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Oskar and the Eight Blessings
A refugee seeking sanctuary from the horrors of Kristallnacht, Oskar arrives by ship in New York City with only a photograph and an address for an aunt he has never met. It is both the seventh day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve, 1938. As Oskar walks the length of Manhattan, from the Battery to his new home in the north of the city, he passes experiences the city's many holiday sights, and encounters it various residents. Each offers Oskar a small act of kindness, welcoming him to the city and helping him on his way to a new life in the new world.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 8, 2015
8 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
T.R. Simon
3 books53 followersI'm the co-author with Victoria Bond of Zora and Me, winner of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent, nominated for an Edgar, and winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award. With my husband Richard Simon and NYT bestselling illustrator Mark Siegel, I am the co-author of Oskar and the Eight Blessings, winner of a National Jewish Book Award for children's literature. My most recent book, Zora and Me: The Cursed Ground, is a Junior Library Guild selection with starred reviews from Horn Books, Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Shelf Awareness and has been nominated for a 2019 Edgar Award in the Juvenile category.
Find me at www.trsimonbooks.com
Find me at www.trsimonbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
December 2, 2018
Lovely story and pictures! Great map of Manhattan in NYC circa 1938 at the end of the book that shows Oskar’s journey and the events/people he encounters along the way. There is a touching and informative author’s note at the end too. Great story for Hanukkah, and as a gentle introduction to the Holocaust, and even for Christmas too, for historical fiction NYC, and a wonderful story about perseverance and kindnesses and finding the good there is to be found. I followed along with Oskar as he goes down Broadway to his destination and found the story entrancing. It was a perfect book for me to read at this time of year, and brought back some memories of NYC too. Also, we need a story like this right now. Highly recommended as a story about a refugee/immigrant!
December 2, 2018
" Oskar, even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings." So says Oskar's father to him as he embarks on his own for America. The date is Dec 23,1938 and Oskar is Jewish.
He arrives in New York with an address and a picture of his Aunt Esther. As he walks to get to her place, "blessings" greet him along the way.
This is a beautifully illustrated child's book with a lovely message.
He arrives in New York with an address and a picture of his Aunt Esther. As he walks to get to her place, "blessings" greet him along the way.
This is a beautifully illustrated child's book with a lovely message.
November 9, 2015
A beautiful story about a young immigrant's arrival in New York City. As Oskar travels to his aunt's house, he learns that even the smallest encounters can be blessings. The illustrations in this one are gorgeous and compliment the story so well. I'll definitely be reading this one during the holiday season!
March 18, 2017
It gives me shivers when a book comes along at just the right time, and this book, lying on my shelf for weeks, suddenly became one I wanted to read. It’s a made-up story, based on history of the Hanukah, then Christmas in New York City, 1938. Richard Simon also connects one of his grandfather’s stories to it, a choice of staying in America during this time, or returning to Lithuania.
Oskar’s family felt blessed, and the story begins, “until the Night of Broken Glass”. He was put on a ship to America with nothing but an address and a photo of a woman he didn’t know, his Aunt Esther. His father’s last words were “Even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings.” When he arrived, it was the last night of Hanukah and Christmas Eve. Oskar needed to walk 100 blocks to reach his aunt’s home, all the way down Broadway! There is a marvelous map showing his route, and how the story makes Oskar connect to those “blessings” along the way. He begins with Trinity Church, seeing an old woman feeding bread to the pigeons. She offers a part of a roll so he can, too, but notices that he eats it himself. From her pocket, she gives him a small loaf of bread, energy so he can make the long journey. Oskar moves along, has some sweet encounters with others known, like “Mrs. Roosevelt and Count Basie” and unknown, a boy having a snowball fight whom he helps, who offers his mittens when he sees how cold Oskar is. I won’t give all the blessings away, but Mark Siegel’s illustrations are beautiful portraits of each scene, in muted brown tones with just a few bits of color, showing that evening walk. They enhance the memory of one fine night when Oskar found his blessings. I would hope that America will be as kind today as it was to Oskar so many years ago.
