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kschultz29's review against another edition
4.0
Hershel can do all the things that the other children in his village do, such as go to school or play down by the river. But when he wants to help his mom bake cakes for the traditional Jewish holiday Purim, his mom does not let him because he is blind. After an angel appears in his dream to remind Hershel that he can see in his dreams, Hershel realizes that he can make the cakes, but when he tells his mom she still says no. However, Hershel does not give up and the next night after his mom is asleep he makes the cookies by imagining the shapes he wants to form in his head. In the end, everyone loves Hershel’s cookies, including his mom.
Cakes and Miracles tries to teach its readers that nothing is impossible. Hershel’s ability to make the cookies even though he is blind shows that those with disabilities can still do the same things as able-bodied people, they just have to do it in their own way. The story also portrays this message through the fact that Hershel plays by the river by himself and does chores, such as washing dishes. Therefore, like many books about characters with disabilities, this book shows that people with disabilities are just like everyone else.
Yet, not only does the story teach children that they should not let others stand in their way of accomplishing a goal, but it also teaches them about Jewish culture. For example, readers learn that Purim is a traditional holiday that Jews celebrate. The story explains that people celebrate Purim by going to the synagogue at night, using noisemakers, and baking cookies or cakes. Thus, whether they are blind or not, children who are Jewish can relate to what happens in the story.
However, because the story is set in Ancient Persia Jewish children today may not be able to fully relate to Hershel because the way Jews celebrate the holiday is likely different than it was back then. Nonetheless, they can still identify with the importance of Jewish holidays. Additionally, because of the setting, people who are blind will likely find it difficult to identify with Hershel. To explain, while most people today who are blind use aides, such as canes, service dogs, or glasses, Hershel does not use any of these. Therefore, while the book gives representation and a voice to people who are blind, it does not do so in a way that those living today can relate.
Lastly, the story includes and breaks down gender stereotypes. For instance, Hershel’s mom does all of the cleaning, sewing, and cooking. In contrast, the illustrations show that Hershel did the more physically demanding tasks of carrying wood and buckets of water. However, the story also disrupts stereotypes of boys or men because Hershel is good at baking which is assumed to be a woman’s job.
This book is part of the Larissa Gerstel Collection at American University located at http://www.american.edu/cas/education/iie/gerstel.cfm
Cakes and Miracles tries to teach its readers that nothing is impossible. Hershel’s ability to make the cookies even though he is blind shows that those with disabilities can still do the same things as able-bodied people, they just have to do it in their own way. The story also portrays this message through the fact that Hershel plays by the river by himself and does chores, such as washing dishes. Therefore, like many books about characters with disabilities, this book shows that people with disabilities are just like everyone else.
Yet, not only does the story teach children that they should not let others stand in their way of accomplishing a goal, but it also teaches them about Jewish culture. For example, readers learn that Purim is a traditional holiday that Jews celebrate. The story explains that people celebrate Purim by going to the synagogue at night, using noisemakers, and baking cookies or cakes. Thus, whether they are blind or not, children who are Jewish can relate to what happens in the story.
However, because the story is set in Ancient Persia Jewish children today may not be able to fully relate to Hershel because the way Jews celebrate the holiday is likely different than it was back then. Nonetheless, they can still identify with the importance of Jewish holidays. Additionally, because of the setting, people who are blind will likely find it difficult to identify with Hershel. To explain, while most people today who are blind use aides, such as canes, service dogs, or glasses, Hershel does not use any of these. Therefore, while the book gives representation and a voice to people who are blind, it does not do so in a way that those living today can relate.
Lastly, the story includes and breaks down gender stereotypes. For instance, Hershel’s mom does all of the cleaning, sewing, and cooking. In contrast, the illustrations show that Hershel did the more physically demanding tasks of carrying wood and buckets of water. However, the story also disrupts stereotypes of boys or men because Hershel is good at baking which is assumed to be a woman’s job.
This book is part of the Larissa Gerstel Collection at American University located at http://www.american.edu/cas/education/iie/gerstel.cfm
middle_name_joy's review against another edition
3.0
Young Hershel is blind, but he still wants to help with Purim. Hershel's mother doesn't have much faith in her son's ability to make the special cookies and cakes of the holiday. After an inspiring dream, Hershel believes he can see what the treats will be, yet his mother still doubts him. Yes, her disbelief in her son is disappointing. So, when Hershel sneaks down to the kitchen at night and bakes his heart out to produce the loveliest cookies, his triumph is delightful.
Overall, Cakes and Miracles is a gentle story that should have been billed as a folk tale. The long-ago setting and antiquated traditions of Purim distance the reader, but there are many nods to Jewish folklore (dreams, angels, etc.) that were perfectly attuned to that genre.
Overall, Cakes and Miracles is a gentle story that should have been billed as a folk tale. The long-ago setting and antiquated traditions of Purim distance the reader, but there are many nods to Jewish folklore (dreams, angels, etc.) that were perfectly attuned to that genre.
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