Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Yearling (no date)
Description
After a devastating fire in the hills of Oakland, California, during Sukkoth, a Jewish family and their neighbors find symbols of hope amidst the ashes.
Subjects
Awards
Sydney Taylor Book Award (Mass Import -- Pending Differentiation)
User reviews
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Patricia Polacco strikes again, in this deeply moving picture-book about a group of neighbors caught up in the terrible Oakland Firestorm of 1991, in which twenty-five people perished, and close to 3,400 homes were destroyed. As Mr. and Mrs. Roth prepare for Sukkot - the Jewish harvest festival
I'm somewhat surprised to realize, after taking stock, that Tikvah Means Hope is only the fourteenth Polacco picture-book I've read (she's written fifty-three!), as I feel like a real veteran by now. I'm also surprised, as always, by this author's ability to reduce me to a sniffling mess, since I should - by now - be prepared for the poignancy of her stories! It's a tribute to her skills as a storyteller and illustrator that, despite being forewarned, I was moved to tears, when reading this. Highly recommended to all Polacco fans, as well as to anyone looking for a good picture-book dealing with the Oakland Firestorm, or the holiday of Sukkot.
Show More
that usually falls some time in late September, or October - their young neighbors, Justine and Duane, aid them in the building of a sukkah, a temporary hut in which the holiday is celebrated. But when a terrible fire descends upon their neighborhood, destroying everything in its path, it seems as if there is no longer anything for which to give thanks. And then, sifting through the ruins of their homes, an amazing discovery is made! Not only did the sukkah somehow miraculously survive the inferno, but the Roth's cat, Tikvah (which means "hope" in Hebrew) did as well!I'm somewhat surprised to realize, after taking stock, that Tikvah Means Hope is only the fourteenth Polacco picture-book I've read (she's written fifty-three!), as I feel like a real veteran by now. I'm also surprised, as always, by this author's ability to reduce me to a sniffling mess, since I should - by now - be prepared for the poignancy of her stories! It's a tribute to her skills as a storyteller and illustrator that, despite being forewarned, I was moved to tears, when reading this. Highly recommended to all Polacco fans, as well as to anyone looking for a good picture-book dealing with the Oakland Firestorm, or the holiday of Sukkot.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Whisper1
Once again, this author wrote and illustrated another book from her personal life experience. Excited about helping Mr. and Mrs. Roth prepare for the Jewish harvest holiday by building a Sukhah (a hut made from stick and multi-colored material and garnesed with various pieces of fruit,) even Tikvah
When suddenly there is smoke in the air and fire, fire everywhere. Based on the true occurrence of the Oakland, California fire wherein thousands, actually, over 3,400 houses were entirely burnt, leaving many homeless. As the jacket description notes, the author weaves this tragedy with hope and compassion.
During the initial excitement of building the Sukhah with plans to sleep overnight in the hand-made edifice, plans suddenly change when the fire precludes the upcoming celebration. Then, to the dismay of those who know and love Tikvah, he is no where to be found. And, while certainly, it is a travesty that so many lost their houses and possessions therein, the loss of Tikvah is an added emotional experience.
Gathering together in prayer, the Oakland community prayed together giving thanks for what remained. In real life, this experience was deafening and tragically horrific. Many beloved pets were never found. In Polacco's story, fortunately, Tikvah is found in a barbeque pit, of all places.
With burnt fur and smoky smell, the cat was able to bring forth a small meow. Now, Tikvah was added to the prayers of thanksgiving.
The name Tikvah means hope. And, what joy it was to find joy amid the pain.
Show More
the cat seems excited.When suddenly there is smoke in the air and fire, fire everywhere. Based on the true occurrence of the Oakland, California fire wherein thousands, actually, over 3,400 houses were entirely burnt, leaving many homeless. As the jacket description notes, the author weaves this tragedy with hope and compassion.
During the initial excitement of building the Sukhah with plans to sleep overnight in the hand-made edifice, plans suddenly change when the fire precludes the upcoming celebration. Then, to the dismay of those who know and love Tikvah, he is no where to be found. And, while certainly, it is a travesty that so many lost their houses and possessions therein, the loss of Tikvah is an added emotional experience.
Gathering together in prayer, the Oakland community prayed together giving thanks for what remained. In real life, this experience was deafening and tragically horrific. Many beloved pets were never found. In Polacco's story, fortunately, Tikvah is found in a barbeque pit, of all places.
With burnt fur and smoky smell, the cat was able to bring forth a small meow. Now, Tikvah was added to the prayers of thanksgiving.
The name Tikvah means hope. And, what joy it was to find joy amid the pain.
Show Less
Other editions
Tikvah Means Hope by Patricia Polacco (Paperback)
Tikvah Means Hope by Patricia Polacco (Paperback)
Tikvah Means Hope by Patricia Polacco (Hardcover)
Tikvah Means Hope by Patricia Polacco (Hardcover)