Oskar’s family felt blessed, and the story begins, “until the Night of Broken Glass”. He was put on a ship to America with nothing but an address and a photo of a woman he didn’t know, his Aunt Esther. His father’s last words were “Even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings.” When he arrived, it was the last night of Hanukah and Christmas Eve. Oskar needed to walk 100 blocks to reach his aunt’s home, all the way down Broadway! There is a marvelous map showing his route, and how the story makes Oskar connect to those “blessings” along the way. He begins with Trinity Church, seeing an old woman feeding bread to the pigeons. She offers a part of a roll so he can, too, but notices that he eats it himself. From her pocket, she gives him a small loaf of bread, energy so he can make the long journey. Oskar moves along, has some sweet encounters with others known, like “Mrs. Roosevelt and Count Basie” and unknown, a boy having a snowball fight whom he helps, who offers his mittens when he sees how cold Oskar is. I won’t give all the blessings away, but Mark Siegel’s illustrations are beautiful portraits of each scene, in muted brown tones with just a few bits of color, showing that evening walk. They enhance the memory of one fine night when Oskar found his blessings. I would hope that America will be as kind today as it was to Oskar so many years ago.
December 14, 2015
Oskar survived Kristallnacht in Nazi Europe and has been sent by his family to live with his aunt in New York City. When he arrives, he has to walk over 100 blocks down Broadway to reach her, hopefully before she lights the menorah at sunset. Along the way, Oskar is reminded again and again about looking for blessings in life. He is given bread by a woman feeding the birds, a comic book by the man who runs the newsstand, mittens by a boy in the park. But most of all in his long walk in the cold, he is given hope once again that he is somewhere safe.
The authors have created a picture book that speaks to the horrors of the Holocaust only in passing. Instead it is much more focused upon feeling embraced by a city even as a newly-arrived immigrant. It is about the small things that we do in kindness each day and the way that those small things build to something larger and more important for someone. This book celebrates New York City and the shelter and home that can be found there.
The illustrations are interesting for a book set in the past. They incorporate comic-like panels on the page that really work well. The illustrations have a sense of wonder about them. They capture small pieces of New York, allowing the snow and city to swirl around the reader just as they do around Oskar himself.
A lovely holiday book that is about more than either Christmas or Hanukkah but about home and hope. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
The authors have created a picture book that speaks to the horrors of the Holocaust only in passing. Instead it is much more focused upon feeling embraced by a city even as a newly-arrived immigrant. It is about the small things that we do in kindness each day and the way that those small things build to something larger and more important for someone. This book celebrates New York City and the shelter and home that can be found there.
The illustrations are interesting for a book set in the past. They incorporate comic-like panels on the page that really work well. The illustrations have a sense of wonder about them. They capture small pieces of New York, allowing the snow and city to swirl around the reader just as they do around Oskar himself.
A lovely holiday book that is about more than either Christmas or Hanukkah but about home and hope. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
February 2, 2018
This book is entirely unfair. It's the story of Oskar, a young immigrant from Germany sent to America by his parents after Kristalnacht. The last words his father says to him before setting him on the boat is, "blessings are everywhere, you just have to look for them." The book itself is focused on the long trek from the port to his aunt's house on the last night of Hanukkah which happens to be Christmas Eve in this story. Oskar runs into and meets people and indeed discovers that blessings are everywhere. By the time he runs into his aunt who calls him by his father's name, I'm just about a wreck. I can't even read the last lines without choking up.
There is a magic to this book that places it firmly in the holiday category, but it's an everyday, mundane magic -- the people he meets and interacts with are everyday people. The blessings he receives are simple, everyday acts of compassion, generosity, and joy. I don't care what holiday you celebrate at the end of the year, as the message and story of the book are about as universal as you can get. I highly recommend this. Just bring plenty of tissue.
There is a magic to this book that places it firmly in the holiday category, but it's an everyday, mundane magic -- the people he meets and interacts with are everyday people. The blessings he receives are simple, everyday acts of compassion, generosity, and joy. I don't care what holiday you celebrate at the end of the year, as the message and story of the book are about as universal as you can get. I highly recommend this. Just bring plenty of tissue.
October 12, 2017
4.5 stars...this was such a beautiful and touching book!! Oskar leaves Europe to head to an unknown aunt in America after Kristallnacht. Before he departs on the ship, his father says, "Oskar, even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings."
When Oskar arrives, he has a long walk before him in order to reach his aunt's home. He is tired and hungry and it is the 7th day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve. He sets off on his journey. As he travels, a woman is feeding the birds. She gives him a piece of bread to feed the birds, but he is so hungry, he eats it. The woman, recognizing his need, gives him fresh, warm bread. He falls and someone helps him up. Over and over, small acts of kindness are extended to Oskar, and with his father's words ringing in his ears, he recognizes them as blessings.
