Oskar and the Eight Blessings
By Richard Simon & Tanya Simon
The Story
A young refugee from Nazi Germany arrives alone in New York City on the seventh night of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve, 1938, and walks the length of Manhattan to find the aunt he's never met.
Why It's Special
For families who want to talk about kindness to strangers and what it means to arrive somewhere new and scared, Oskar's long walk up Manhattan becomes a quiet lesson in what small gestures can do.
- Big idea: Small kindnesses from strangers can carry someone through the hardest journey.
- Vibes: Tender, hopeful, quietly historical, warmed by holiday lights against a backdrop of fear and loss.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are curious about history and real events
- are working on empathy for people who feel like outsiders
- enjoy stories set in a real city, block by block
- respond well to gentle, hopeful stories about hard topics
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & setting: What does Oskar have with him when he arrives in New York City?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Oskar felt walking through a strange city all alone?
- Real-life connection: Can you think of a small act of kindness someone did for you when you felt nervous or new somewhere?
- Imagination: If you met Oskar on his walk, what small kindness would you offer him?
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think so many different people along the way decided to help Oskar?
