| The Only One Club Written by Jane Naliboff Illustrated by Jeff Hopkins |
Reviews
From The Franklin Journal - an interview with the author
Local author publishes the one and only; Jane Naliboff of Vienna has a new book out everyone is talking about
The Only One Club, by local author Jane Naliboff, has been embraced by librarians and school teachers alike for its engaging storyline and
its underlying message. But the book isn't what you'd expect. The story of a first grader who discovers that she is the only Jewish student
in her class is not about embracing each other's cultures, but instead, about the joy found in being unique.
The Only One Club begins as six year old Jennifer realizes that she is the only Jewish girl in her class, a few days before Christmas when
all the rest of her classmates are making Christmas decorations for their classroom. Jennifer's teacher asks her to make Hanukkah
decorations instead, and gives her the honor of putting her decorations on the classroom windows before anyone else.
The next day when Jennifer arrives at school, she is wearing a pin made carefully out of construction paper and glitter, stating that she is
the only member of the "Only One Club," as the only Jewish girl in class. When the other children see the badge, they all want to be part
of her club as well.
Naliboff has been writing children's books for 13 years. Her interest in children's literature began while her three daughters were young.
"We didn't have a TV until they went to college," she said, "and so, instead, we cooked together, played games and read. We read a lot."
Reading children's books aloud to her daughters gave her a familiarity with the genre and helped her to realize that coming up with stories
was something she could be good at, so she started to write.
She has published a number of short stories in kids' magazines such as "Spider," "Cricket," and "Hopscotch," and has also published the
adult humor novel, Kids Will Be Kids. The Only One Club is her first published work of children's literature.
The book is a fictional story, but Naliboff first touched on the idea when her daughters were in elementary school in Vienna [Maine]. As
one of a few Jewish families in the area, the Naliboff girls often had the experience of being "the only ones" who were Jewish in class.
Naliboff maintains that the book's theme is not about being Jewish , nor meant to educate children about multiculturalism. "It was picked
up by a lot of Jewish and other minority organizations," she said. "But it's not really about religious or cultural issues. It's more about the
need kids have to be different, to be seen for who, not what they are."
Naliboff said she simply wants both kids and parents alike to enjoy reading it and not expect to come away with some deep meaning or
heavy message. "People are always reading layers of meaning into books, when the authors are really just trying to tell a goood story." -
Maggie Burr
From the Sun Journal (Maine)
VIENNA - Though not religious, Jane Naliboff's Jewish heritage made her youngest daughter unique in her class at the Cape Cod Hill
School. During the season when holiday decorations were appearing everywhere, her daughter, Dana, now grown, wondered why she
was the only one in her class who was Jewish. Naliboff told her daughter, then a first-grader, that she was unique and that her heritage
should be a source of pride.
From that conversation many years ago, came the idea for Naliboff's second book, "The Only One Club." The 32-page children's book
tells of Jennifer, the only Jewish child in her first-grade class, who made Hanukkah decorations while classmates created Christmas trees
and wreaths. Jennifer, thrilled when the teacher allows her to put her decorations up first, later creates "The Only One Club," of which she
is the sole glittery-badge-wearing member. Jennifer's classmates want to join her club and the entire class is inducted, each one singled out
for a quality no one else possesses.
Naliboff's tale encourages young readers to look for qualities in themselves and others, beyond race and ethnicity, that make them unique,
said one reviewer. "We're all special, we're all unique and we all belong to the human race," said Naliboff recently sitting in a rocking chair
at Devaney, Doak and Garrett Booksellers in Farmington.
Naliboff has been published in several children's magazines, Spider, Cricket, Hopscotch and Boys' Quest, among them. She also authored
a humor book, "Kids Will Be Kids: Excellent, Tried-and-True Reasons for Thinking Twice About Having Children or Why You Might Want
to Rent Them Out on Weekends" published in 1997.
"The Only One Club," published in September, is featured in the recommended selected list of recent children's books on the Association
of Jewish Libraries Web site.
Naliboff said she hates cartoons and told the book's illustrator, Jeff Hopkins of Somerville, Mass., she wanted her characters to be
portrayed as cute, not cartoons and not "icky sweet." She was pleased with the results, she said.
She used real names for some of her characters though their likenesses have been altered. Jonah McBride is Dana's boyfriend though
unlike the character he does not have red hair, she said. She also used the name of the daughter of Dana's violin teacher. When Gwen
Beecham, the violin teacher's daughter read the book, she sent Naliboff a thank you note and a handmade badge.