There's a touching author's note at the end and the book is lovely. While the illustrations are dark and would not typically be favorites for me, they work quite well with the setting and background...and the characters' eyes seem to speak great depths of emotion.
Highly recommended.
When Oskar arrives, he has a long walk before him in order to reach his aunt's home. He is tired and hungry and it is the 7th day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve. He sets off on his journey. As he travels, a woman is feeding the birds. She gives him a piece of bread to feed the birds, but he is so hungry, he eats it. The woman, recognizing his need, gives him fresh, warm bread. He falls and someone helps him up. Over and over, small acts of kindness are extended to Oskar, and with his father's words ringing in his ears, he recognizes them as blessings.
There's a touching author's note at the end and the book is lovely. While the illustrations are dark and would not typically be favorites for me, they work quite well with the setting and background...and the characters' eyes seem to speak great depths of emotion.
Highly recommended.
November 17, 2018
Shortly after the events of Kristallnacht, a young German Jewish boy named Oskar is put on a ship to America by his parents, sent to live in safety with his Aunt Esther in New York City. "Oskar, even in bad times, people can be good," his father tells him, "You have to look for the blessings." Set on the seventh day of Hanukkah in 1938 - a day which also happened to be Christmas Eve - this is the story of eight blessings that came into Oskar's life, in the form of eight people he met on his first day in a new city and a new world. Landing at the Battery in lower Manhattan, Oskar has to walk over one hundred blocks up Broadway to reach Aunt Esther's apartment. Along the way he encounters a kind old woman feeding birds, who gives him a loaf of bread; and a newsstand man who gives him a Superman comic as a Christmas gift; and a jazz musician with whom he has his first "conversation" in America. A young snowball fighter whom he aids helps him in return, while a Christmas tree vendor helps him to his feet when he falls. Oskar even encounters Mrs. Roosevelt on his journey north! Finally though, he reaches 103rd Street, where his first meeting with Aunt Esther makes him feel truly at home...
A lovely book, one that pairs a deeply thoughtful and emotionally powerful story with beautiful artwork, Oskar and the Eight Blessings is one of my favorite picture-books of 2015, and has joined the ranks of my favorite holiday tales as well. Everything and everyone that Oskar encounters in his trek up Broadway is based on real events that occurred in 1938. Mrs. Roosevelt was visiting the city that Christmas, Superman had just appeared as a comic-book hero that year, and Count Basie had just given a concert in New York City the night before Christmas Eve. All of this gives the story an added authenticity, although even without that information, supplied in the author's afterword, the tale still feels genuine, offering a glimpse into a diverse New York City of the past. I was deeply appreciative of the message imparted through the story, about finding blessings through people of all backgrounds and faiths, and was moved to tears by the conclusion, in which Oskar finds Aunt Esther. The artwork by Mark Siegel perfectly matches the text, capturing in sepia tones the beauty and magic of the city at holiday time, and the emotional undercurrents of Oskar's journey. Truly a marvelous book, one with appeal as a New York story, an immigrant story, a Hanukkah story, a Christmas story, and most of all, a human story which emphasizes the bonds of community and humanity that are to be found amongst diverse peoples, even in the darkest of times.
A lovely book, one that pairs a deeply thoughtful and emotionally powerful story with beautiful artwork, Oskar and the Eight Blessings is one of my favorite picture-books of 2015, and has joined the ranks of my favorite holiday tales as well. Everything and everyone that Oskar encounters in his trek up Broadway is based on real events that occurred in 1938. Mrs. Roosevelt was visiting the city that Christmas, Superman had just appeared as a comic-book hero that year, and Count Basie had just given a concert in New York City the night before Christmas Eve. All of this gives the story an added authenticity, although even without that information, supplied in the author's afterword, the tale still feels genuine, offering a glimpse into a diverse New York City of the past. I was deeply appreciative of the message imparted through the story, about finding blessings through people of all backgrounds and faiths, and was moved to tears by the conclusion, in which Oskar finds Aunt Esther. The artwork by Mark Siegel perfectly matches the text, capturing in sepia tones the beauty and magic of the city at holiday time, and the emotional undercurrents of Oskar's journey. Truly a marvelous book, one with appeal as a New York story, an immigrant story, a Hanukkah story, a Christmas story, and most of all, a human story which emphasizes the bonds of community and humanity that are to be found amongst diverse peoples, even in the darkest of times.
