The Passover Surprise by Janet Ruth Heller

The Passover Surprise Reviews

• 
  Bonnie Ferrante

  This is an early chapter book with some simple black-and-white illustration suitable for children aged seven and eight.
  
  In The Passover Surprise, a brother, John, and sister, Lisa, compete to win a special stamp collecting book from their father. In order to prove their worthiness, they both work hard hour after hour on their stamp collections while their father assesses their commitment. In the end, the father gives the stamp book to the boy reasoning that he put in equal effort but he is younger child. Lisa is devastated and feels the decision was unfair. After a conversation with her mother, Lisa decides to approach her father and discuss her feelings. Her teacher also coaches her in how to handle this discussion. The father is completely understanding and says, “When I was young, only the boys in my family collected stamps. I didn’t realize that the album meant so much to you.” Even though the family is struggling to make a payment on their house, father manages to give his daughter a new stamp as well during Passover.
  
  This is a good story on perspective. The daughter felt the father was unfair and sexist. Father thought he was making a fair and informed decision. Because the father was kind and receptive, the problem was resolved happily.
  
  There is an explanation of Passover and Seder, a short discussion on discrimination against African American soldiers in the Second World War, and sharing of family history.
  
  This would be a good book for Sunday school or other values teaching. Children will connect with Lisa and find helpful advice on how to approach difficult discussions with their own parents.
  
  A copy of this book was generously donated by the author to my Little Free Library.
  
  An interview with the author will appear on my blog on January 25, 2016.
  https://bferrante.wordpress.com
• 
  Erin Fanning

  This deceptively simple story, written in a sweet, sparse prose--perfect for the intended age group--packs many layers of meaning within its few pages. At one level, it's a tale about a young girl trying to find equality, yet, at the same time, it's an introduction to Judaism, and finally it touches on the Civil Rights Movement, as well as the experiences of Jewish soldiers during World War II. The plot twists are expertly handled by award-winning author Janet Heller, who imparts the perfect amount of information. In short, it's an excellent choice for beginning readers to explore on their own and/or families to read together (it includes a discussion guide). Highly recommended!
• 
  Morri Mostow

  A charming tale of sibling rivalry in a Jewish household in the early '60s.
• 
  Yvonne

  Lisa and her younger brother, Jon, are excited to learn about their father’s hobby of stamp collecting. Their father makes it even more fun with a contest. Both children put all their energy into the contest, but find themselves faced with a huge dilemma. As the Passover holiday approaches, both children are more and more anxious about the contest.
  
  To their surprise, they learn about their father’s and other Jewish soldiers’ experiences during World War II. It gives them a new perspective on life.
  
  This book captures the true essence of family, combining holiday traditions with a bit of history as well. Readers are given a taste of Jewish life. It teaches values such as equality, religion, and speaking up if you have questions. It’s told in a way that’s not preachy. Instead, it’s a pure joy to read. It should be noted that this is a short book, only 48 pages but it’s a powerful 48 pages.
  
  It’s the perfect book for children. It gives them an excellent education along with a fun read. It's quite timely with Passover about to begin.
  
  
  FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
• 
  Sheila

  Janet Ruth Heller’s The Passover Surprise is a nicely illustrated chapbook for young readers with clear print, great chapter titles, well-placed black-and-white illustrations, and a pleasing lesson well-told. The story’s set around 1960, when civil rights hit the schoolroom and the news, fathers might have served in the Second World War, and girls were still not supposed to like the same things as boys. It’s a deceptively simple tale in which life isn’t fair, but love and trust, with a measure of kind communication, might ease the pain.
  
  Readers will learn about sibling rivalry and parental mistakes, while absorbing the joys of stamp collecting, Jewish Sabbath and Passover, and family love. As Lisa learns of the world’s many faults, her own problems fall into pleasing perspective, and her mother’s advice proves wise and comforting.
  
  A great book to build good family relationships (complete with neat discussion guide), and an intriguing window into the world, The Passover Surprise is highly recommended.
  
  Disclosure: I was given a copy and I offer my honest review.