The Festival of Lights: 16 Hanukkah Stories

by Henry L. Herz (Editor)

This collection of stories and poems by sixteen Jewish writers portrays the magic of Hanukkah for each person who celebrates it, as well as what it means to be Jewish. Celebrate Hanukkah with a diverse collection of poems and stories filled with history, humor, and hope. Cheer on a young baker as he tries to make sufganiyot from a family recipe. Learn about code breakers in England during World War II. Imagine hosting a refugee cousin or finding long-lost relatives. In this anthology, characters make discoveries, connect with family and friends, and mourn loved ones. Encompassing a range of genres and experiences, there’s something for readers of all faiths in the illuminating pages of The Festival of Lights.

Genres: Jewish, Short Stories, Middle Grade, Holiday

288 pages, Hardcover

Published September 5, 2024

About the author

Henry Herz wrote the traditionally published picture books: MONSTER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES (Pelican, 2015; Best Picture Book at SoCal SCBWI Editor’s Day), WHEN YOU GIVE AN IMP A PENNY (Pelican, 2016), MABEL AND THE QUEEN OF DREAMS (Schiffer, 2016; Finalist, Foreword Indies Best Picture Book), LITTLE RED CUTTLEFISH (Pelican, 2016), CAP’N REX & HIS CLEVER CREW (Sterling, 2017), GOOD EGG AND BAD APPLE (Schiffer, 2018), HOW THE SQUID GOT TWO LONG ARMS (Pelican, 2018), ALICE’S MAGIC GARDEN (Familius, 2018), 2 PIRATES + 1 ROBOT (Kane Miller, 2019), I AM SMOKE (Tilbury House, 2021, ALA Children's Notable Book), I AM GRAVITY (Tilbury House, 2024), I AM LIGHT (Tilbury House, 2026), and I AM WIND (Tilbury House, 2026)

Henry’s short stories for children and adults will/have appeared in Daily Science Fiction, Weird Tales, Pseudopod, Metastellar, Highlights for Children, Ladybug Magazine, and anthologies from Albert Whitman & Co., Blackstone Publishing, Brigid’s Gate Press, Air and Nothingness Press, Baen Books, Titan Books, and elsewhere. He has curated and edited eight anthologies.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Truth is, I have never been a lover of short stories. But there were a few good ones in there! My favorite actually read as memoir, and I thought it was beautiful and perfect. It was the one where the guy describes his own childhood with the one gift rule, set down by his mother. That one really captured something for me. Happy Chanukah everyone!

[Karen Cohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful set of stories for tweens, teens, and adults. Like most multi-author anthologies, the quality of the stories varies, but all are very good, and some are better. Overall, the volume is a solid 4.5.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so wonderful that this book exists especially at this time of the year when everything is Christmas, Christmas, Christmas. A book celebrating Hanukkah is always a welcome addition to libraries and bookstores. The sixteen different stories are diverse and touch on a gamut of topics and situations Jewish kids find themselves in. Those include having to decide to participate in singing Christmas carols or standing up and demanding that Hanukkah be celebrated. Or dealing with the loss of a parent(s) and trying how to honor them during the holidays while dealing with grief at the same time. There are stories filled with magic, history, and humor.

I can't give this book 5 stars because some of the stories have typos. I can't believe that in late 2024, typos are still showing up in books. The technology to catch these errors must exist. Overall, though, this is still a very worthy book to own and read. We need more anthologies like this out in the world.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delightful celebration of Hanukkah, perfect for families eager to explore the holiday's warmth and wonder. Vivid storytelling and relatable characters bring Hanukkah's traditions, history, and joy to life. It serves as a wonderful reminder of the resilience, hope, and togetherness that define the Festival of Lights.

What I loved most about "The Festival of Lights" is its beautifully balancing tradition with modern-day experiences, making it accessible to all readers. Whether you want to connect your children to their heritage or are simply searching for a charming holiday story, this book delivers. Its humor and heartfelt moments will make it a favorite in any household during Hanukkah—and perhaps even beyond. I highly recommend curling up with this one by the menorah!

To listen to my interview with the author, visit my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are always plenty of holiday picture books available. But finding a Hanukkah book for older children is never easy. This year older Jewish kids are in luck. This fantastic anthology has a Hanukkah story collection that is as varied as a box of multicolored Hanukkah candles. These stories from some of the best authors in Jewish children's literature range from the ordinary problems that Jewish kids experience during the holiday season to mystical modern day Hanukkah miracles. I requested an early review copy of this book from the publisher because the list of authors includes some of my favorites. And I was not disappointed. Several of the stories made me recall some of my own Hanukkah memories. This book would make a fantastic gift that can be treasured for years. With 16 stories, two a night or enjoy this quick read all in one night. This must read Hanukkah celebration can be enjoyed by kids from eight to eighty eight.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it possible for adults and young children to enjoy short stories written for middle-grade readers? It is if that book is “The Festival of Lights: 16 Hanukkah Stories” edited by Henry Herz (Albert Whitman and Company). Adults may pretend to be reading these works only so their younger children can enjoy them, but will find themselves as moved by the stories as the rest of their family. The tales range from sweet fun to the extremely moving.
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/book...

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wide range of Hanukkah stories featuring a variety of different circumstances is a great addition to holiday literature. Middle grade students are sure to find several that resonate with them and may discover some new authors along the way. While I am a fan of most of the authors in this collection, a few were new to me and I am excited to read more by them. This book belongs in all libraries and Jewish homes. Recommended for grades 4 & up.

[Sara McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the stories we read out of this book. Used it for homeschool and it was great to see different holidays celebrated. Learned more about Hanukkah. And this year we observed Hanukkah also to learn more about it.

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful anthology with stories to brighten and warm up the holiday season!

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mix of realistic, imaginative, funny, and touching. Like any good short story collection, it makes you curious to read more by the featured authors. (A good pair with Once Upon an Eid)

[Martha Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good collection of Hanukkah stories. I especially like Joanne Levy's sequel to Sorry for Your Loss,