September 27, 2015
What I really enjoyed about this book was the message of looking for kindness and blessings all around us every day; even in the hardest of times. Quite often we are so caught up in the forest we are unable to see the trees. We think so much on the negative that we are unable to recognize the small, intimate blessings and kindness that we encounter every day.
I also liked that this book focused on a Jewish character without being exclusively about a holiday, historic or religious aspect. Though the time in which the story takes place is around Hanukkah and makes mention of The Night of Broken Glass, these aspects are part of the background of the story. They are informational bits to give you context within the story. The story itself is of Oskar's trip though New York City to find his Aunt after arriving from Europe. During his trip he encounters a few New Yorkers, each who show him a bit of kindness or blessing. This is something to which we can all relate.
I also liked that this book focused on a Jewish character without being exclusively about a holiday, historic or religious aspect. Though the time in which the story takes place is around Hanukkah and makes mention of The Night of Broken Glass, these aspects are part of the background of the story. They are informational bits to give you context within the story. The story itself is of Oskar's trip though New York City to find his Aunt after arriving from Europe. During his trip he encounters a few New Yorkers, each who show him a bit of kindness or blessing. This is something to which we can all relate.
December 21, 2017
HOPE! This little amazing book is about hope and keeping hope alive when life is scary. Powerful, the writing and story are very powerful.
Oskar was put on a ship by himself during Kristallnacht and sent to NYC to find his Aunt Ester. He had to walk up Broadway by himself to 103rd street. He is tired and scared and he meets wonderful people along the way. This is like Mister Rogers mother's saying. In any disaster look for the helpers, they are always there.
It is Christmas Eve and always the 7th day of Hanukkah. He wants to get home before the Shamash is lit. The spirit of giving is in the air. Our country feels scary to me right now and this is a great reminder to look for the helpers, they are still there.
The art is beautiful and is as much a part of the story as the words are. Many frames are Oskar's perspective or another character. It is mysterious and skillful. A fantastic read.
Oskar was put on a ship by himself during Kristallnacht and sent to NYC to find his Aunt Ester. He had to walk up Broadway by himself to 103rd street. He is tired and scared and he meets wonderful people along the way. This is like Mister Rogers mother's saying. In any disaster look for the helpers, they are always there.
It is Christmas Eve and always the 7th day of Hanukkah. He wants to get home before the Shamash is lit. The spirit of giving is in the air. Our country feels scary to me right now and this is a great reminder to look for the helpers, they are still there.
The art is beautiful and is as much a part of the story as the words are. Many frames are Oskar's perspective or another character. It is mysterious and skillful. A fantastic read.
January 1, 2016
Part of the joy of reading books is the sheer amount of variety one gets. Just as Knights is a quick fun read, Oskar and the Eight Blessings, is a book that you want to take your time. Walking with Oskar who is learning to look for blessings even in the middle of bad times and in the process learning to be a blessing himself. It's a quiet read which had my boy looking pensive. "Why would that boy's mom and dad send him away? Did he break the glass and they were mad at him mom?" And so one explains how during the war parents send their children away to keep them safe and it was a hard time for their children. At the close of the book we learned what the Night of Broken Glass was all about and the sending away of Oskar made a lot of sense to both of us. It was a good book.
October 8, 2015
I may have already mentioned that I love Christmas books. I especially love the ones that aren't as much about Santa as they are about the spirit of the season, that glowy, happy feeling that you get that time of year. (And yes, my library got a bunch of new Christmas picture books today, which is why I'm reviewing several.) Anyway, Oskar and the Eight Blessings isn't exactly a Christmas book, even though it takes place on New Year's Eve, because Oskar is Jewish. However, it isn't exactly a Hanukkah book either, even though it takes place on the eighth night of Hanukkah. It's a book about seeing the small blessings in our lives every day, a book about giving and lifting people who are having a hard time. It made me a little bit teary. Fabulous picture book.
October 10, 2015
I don't often buy or read children's books; my kids are grown, and my granddaughters live far away. However, Oskar has a story that we would all do well to read and heed. The last page brought a tear to my eye, but not because of sadness. I would enjoy reading this book to my granddaughters, and I would enjoy the discussions that would ensue.
