Oskar and the Eight Blessings

By Tanya Simon, Richard Simon, Mark Siegel (Illustrator)

A young refugee finds hope and kindness in 1938 New York City.

4.4/5 Goodreads · 936 ratings

40 pages· 578 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

$19.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1938, young Oskar arrives in New York City, fleeing Nazi Germany with only a photograph and an aunt's address. As he journeys through Manhattan on Hanukkah and Christmas Eve, he encounters strangers who offer unexpected kindness. Each act of generosity lights his path to a new life, weaving a tale of hope and humanity. Will Oskar find his aunt and a sense of belonging in this vast, unfamiliar city?

From the publisher

Winner of the 2015 National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Literature A young immigrant from Nazi Germany recieves small acts of kindness while exploring New York City in this heartwarming, timeless picture book, Oskar and the Eight Blessings. A refugee seeking sanctuary from the horrors of Kristallnacht, Oskar arrives by ship in New York City with only a photograph and an address for an aunt he has never met. It is both the seventh day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve, 1938. As Oskar walks the length of Manhattan, from the Battery to his new home in the north of the city, he passes experiences the city’s many holiday sights, and encounters it various residents. Each offers Oskar a small act of kindness, welcoming him to the city and helping him on his way to a new life in the new world. Richard and Tanya Simon’s text matched with Mark Siegel’s elegant illustrations makes for a wonderfully heartfelt read.

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