From Maine In Print
When the first grade begins making Christmas decorations, we find out that Jennifer is different in a way that no one can see. She is the
only Jewish student in her class. Her teacher tells Jennifer that she can, of course, make Hanukah decorations instead, and can be the first
to hang them on the classroom windows. Jennifer is thrilled to be singled-out, and at home that night creates "The Only One Club." of
which she is the only glittery-badge-wearing member. But what happens in school the next day when her classmates all want to join her
exclusive club? This delightful book encourages children to actively look for special qualities in others, beyond race or culture. (Maine in
Print, a publication of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, is a bi-monthly newsletter for MWPA members, including 16 newspaper-
size pages of information about hot topics in the literary world, as well as essays, calendar listings, submissions listings, member news,
and book reviews.)
From Jewish Woman Magazine
How Jennifer deals with her difference shows that each child can feel respected and valued for being unique. The story comes to life
through Nabiloff’s true-to-life dialogue and Jeff Hopkins’ colorful mixed-media illustrations.
From DDG Books "Holiday 18" Seasonal Gift Guide
The Only One Club, by local writer Jane Naliboff, is a charming story following a first grader who, during the holiday season, discovers
that she is the only Jewish student in her class. Jennifer enjoys the sense of being special and creates the Only One Club, to celebrate her
uniqueness. Her classmates, however, all want to join the club. - Kenny Brechner
From the AJL Newsletter
Jennifer Jacobs is the only Jewish child in her class. While the other students make Christmas decorations, she makes dreidels and six-
pointed stars for Hanukkah. When she goes home after school, she makes herself a glittery badge that says “The Only One Club.” Her
fellow students want to join the club, but she is hesitant. After thinking it over, she comes to school the next day with a badge for all her
classmates, who all have something unique – red hair, the last name “Raven,” etc. The premise of the book – that everyone has something
special about them and we should acknowledge and respect that - is a good lesson for children. The illustrations are very cute and they
enhance the story. It concerned me that Jennifer was wearing a badge because she was Jewish, although most children reading the story
would probably not associate this with anti-Semitism and the Holocaust. While the book is appropriate for ages five to ten, it would be best
suited for a public library or public school library... - Kathe S. Pinchuck
From Rebecca Reads.com
A story which encourages looking beyond race & culture for special qualities in everyone.
Delightfully illustrated by Jeff Hopkins, The Only One Club is a thoughtful look at how alike we all really are, even when we are so
different! I was completely caught up in finding out how Jane Naliboff was going to solve Jennifer's puzzle... [I] highly recommend The
Only One Club, about how a little Jewish girl, her teacher & a classroom of Christian children prepare for Christmas. [It's] a thoughtful
look at how alike we all really are, even when we are so different!" - Rebecca Brown
From an Amazon.com Top 500 Reviewer
When six-year-old Jennifer Jacobs' first grade class begins working on Christmas decorations, she quickly informs her teacher that she
doesn't celebrate Christmas, but rather Hanukkah, for she is Jewish. Soon, Jennifer realizes that she is the only Jewish child in her class,
and decides to make The Only One Club, in which she is the only member. However, as word gets around about her club, Jennifer begins
realizing that there are many other children in her class, and in the school, who are the only one of something, and quickly makes badges
for everyone in her class, informing them that they too can be a member of The Only One Club.
While I am not Jewish myself, I find that there are so few books on the market for Jewish children around the holidays. So I was quite
awed by the arrival of Jane Naliboff's THE ONLY ONE CLUB. The prose is wonderful, and teaches children that everyone is unique,
whether it's the color of their hair, or eyes, or their religion, or beliefs, while the illustrations by Jeff Hopkins couldn't be cuter. This is a
lovely children's book to pick up this holiday season, whether you're Jewish or not. - Erika Sorocco, also a Book Review Columnist for
The Community Bugle Newspaper
From My Shelf.com
Mrs. Mathews’ class is making Christmas decorations for their room, but Jennifer is Jewish and is making Hanukah decorations. Jennifer
makes herself a badge at home that says “The Only One Club” to signify that she is special. However, when she wears the badge at
school, the other students want to join her club. What will Jennifer do?
The illustrations by Jeff Hopkins show children with different skin tones and hair texture. This is especially true in classrooms across the
country and gives children an opportunity to see other children like themselves in books. The facial expressions show a range of emotions
and are very realistic. The text is conversational and easy to read.
