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Nathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles

Jacob’s older brother, Nathan, is autistic and his continual repetitions and sometimes unusual behaviors irritate Jacob.  When new neighbors move in, Jacob looks forward to making a new friend.  As Jacob’s family begins to celebrate Hanukkah, he is embarrassed when Nathan blows out the candles.  But when his new friend teases about Nathan, Jacob quickly comes to his defense.  This story is less about the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah than it is about how the caring adults support a child with autism.  The illustrations are large and colorful.  The story does not say so, but Jeremy Tugeau’s paintings indicate both families are Jewish.  The reader learns about both the Jewish traditional celebration as well as characteristics of autism.  There is one typo (You’re brother…) which may go unnoticed, but was a surprise to see.