The illustrations were especially effective in showing the cold and fatigue that Oskar must have been feeling. Any author that can work Superman into a book like this is always going to have my admiration.
Like I said, I don't often buy or read children's books. But I'm glad I bought this one.
The illustrations were especially effective in showing the cold and fatigue that Oskar must have been feeling. Any author that can work Superman into a book like this is always going to have my admiration.
Like I said, I don't often buy or read children's books. But I'm glad I bought this one.
November 5, 2015
Wise advice from a loving father to a son, "Even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings." True during the holidays, times of unrest and war, everyday of our lives. A part of everyday is wonderful or magical; you must have the heart to look for it and appreciate it. The book's suggested age range is Pre-K to 2nd grade. IMO, it is more appropriate for 2nd grade and older. The story is heartwarming. There are many teachable moments and topics. What better time than when your child is snuggled up next to you? Plan to give this a gift this holiday season and will keep a copy for our library.
December 29, 2015
This Hanukkah story, set in 1938, is timeless and should be shared with children no matter what tradition they celebrate. Compassion and kindness towards others is not limited to color, race or culture. This is a story of hope for humanity.
This heartwarming story captures the best of New York and its residents who welcome Oskar to their city through their generous spirits and acts of kindness as he walks 100 blocks to his aunt's house. It is the essence of what America is about, welcoming immigrants fleeing oppression or seeking a better life. The story is realistic and believable for children. The characters are diverse. The plot is engaging.
This heartwarming story captures the best of New York and its residents who welcome Oskar to their city through their generous spirits and acts of kindness as he walks 100 blocks to his aunt's house. It is the essence of what America is about, welcoming immigrants fleeing oppression or seeking a better life. The story is realistic and believable for children. The characters are diverse. The plot is engaging.
November 24, 2015
I honestly liked this book, but was bothered the whole time by why his aunt didn't meet him at the boat. I mean, you're taking a huge risk that this kid is going to get hopelessly lost in a huge city. Also, someday he's going to wish he hadn't traded that Superman comic for those mittens. That was a tough scene for a collector to witness! Hopefully at least the kid who got it saved it :). Siegel's art creates a lovely atmosphere that captures NYC in winter really well.
November 25, 2015
Very appropriate for today's times, even though this is set post-WWII.
December 9, 2015
This is a lovely story, especially around this time of year. I might need to read this to myself and my children every night this season to remind myself of the good-heartedness of humanity.
November 8, 2019
A wonderful story for Children of any faith. Oskar is Jewish but New York is alive with Christmas. It is a heart warming story of always looking for the good.
January 1, 2016
Tonight is the seventh night of Hanukkah, so I thought I would share this review of a story that takes place on that night, and that I originally wrote for my other blog, The Children's War.
Shortly after Kristalnacht
(November 9-10, 1938), young Oskar's parents decide to send him to America to live in New York City with his Aunt Esther, whom he has never met. Before he leaves, his father gives him some parting words of advice:
"Oskar, even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings."
Oskar arrives in NYC on the seventh night of Hanukkah, which also happens to be Christmas Eve. It's a cold, snowy December night and Oskar, who arrived penniless, with only an address and a photo of his aunt, has a long walk up Broadway from the Battery to her house on West 103rd Street before sundown and the lighting of the Hanukkah candles.
Along the way, Oskar finds the blessings his father told him to look for. Watching an old woman outside Trinity Church feeding pigeons, he eats the bread she hands him to feed the birds. Seeing him so cold, tired and hungry, she gives him a small loaf of bread to eat.
At a Union Square newsstand, the news dealer gives Oskar the Superman comic he can't pay for but is attracted to.
Later, Oskar has his first "conversation" in America, whistling back and forth with Count Basie outside Carnegie Hall.
Encountering some boys playing in the snow in Central Park, Oskar offers a helping hand to a boy who has slipped. Seeing Oskar's frozen hands, the boy gives Oskar his warm mittens and in return, Oskar gives him his Superman comic.
Altogether, Oskar experiences eight blessings (one for each night of Hanukkah) as he journeys up Broadway to 103rd Street. But, of course, the last and most important blessing is finding his aunt.
The Simon's text is sparse but lyrical, a perfect read aloud book, and the story is carried forward wonderfully by Mark Siegel's paneled illustrations, done in a variety of sizes. Siegel has rendered the illustrations in greys and earth tones, with splashes of color, so that they convey the overcast cold, snowy day of Oskar's arrival. He has captured the variety of emotions that Oskar experiences on his long walk - fear, hope, confusion, wonder, surprise, happiness - both in Oksar's demeanor and his facial expression, and sometimes his emotion is only reflected in his eyes.
