One Candle    by Eve Bunting & K. Wendy Popp Order:  USA  Can Joanna Cotler, 2002 (2002) Hardcover      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Why does Grandma bring the potato every year for Hanukkah, and why does it make Great-Aunt Rose cry? We see a table crowded with food and family, one candle lit in the menorah. The latkes look delicious. After everyone has eaten, Grandma hollows out the potato and answers Mom's request to 'Tell us now about the bad time'. She speaks of when families were separated and she and Rose (then twelve and thirteen) were sent to Buchenwald. They worked in the camp kitchen and dared something very special (at great risk to themselves) for Hanukkah. Grandma says 'It lifted us to the stars.' The children learn why this ritual is so important to Grandma and they all raise glasses 'L'chayim ... To life!' It's a beautiful story to help children understand bad times, and the strength of spirit that people can show during them. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews