The House on the Roof: A Sukkot Story

by David A. Adler, Marilyn Hirsh (Illustrator)

An old man is building something very special. When his landlady discovers a sukkah on her roof, she orders the old man to remove it. Families will be moved by this endearing story of religious tolerance based on a real court case.

Genres: Jewish, Judaism, Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1976

About the author

David Abraham Adler is an American children's author. He was born in New York City, New York in 1947. He graduated from Queens College in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in economics and education. For the next nine years, he worked as a mathematics teacher for the New York City Board of Education, while taking classes towards a master's degree in marketing, a degree he was awarded by New York University in 1971. In that same year, a question from his then-three-year-old nephew inspired Adler to write his first story, A Little at a Time, subsequently published by Random House in 1976. Adler's next project, a series of math books, drew on his experience as a math teacher. In 1977, he created his most famous character, Cam Jansen, originally featured in Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, which was published that year.

Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.

Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.

As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.

(source: Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Mickey Bits · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a modern classic. It hearkens back to a small slice of recent history when such books represented a zeitgeist much different than the current one. This one is short enough for a quick story-time while still being clever enough for adults to thoroughly enjoy.

Many readers may recognize David A. Adler from the Cam Jansen books. This is one of the titles in his Jewish-interest oeuvre. I won't spoil it for you; let's just say it's a surprisingly realistic look at apartment living in New York. It's especially worth telling at this time of year (this being the high holy days, 2024 as I write this) and just as fun any time of year. Buy a copy or two on eBay and donate it to your local Jewish library.

[char · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rude landlord persecutes tenant for his religion and takes him to court, judge smugly engages in performative action while ultimately siding in favor of the landlord and her property. It's the tenant's pleased reaction at the end that breaks it for me - this could be a great lesson in dealing with antisemites or those who don't understand the significance of fulfilling mitzvot but this is meant to be a good resolution and a happy ending! Ridiculous.

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know my mom read this book to me as a kid. I love the ending of course, so clever. I also love the big city living illustrations! :)

[Sylvie Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illustrated by Marilyn Hirsch

[Becky Galambos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that explains the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, and making something beautiful from what you have available, despite what those who don't understand say or do.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House on the Roof is a charming picture book based on a true story. An older gentleman lived in an apartment in the city. There was no yard with a place to build a sukkah. The old man brought wooden crates, rags and odds and ends into the building, and each time he brought in things the land lady would yell at him. When she discovered that he built a sukkah on the roof. His landlady took him to court. The old man’s creativity teaches a lesson in problem solving and the creative decision handed down from the judge teaches a lesson about tolerance. I recommend this story for any family with young children.

[Vandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

great into to tolerance to other cultures.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always liked this Sukkot story. Riveting illustrations.

[David Rullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read perfect for younger children. The ending is very humorousm