Oskar and the Eight Blessings works on so many different levels, but mostly it is a beautiful, sensitive Hanukkah story that really demonstrates that it is a season of hope and miracles. The fact that the seventh night of Hanukkah is Christmas Eve, also a season of hope and miracles, only adds to the ambiance of the blessings.
But Oskar and the Eight Blessings is also a gentle way to begin introducing the Holocaust to young readers by explaining to them what happened on Kristalnacht and why Oskar was sent away by his parents to safety can provide enough information to help with those more difficult discussions later on.
NYC can be a daunting place even today, and I can only imagine what it would have felt like to this young Jewish refugee in 1938, escaping the cruelty of the Nazis who had already been in power since 1933, having no money and not speaking English and looking for an aunt who not only doesn't know him but isn't even expecting him. But New York can also be magical, especially during the holidays, a place where blessings actually can happen. Be sure to look at the map of Manhattan to see the places where Oskar's received his blessings in his new world and read the Author's Note for some very interesting background to Oskar and the Eight Blessings.
This book is recommended for readers age 4 to 104 years old
This book was borrowed from a friend
This post was originally posted on Randomly Reading
Shortly after Kristalnacht
(November 9-10, 1938), young Oskar's parents decide to send him to America to live in New York City with his Aunt Esther, whom he has never met. Before he leaves, his father gives him some parting words of advice:
"Oskar, even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings."
Oskar arrives in NYC on the seventh night of Hanukkah, which also happens to be Christmas Eve. It's a cold, snowy December night and Oskar, who arrived penniless, with only an address and a photo of his aunt, has a long walk up Broadway from the Battery to her house on West 103rd Street before sundown and the lighting of the Hanukkah candles.
Along the way, Oskar finds the blessings his father told him to look for. Watching an old woman outside Trinity Church feeding pigeons, he eats the bread she hands him to feed the birds. Seeing him so cold, tired and hungry, she gives him a small loaf of bread to eat.
At a Union Square newsstand, the news dealer gives Oskar the Superman comic he can't pay for but is attracted to.
Later, Oskar has his first "conversation" in America, whistling back and forth with Count Basie outside Carnegie Hall.
Encountering some boys playing in the snow in Central Park, Oskar offers a helping hand to a boy who has slipped. Seeing Oskar's frozen hands, the boy gives Oskar his warm mittens and in return, Oskar gives him his Superman comic.
Altogether, Oskar experiences eight blessings (one for each night of Hanukkah) as he journeys up Broadway to 103rd Street. But, of course, the last and most important blessing is finding his aunt.
The Simon's text is sparse but lyrical, a perfect read aloud book, and the story is carried forward wonderfully by Mark Siegel's paneled illustrations, done in a variety of sizes. Siegel has rendered the illustrations in greys and earth tones, with splashes of color, so that they convey the overcast cold, snowy day of Oskar's arrival. He has captured the variety of emotions that Oskar experiences on his long walk - fear, hope, confusion, wonder, surprise, happiness - both in Oksar's demeanor and his facial expression, and sometimes his emotion is only reflected in his eyes.
Oskar and the Eight Blessings works on so many different levels, but mostly it is a beautiful, sensitive Hanukkah story that really demonstrates that it is a season of hope and miracles. The fact that the seventh night of Hanukkah is Christmas Eve, also a season of hope and miracles, only adds to the ambiance of the blessings.
But Oskar and the Eight Blessings is also a gentle way to begin introducing the Holocaust to young readers by explaining to them what happened on Kristalnacht and why Oskar was sent away by his parents to safety can provide enough information to help with those more difficult discussions later on.
NYC can be a daunting place even today, and I can only imagine what it would have felt like to this young Jewish refugee in 1938, escaping the cruelty of the Nazis who had already been in power since 1933, having no money and not speaking English and looking for an aunt who not only doesn't know him but isn't even expecting him. But New York can also be magical, especially during the holidays, a place where blessings actually can happen. Be sure to look at the map of Manhattan to see the places where Oskar's received his blessings in his new world and read the Author's Note for some very interesting background to Oskar and the Eight Blessings.
