Hanukkah Books for Independent Readers

Do your kids love to read on their own? Do they devour their PJ Library books in an evening and then read and re-read them? These Hanukkah-themed titles are perfect for kids who can zip through a stack of books with ease. They’re also great for children who are still gaining confidence with reading aloud or on their own. For more Hanukkah-themed activities, recipes, videos, and book lists, visit pjlibrary.org/hanukkah.

A Horn for Louis

A Horn for Louis by Eric Kimmel

Recommended for ages 8 and up

In the early part of the 20th century, young Louis Armstrong is helped by a Jewish family in his quest to own a “real” horn. In the process, Louis learns about Hanukkah and the power of friendship and goodwill.


A Parakeet Named Dreidel

A Parakeet Named Dreidel by Isaac Signer

Recommended for ages 7 to 8

A parakeet shows up at David’s family’s window one snowy Hanukkah night. When they can’t track down his owners, they happily adopt him as their own pet. But many years later David meets the bird’s original owner, Zelda. How can they both keep the parakeet?


Gracie’s Night

Gracie’s Night by Lynn Taylor Gordon

Recommended for ages 7 to 8

Gracie and her papa have lots of love -- but only a little money. Gracie manages to get her papa a beautiful Hanukkah gift anyway -- but then she sees someone who could use a little generosity even more than her papa. What she does next transforms Hanukkah for all of them.


Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel

Recommended for ages 8 and up

Hershel finds a way to outwit the goblins that haunt the village synagogue and are keeping the villagers from celebrating Hanukkah.


Like a Maccabee

Like a Maccabee by Barbara Bietz

Recommended for ages 8 and up

Only one thing stands between victory for Ben and his soccer team: a school bully who torments Ben. Feeling misunderstood by those who love him most, Ben finds an unexpected friend in his grandfather.


Sam and Charlie (and Sam Too!) Return

Sam and Charlie (and Sam Too!) Return by Leslie Kimmelman

Recommended for ages 5 and up

Follow along with best friends Sam and Charlie, and Charlie’s little sister, Sam too, as they celebrate holidays and regular days together.


The Trees of the Dancing Goats

The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco

Recommended for ages 7 to 8

During a scarlet fever epidemic in Michigan, the members of a Jewish family help make Christmas special for their very sick neighbors.


Yitzi and the Giant Menorah by Richard Ungar

Recommended for ages 7 to 8

The mayor of Lublin has given the people of Chelm a beautiful gift -- a giant menorah to light up the nights of Hanukkah. How can they ever thank him? Yitzi comes up with an idea!


Find Hanukkah activities, recipes, story ideas, and more on the PJ Library Hanukkah hub.