Title:
The Secret Seder
Author:
Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator:
Emily Arnold McCully
Publishing
Company: Hyperion Books
Copyright
Date: 2005
#
of Pages: 31
Genre/
Category: Historical Fiction
I chose this book because I already
had it. It is about a Jewish boy, Jacques, and his family living in hiding
during the Holocaust. It is the night of the Passover, and Jacques and his father
are planning on secretly celebrating with other Jewish men. Jacques and his
father must travel many miles to a safe house. The men are sad as they
celebrate the Passover, but Jacques has learned the Four Questions and recites
them. This surprises his father and makes the night extra special. Jacques
learns that though he is not free, he can be free for the night.
The illustrations were done in
acrylics. They are beautiful, and they use a shadowy look to show how secretive
the Jews had to be. The use of jagged lines also shows the chaos and fear that
Jacques felt. Some of the illustrations are double spreads, while others are
only on one page.
This book is appropriate for
children ages 5-9. It could be used in the classroom to discuss the Holocaust
and World War II. It could also be used to discuss Jewish traditions. Children
could discuss the different traditions they celebrate around Christmas. This
book could also be used as a writing prompt. Teachers could ask students how
they would feel if they had to hide all the time.
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