This is the story of Nathan, a young boy who wants a menorah for Hanukah. Nathan and his grandfather go shopping but to much dismay they can only find very expensive menorahs. Nathans grandfather explains how back in his day they used to bargain when they wanted to buy something. Nathan ends up finding a resale shop with a menorah and is able to put his bargaining skills to use to finally get his own menorah. ( )

This is a wonderful multicultural book for children! I like that the plot has a well paced rise to the climax, and a great resolution! The book is family oriented, and the characters are believable, and exhibit likable characteristics and dialogue. The big idea in this book is persistence! ( )

NO OF PAGES: 29 SUB CAT I: Children's Resources SUB CAT II: Feasts/Festivals SUB CAT III: DESCRIPTION: Nathan searches high and low for just the right Hanukkah Menorah at just the right price.NOTES: SUBTITLE:

Nathan;s unsuccessful search for a menorah takes a new turn when his Grandpa teaches him about bargaining (from the summary).

Too often, when reading books to children we skip the dedication. In the case of Nathan’s Hanukkah Bargain by Jacqueline Dembar Greene I would advise against it. It reads, “Affectionately dedicated to all our Grandpas, because they always understand. – J.D.G.” Surely, the 9-12 year old target audience wuold understand it. The multidirectional affection shows up throughout the pages. Grandpa is shown as wise, warm, understanding figure both in text and in Steffi Karen Rubin’s three-tone pictures. In return his grandson Nathan respects him and inspired him. In his search to find the perfect menorah for Hanukkah he could buy with the five dollar he saved they set out shopping. The first few shops had lots of options, but none of them was right. After Grandpa shares his childhood memory of bargaining with peddlers, Nathan takes the initiative and talks down the price of the kind of Hannukah he was looking for at an antique (or thrift store if you wish) store. They return home with the great experience, a new skill, some bonding memories and last but not least the object they set out for. Don’t we all wish for this kind of grandpas and days?