Overview
A young girl and her father join an archaeological dig at Modi-in, the home of the Maccabees, when Jodie makes an amazing discovery.
Synopsis
A young girl and her father join an archaeological dig at Modi-in, the home of the Maccabees, when Jodie makes an amazing discovery.
Children's Literature
Jodie is a young Israeli girl who wants to become an archeologist just like her dad. Her father finally responds positively to her repeated pleas to be allowed to do some archeological work. At his dig, it is discovered that Jodie has a unique talent needed by the field scientists. She is given an opportunity to actively participate in archeological research and, in the process, learns to overcome some of her fears. She discovers an artifact at the dig left by humble Jewish revolutionaries, the Maccabees, who realized military success against the powerful Greeks during the fourth century BC. Young Jodie's realization of her own strength takes place in Israel during the Hanukkah holidays, which celebrate the Maccabees. The book communicates well, through both words and illustrations, the unique feel of Israeli culture. A reader who picks up this book has an opportunity to learn something about Israelis, about archeology, about the wisdom of persevering in efforts to develop one's interests and talents, and about how to contain unpleasant emotions in order to accomplish a desired purpose. It provides reinforcement for dreamers who want to translate those dreams into real life. And the adorable cocker spaniel that follows Jodie everywhere is a heart-warmer. While five year olds cannot read this book without adult help, children who have had more reading practice will probably find this an easy and inspiring read. Reviewer: Ali Fell
Editorials
Children's Literature -
Jodie is a young Israeli girl who wants to become an archeologist just like her dad. Her father finally responds positively to her repeated pleas to be allowed to do some archeological work. At his dig, it is discovered that Jodie has a unique talent needed by the field scientists. She is given an opportunity to actively participate in archeological research and, in the process, learns to overcome some of her fears. She discovers an artifact at the dig left by humble Jewish revolutionaries, the Maccabees, who realized military success against the powerful Greeks during the fourth century BC. Young Jodie's realization of her own strength takes place in Israel during the Hanukkah holidays, which celebrate the Maccabees. The book communicates well, through both words and illustrations, the unique feel of Israeli culture. A reader who picks up this book has an opportunity to learn something about Israelis, about archeology, about the wisdom of persevering in efforts to develop one's interests and talents, and about how to contain unpleasant emotions in order to accomplish a desired purpose. It provides reinforcement for dreamers who want to translate those dreams into real life. And the adorable cocker spaniel that follows Jodie everywhere is a heart-warmer. While five year olds cannot read this book without adult help, children who have had more reading practice will probably find this an easy and inspiring read. Reviewer: Ali FellSchool Library Journal
Gr 1-3
An Israeli girl wants to become an archaeologist like her father and has the opportunity to assist at a dig where Judah Maccabee fought against the Syrians. Braving darkness, spiders, and her own fear, Jodie volunteers to be lowered into a small underground cave where she discovers a literal piece of the past. However, aside from a brief reference to the brave leader featured in the Hanukkah story, there is nothing in this book to suggest that it belongs on the holiday shelf. It presupposes knowledge of Israel's archaeological significance and the origins of Hanukkah by focusing solely on the facts of the dig. Watercolor illustrations give a good sense of the Israeli landscape both above and below ground. A reasonable choice for career day, but not for general holiday collections.-Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library