Review: Shield of the Maccabees
Shield of the Maccabees: A Hanukkah Graphic Novel
by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Dov Smiley
Apples & Honey Press (imprint of Behrman House)
Category: Middle Grade
Reviewer: Leah Cypess
"All history books," Dara Horn has written, "fact or fiction, are
really about the times in which they are written, not about the times
they supposedly describe." This is particularly true when it comes to
historical fiction, and it's very true about Shield of the Maccabees,
Eric Kimmel and Dov Smiley's graphic novel about a friendship between a
Greek boy and a Jewish boy that is fractured by the conflict between the
Greeks and the Jewish Maccabees.
Kimmel uses this framework to tell a story about
friendship transcending differences -- a story that should appeal
greatly to its intended modern-day audience, although the main message
might have made little sense to its historical characters.
Its main point aside, this vivid, fast-moving book
includes plenty of authentic and well-researched historical facts. Greek
myths, sports, and methods of teaching are all brought into the boys'
story and relationship. Jonathan and Jason are both well-drawn,
relatable characters, brought to life by fun, exciting drawings. The
author builds up both their friendship and the roots of the conflict
before the story gets serious; once it does, the horrors of war are also
touched upon in an age-appropriate and non-graphic way.
This book meets the criteria for consideration for a Sydney Taylor Book Award; it is essentially a modern Jewish retelling of an ancient Jewish story, and modern American-Jewish children will both enjoy the book and learn from it.
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