The Burning Light

My only regret about this book is that I found it tucked away in a young reader's section--after this year's Chanukah celebrations had ended. It's a lovely story for mid-level young readers who love adventure and enjoy learning Jewish stories. This one is the classic story of Judah Maccabees's victory, against all odds, in the ancient battle for Jerusalem and the First Temple, against the Greek conquerors lead by Antiochus. What makes this rendition so special is the way in which two modern Israeli children, living within 12 miles of Modi'in, are transported back through the centuries, and find themselves participating in the battle with Judah Maccabee, saving lives, defending their faith, and learning first hand the importance of fighting for religious freedom, and their people's survival. I bought the book for a mid-level reader, of course, but found myself tearing through the story one night. It's pure magic, and brings to life the glow of Chanukah's miracles and the story of the Festival of Lights. --Alyssa A. Lappen

This book would be fun to read any time of the year...but especially in the weeks before Chanukah. It is funny and exciting but also serious in some parts. A boy and a girl travel back in time to the time of the Maccabees. They are spies for Judah Maccabee. The kids learn a lot about the true meaning of Chanukah. There are battles and soldiers on elephants, friends and enemies, poisoness snakes and slave traders, suprises and miracles, angels and secret hiding places. The whole story of Chanukah is told in an exciting way. Our mom liked it because God is mentioned often...Judah prays and the kids talk about Torah and God and why it was so important to get back the Temple. Our Mom read two chapters every day to us ... but the words were easy enough that I could have read it by myself ....