This book is recommended for readers age 4 to 104 years old
This book was borrowed from a friend
This post was originally posted on Randomly Reading
October 30, 2017
Summary:
Oskar, who is a young refugee boy from Kristallnacht, was forced on a ship to New York city by his parents because of the Holocaust. Oskar was only sent with a photograph and an address for his aunt that lived in New York. Once he arrived, he went searching for the address of his aunt, knowing that it was both the seventh day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve, so he knew he needed to hurry and find this house. Along the way, Oskar had many encounters with strangers and they blessed him with various things.
Evaluation:
In the beginning of the book, the reader was given a background of the time period and what Oskar and his family were going through. This book did a good job at given the background before starting the actual story. Throughout the story the illustrations were clear and focused on what the text said. The story had a happy ending to it because Oskar found his aunt's house and he was let to be taken care of by her.
Teaching Tip:
I would use this book to teach about Hanukkah and the Holocaust, so I would integrate social studies with reading. This book begins with a back story of Oskar and his family and what families had to do when the Holocaust was going on. After reading this story, I would teach my students about the Holocaust and let them to research on different families and people that had to leave their homes and migrate to the United States or other countries.
Oskar, who is a young refugee boy from Kristallnacht, was forced on a ship to New York city by his parents because of the Holocaust. Oskar was only sent with a photograph and an address for his aunt that lived in New York. Once he arrived, he went searching for the address of his aunt, knowing that it was both the seventh day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve, so he knew he needed to hurry and find this house. Along the way, Oskar had many encounters with strangers and they blessed him with various things.
Evaluation:
In the beginning of the book, the reader was given a background of the time period and what Oskar and his family were going through. This book did a good job at given the background before starting the actual story. Throughout the story the illustrations were clear and focused on what the text said. The story had a happy ending to it because Oskar found his aunt's house and he was let to be taken care of by her.
Teaching Tip:
I would use this book to teach about Hanukkah and the Holocaust, so I would integrate social studies with reading. This book begins with a back story of Oskar and his family and what families had to do when the Holocaust was going on. After reading this story, I would teach my students about the Holocaust and let them to research on different families and people that had to leave their homes and migrate to the United States or other countries.
October 26, 2015
OSKAR AND THE EIGHT BLESSINGS by Richard Simon and Tanya Simon is the heartwarming story of a new immigrant arriving in America in 1938.
Oskar has just arrived in New York City. It’s the seventh day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve. As a new immigrant escaping the War, he’s trying to find his aunt’s house. Along the way he meets rich and poor, black and white, as well as anonymous and famous people. Acts of kindness from these individuals help him on his holiday journey to a new life.
The poignant story is filled with diverse characters that reflect the racial, ethnic, and religious diversity of New York City. The interesting sequential art and subtle colors add interest to this beautifully illustrated picture book. An author’s note provides interesting insights into the story, a glossary defines a few key words, and a map shows Oskar’s path.
Librarians will enjoy the connections to both Hanukkah and Christmas along with the historical themes. This moving story will make a wonderful addition to the library’s holiday collection.
Published by Roaring Brook, an imprint of Macmillan. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
Oskar has just arrived in New York City. It’s the seventh day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve. As a new immigrant escaping the War, he’s trying to find his aunt’s house. Along the way he meets rich and poor, black and white, as well as anonymous and famous people. Acts of kindness from these individuals help him on his holiday journey to a new life.
The poignant story is filled with diverse characters that reflect the racial, ethnic, and religious diversity of New York City. The interesting sequential art and subtle colors add interest to this beautifully illustrated picture book. An author’s note provides interesting insights into the story, a glossary defines a few key words, and a map shows Oskar’s path.
Librarians will enjoy the connections to both Hanukkah and Christmas along with the historical themes. This moving story will make a wonderful addition to the library’s holiday collection.
Published by Roaring Brook, an imprint of Macmillan. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
December 11, 2015
A beautifully told, beautifully illustrated tale of a young Jewish refugee and the day he arrives in New York. Oskar has several brushes with history while trying to find his American aunt without getting lost, or frozen, or run over by a car: he meets a couple very important people and (for a brief time) owns a copy of the very FIRST issue of Superman. (I have to admit, when he gave it away later, I wanted to yell NOOOOO!)
