SuitabookReligious identity and belonging
Jennifer is the only Jewish child in her class during holiday decorating and makes Hanukkah decorations instead of Christmas decorations.
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Book details
Jane Naliboff - Author
A classroom story about difference becoming connection: Jennifer’s Jewish identity prompts a club centred first on being unique, then on recognising distinctive qualities in every classmate.
This heartwarming story explores the many ways in which children feel unique and special. Mrs. Matthews' first grade class begins making Christmas decorations, but because Jennifer is Jewish, Mrs. Matthews allows her to make Hanukkah decorations instead. Jennifer enjoys the attention and creates "The Only One Club," of which she is the sole member. When her classmates want to join, she is resistant until she realizes that each of her friends is also "the only one" at something. As she inducts them into her club she reveals the unique qualities that make each of her classmates extraordinary. Through this touching story, young children are encouraged to discover and treasure their own uniqueness and to actively look for special qualities in others beyond race or culture. A medley of pencil, watercolor, acrylic paint, and pastel illustrations bring this inspiring and humorous tale to life. During the holiday season, Jennifer discovers that she is the only Jewish student in her class. She is thrilled and creates The Only One Club. She's the only glittery-badge-wearing member, and her classmates want to join her exclusive club.
Book Brief
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Sign in for personalised guidanceA classroom story about difference becoming connection: Jennifer’s Jewish identity prompts a club centred first on being unique, then on recognising distinctive qualities in every classmate.
Jennifer is the only Jewish child in her class during holiday decorating and makes Hanukkah decorations instead of Christmas decorations.
Jennifer’s exclusive club expands when she identifies qualities that make each classmate extraordinary.
The holiday setting may invite careful conversation about whose traditions are represented and how being the sole Jewish child feels, without assuming the book resolves every aspect of inclusion.
This is a grounded book brief while Suitabook strengthens the analysis: the current material supports only a cautious reading; another book-specific source is still needed.
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