Passover: Festival of Freedom (Orca Origins #1)

by Monique Polak (Author)

Passover: Festival of Freedom (Orca Origins #1)
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: Orca Origins
During Passover, Jews are reminded of how, more than three thousand years ago, their ancestors emerged from slavery to become free men and women. Bestselling author Monique Polak explores her own Jewish roots as she tells the Passover story, which reminds us that the freedom to be who we are and practice our religion, whatever it may be, is a great gift. It also teaches us that if we summon our courage and look out for each other, we can endure and overcome the most challenging circumstances. Enlivened by personal stories, Passover reminds us that we can all endure and overcome the most challenging circumstances. Passover is the first in the Orca Origins series that examines ancient traditions kept alive in the modern world.
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$24.95

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School Library Journal

Gr 5-8--A unique, eclectic Passover book. The first section ("What's Passover All About?") offers a comprehensive explanation of the history, customs, symbols, and practices of the holiday that is accessible to newcomers and will also enlighten those who already have some background. Polak then retells the personal stories of two Holocaust survivors ("Passover Before and After the Holocaust"), examining their memories of the ritual as children before the war, during the war, and once they emigrated to Canada. The third section ("Passover in Action") focuses on the tradition of feeding the hungry. Polak provides an overly detailed account of various endeavors sponsored by Jewish organizations in Canada that may lose the attention of general readers. The final part ("Passover Around the World") briefly describes how the holiday is observed in countries such as Israel, the Netherlands, China, and Nepal. Attractive, contemporary, full-color photographs are generously sprinkled throughout, but the pictures don't always match the text. Text boxes, quotes, and sidebars are effective and informative. VERDICT A useful purchase for libraries looking to enhance their Passover offerings.--Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"While this title in the Orca Origins series explains the holiday of Passover, it also goes further. In the introduction, Polak remembers her associations with the holiday while growing up in Montreal, mostly through friends' seders...The sections in which the Holocaust survivors remember is both chilling and moving...Kids' holiday rituals and personal stories make for an interesting mix. Illustrated with many color photos, this unique take on an ancient holiday should resonate with readers."

— "Booklist"
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781459809901
Lexile Measure
1020
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Publication date
February 16, 2016
Series
Orca Origins
BISAC categories
JNF038000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | People & Places | General
JNF049110 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Religion | Judaism
JNF026120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Passover
Library of Congress categories
Religion
Passover
Polak, Monique

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