It's a magnificent book, giving a snapshot of Christmas Eve, 1938, as it might appear to a little Jewish boy. I loved the repeated lesson of looking for hope - it reminded me of Mr. Rogers' advice to "look for the helpers" when bad things happen. I loved the cameos of famous folks who Oskar will probably never recognize. I love that our little Jewish refugee is briefly inspired by Superman, the hero created by Jewish writers.
I haven't got a bad thing to say about this story.
It's a magnificent book, giving a snapshot of Christmas Eve, 1938, as it might appear to a little Jewish boy. I loved the repeated lesson of looking for hope - it reminded me of Mr. Rogers' advice to "look for the helpers" when bad things happen. I loved the cameos of famous folks who Oskar will probably never recognize. I love that our little Jewish refugee is briefly inspired by Superman, the hero created by Jewish writers.
I haven't got a bad thing to say about this story.
October 13, 2016
Beautiful picture book. Loved the illustrations as well as the story that shows that there is goodness in people all around us, we just need to keep our eyes open. While I at times struggled with the fact that Oskar on his own seemed to find his way so easily around a country, a city he had never been to, I loved the story and its hopeful message very much. Inspired by a story the author's grandfather used to tell him: three rabbis who had traveled to New York to find him to make him the new Rebbe of their hometown, an offer he declined and thereby saved his life.
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to chose one's own way." (Victor Frankl)
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to chose one's own way." (Victor Frankl)
November 24, 2015
When a book makes me cry, I give it five stars.
After The Night of Broken Glass, Oskar has to travel alone to America to stay with his aunt. He doesn't know the city at all, just that his father said to have faith in people. When he arrives on the 7th day of Hanukkah (Christmas Eve), he is just about out of hope. But soon he realizes that not all the people around him are out to get him, that there is kindness inside even those we least expect (a book vendor, a wealthy woman, a little boy playing with his friends--all strangers).
I cried when he meets his aunt for the first time okay it was emotional!
After The Night of Broken Glass, Oskar has to travel alone to America to stay with his aunt. He doesn't know the city at all, just that his father said to have faith in people. When he arrives on the 7th day of Hanukkah (Christmas Eve), he is just about out of hope. But soon he realizes that not all the people around him are out to get him, that there is kindness inside even those we least expect (a book vendor, a wealthy woman, a little boy playing with his friends--all strangers).
I cried when he meets his aunt for the first time okay it was emotional!
November 29, 2015
Oskar's mother and father believed in the power of blessings. So did Oskar...until the Night of Broken glass. His parents put him on a ship to America. He had nothing but an address and a photo of a woman he didn't know-- "It's your Aunt Esther" -- and his father's last words to him...
Oskar knows his Aunt Esther will be lighting the menorah at sunset, on the seventh day of Hanukkah which was also Christmas Eve of 1938, but first he has to walk more than a hundred blocks of Broadway Avenue to reach her...
Oskar knows his Aunt Esther will be lighting the menorah at sunset, on the seventh day of Hanukkah which was also Christmas Eve of 1938, but first he has to walk more than a hundred blocks of Broadway Avenue to reach her...
December 4, 2015
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/2...
All my picks for best books to give this holiday are at http://www.unadulterated.us/pink-me/2...
December 10, 2015
This book was on a list of WSJ books to read/give to children during the Christmas season. In 1938 Oskar is sent alone by his parents from their home in Germany to the US. His father's last words are "seek out the good in people". Oskar arrives in NYC on the seventh day of Chanukah which also happens to be Christmas Eve. He must walk 100 blocks to find his Aunt Esther. He in unprepared for the bitter cold. Along the way, Oskar meets several people who help him on his journey. Beautifully illustrated and a good lesson for both adults and children.
December 18, 2015
The combination of an interesting story full of history, life lessons, and adventure combined with fantastic illustrations make this a wonderful book! This story and its illustrations open so many avenues for discussion from the holidays, religion, the Great Depression, Eleanor Roosevelt and so many more. Likewise the author has used so many ties to current culture that will help the kids connect their interests with Oskar's. I really appreciated the Author's Note and the map. This is a great holiday book!
December 30, 2015
What a beautiful book. The illustrations perfectly match the tone of the story. This story, of Oskar, a Jewish immigrant escaping the horrors of Europe in 1938, is one of hope. Oskar travels through Manhattan on his way to an Aunt's home on the first day of Hannukah, which also happens to be Christmas Eve, and encounters a series of blessings along the way. These blessings historically root the story, and are beautifully conveyed through the art and story.
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