition
4.0
Serious, but with a happy ending. A little weepy, in a good way. Oskar is all alone in New York City, having been sent to America by his parents after Kristallnacht. It's the first night of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve, and as Oskar makes his way north on Broadway he is touched by the kindness of strangers both rich and poor. Including Eleanor Roosevelt, if you look closely.
All my picks for best books to give this holiday are at http://www.unadulterated.us/pink-me/2015/12/give-it-all-the-goodies-for-this-holiday-season.html
All my picks for best books to give this holiday are at http://www.unadulterated.us/pink-me/2015/12/give-it-all-the-goodies-for-this-holiday-season.html
heisereads's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely story of hope and looking for the blessings around us. Addresses Kristallnacht/Holocaust history in an introductory/accessible way for younger kids.
michelle_neuwirth_gray9311's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. The story is wonderful and the illustrations are just breathtaking.