Tikvah Means Hope

Patricia Polacco strikes again, in this deeply moving picture-book about a group of neighbors caught up in the terrible Oakland Firestorm of 1991, in which twenty-five people perished, and close to 3,400 homes were destroyed. As Mr. and Mrs. Roth prepare for Sukkot - the Jewish harvest festival that usually falls some time in late September, or October - their young neighbors, Justine and Duane, aid them in the building of a sukkah, a temporary hut in which the holiday is celebrated. But when a terrible fire descends upon their neighborhood, destroying everything in its path, it seems as if there is no longer anything for which to give thanks. And then, sifting through the ruins of their homes, an amazing discovery is made! Not only did show more the sukkah somehow miraculously survive the inferno, but the Roth's cat, Tikvah (which means "hope" in Hebrew) did as well!

I'm somewhat surprised to realize, after taking stock, that Tikvah Means Hope is only the fourteenth Polacco picture-book I've read (she's written fifty-three!), as I feel like a real veteran by now. I'm also surprised, as always, by this author's ability to reduce me to a sniffling mess, since I should - by now - be prepared for the poignancy of her stories! It's a tribute to her skills as a storyteller and illustrator that, despite being forewarned, I was moved to tears, when reading this. Highly recommended to all Polacco fans, as well as to anyone looking for a good picture-book dealing with the Oakland Firestorm, or the holiday of Sukkot. show less

Once again, this author wrote and illustrated another book from her personal life experience. Excited about helping Mr. and Mrs. Roth prepare for the Jewish harvest holiday by building a Sukhah (a hut made from stick and multi-colored material and garnesed with various pieces of fruit,) even Tikvah the cat seems excited.

When suddenly there is smoke in the air and fire, fire everywhere. Based on the true occurrence of the Oakland, California fire wherein thousands, actually, over 3,400 houses were entirely burnt, leaving many homeless. As the jacket description notes, the author weaves this tragedy with hope and compassion.

During the initial excitement of building the Sukhah with plans to sleep overnight in the hand-made edifice, plans show more suddenly change when the fire precludes the upcoming celebration. Then, to the dismay of those who know and love Tikvah, he is no where to be found. And, while certainly, it is a travesty that so many lost their houses and possessions therein, the loss of Tikvah is an added emotional experience.

Gathering together in prayer, the Oakland community prayed together giving thanks for what remained. In real life, this experience was deafening and tragically horrific. Many beloved pets were never found. In Polacco's story, fortunately, Tikvah is found in a barbeque pit, of all places.

With burnt fur and smoky smell, the cat was able to bring forth a small meow. Now, Tikvah was added to the prayers of thanksgiving.

The name Tikvah means hope. And, what joy it was to find joy amid the pain. show less

The book was inspired by the true events of a devastating fire in Oakland in the early 1990's, where 25 people died and 3400 homes were destroyed. But the focus of the book is on the Sukkah which was built and used right before the fire broke out. Several days later, when the people could return they saw that the Sukkah miraculously did not burn down, so they celebrated altogether the festival in it. The other miracle, referred to in the title was the survival of a cat called Tikvah, the word meaning hope in Hebrew. According to the author's website (http://www.patriciapolacco.com/books/tikvah/tikvah.html) the book is aimed for children between 4 and 8, but I would recommend reading it for the upper end of the spectrum.

Summary: Tikvah Mean Hope by Patrica Polaco is a Multicultural story. Justine, Duane and their neighbors are getting prepared for Sukkoth, the Jewish Holiday. A fire spreads across their town out of nowhere, and everyone is saved by a miracle.
Persoanl Reaction: I really liked this book, it brings out many different, awesome emotions.
Classroom extension Ideas:
Draw the celebration.
ask what are miracles that has happened for them.

Inspired by fire that raged on a hot October day in Oakland CA. Includes some details on building a Jewish Sukkah and the idea of thankfulness. Great story of community rallying together, comforting one another.

Sukkot is a weeklong Jewish holiday that commemorates the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert after leaving Egypt, and celebrates the fall harvest (Thanksgiving in October). It's a time of joy, thanksgiving, and family. Sukkot is also known as the "Feast of Tabernacles" or "Feast of Booths".