Make a Wish, Molly - Softcover

Make a Wish, Molly

Barbara Cohen

Illustrated by Jan Naimo Jones

Molly and her mother don't know about birthdays. In Russia they didn't celebrate birthdays the way they do in America

When her new friend from school sends her a birthday party invitation, Molly can hardly wait.

The party is during the week of Passover. Molly can't believe her bad luck. She knows she shouldn't eat any of the pretty pink cake.

The frosting looks so good and her mother would never know. Then something happens at Emma's party -- something that Molly won't ever forget.

Grade 1-3-The indomitable heroine of Molly's Pilgrim (Lothrop, 1983) is back in another story written with great warmth and feeling. When a new friend invites her to birthday party, Molly, a recent Russian immigrant, is thrilled to learn about all of the American traditions. She is especially excited when Emma tells her that there will be a cake just like the mouth-watering one that they have passed in the bakery window. She is devastated when her mother points out that she may not eat the cake because the party falls during Passover, when Jews are forbidden to eat anything made with leavening. This Passover is particularly special, because it is the family's first one in America. Molly's birthday follows soon after, and her mother helps her to share her heritage with her friends and still be true to herself. Cohen has once again created a moving narrative on a universal theme. The characters are all fully developed and believable-even the annoying Elizabeth does not descend into total stereotype. The charcoal illustrations perfectly capture the mood. Make a Wish, Molly is sure to find a welcoming audience.
Micki S. Nevett, Westmere Elementary School, Albany, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.