The way Naliboff deals with the need for each child to feel unique and special is touching. She effectively uses Jennifer to explore a child’
s feelings about being different and what happens when feelings are hurt. - Patty Foster
From The Detroit Jewish News
...it’s hard not to like The Only One Club. It is a story about the importance of individuality and understanding differences... Written for
young children, The Only One Club features terrific pictures, bright and snappy. And even if the message is nothing new, in a world filled
with intolerance and hatred, it’s a message we could all do with hearing again and again. - Elizabeth Applebaum, Appletree Editor
From The Jerusalem Post
Jane Naliboff's The Only One Club also deals with another potent coming of age issue, this time for young Diaspora Jews who grow up in
isolation from others of their religion.
When Jennifer Jacob's first grade teacher suggests each student design some Christmas decorations, Jennifer discovers that she is only
Jewish child in her class. She then creates "The Only One Club" for herself. But when all of her classmates beg to join she realizes that
everyone is "the only one of something."
The story is sweet and nicely told, with colorful illustrations that bring the characters alive.
While being the only Jew is not always as rosy as this book makes it seem, Naliboff's story is optimistic and heartwarming, helpful in
telling grade schoolers that it is okay to be different. - Ruth Eglash
From Jbooks.com
Two Minds Ponder The Only One Club
The Only One Club has me arguing with myself. I can’t decide whether this is a thoughtful book that empowers children to take pride in
their individuality or an unrealistic story that sends a flawed message to kids about what joins people within a community.
The cynical part of me (the one that can somehow find malice in kittens playing) argues that The Only One Club is a treatise on exclusivity
cloaked in a do-goody children’s book. My more optimistic side, which is much better equipped to appreciate the good intentions of
others, sees this book as a joyous celebration of individuality and pride. This inner debate is fueled by the details of what happens in the
center of the book, and not so much by the tidy ending that leaves everyone content. My sweeter side loves happy endings, but that
cynical part of me prefers nasty shake-ups and unexpected mayhem.
So what’s it all about? The Only One Club begins as the “holiday season” approaches. Mrs. Matthews, the first-grade teacher, has decided
to have her students make Christmas decorations to hang on the classroom windows. But Mrs. Matthews’ plans need some tweaking
when little Jennifer Jacobs announces that she’s Jewish and celebrates Hanukah, not Christmas. After a show of hands, it turns out that
Jennifer is the only Jewish kid in the class. Rather than shrink with embarrassment, the precocious six-year-old turns the situation to her
advantage, creating Hanukah decorations. Mrs. Matthews even lets Jennifer hang her decorations on the window first.
I have never seen a first grader with such a sense of pride and self-confidence as Jennifer exudes. Jennifer doesn’t simply put up her stars
of David, dreidels, and hanukkiyot (Hanukah menorahs); she marches proudly to the windows, affixes her creations dead center, and then
stands back to “admire her work.” This kid’s dripping with self-assurance!
Spurred by the attention she gets for being the only Jewish kid in her class, Jennifer decides to create “The Only One Club” and become
its sole member. She makes herself a spiffy badge and wears it proudly to school the next day. Here’s a young girl celebrating, no,
downright flaunting the fact that she is different from everyone in her class. At an age when most kids would be mortified to be singled
out in this way, Jennifer is a child prodigy of individuality! She relishes the exclusivity of her club, at least until the other kids get wise to
her game.
Classmate Olivia Raven is put out when Jennifer won’t let her join The Only One Club. Olivia points out, having been refused membership
in the club because she isn’t Jewish, that the club isn’t just for Jewish people, it’s for people who are “the only one” of something. And,
as luck would have it, she’s the only one in the class whose last name is a kind of bird, so she should be admitted, right? For the first time
in the story, self-possessed Jennifer is rendered speechless.
Just as my cynical argument is gaining steam, I notice that Olivia is also the only Native American in the class, but the author, in politically
correct fashion, has chosen not to split the kids only along racial or cultural lines, as diversity applies to many aspects of who a person is.
Meanwhile, sole redhead Jonah wants into the club and Jennifer is stymied again. By the time recess is over, Jennifer has an angry mob on
her hands and they all want in on The Only One Club. Now she feels sad. Her monopoly is on the verge of collapse!
Of course, enterprising young Jennifer, rather than be bullied into letting her classmates join her exclusive club, finds a way to turn her
acquiescence into another victory. With much bravado, she makes her classmates line up in front of her to bestow upon each of them the
honor of being accepted into The Only One Club. She is the one to determine what each child’s unique characteristic is. From being the
only one to wear a dress every day with matching ribbons to being the only one with humongous front teeth, Jennifer is the one to crown
them all.
But what if Steven, of aforementioned huge teeth fame, is embarrassed to be singled out for this physical trait? Still worse, what if Olivia
was the only one whose brother died fighting in Iraq or the only one whose grandmother has Alzheimer’s? What if daily-dress-and-
matching-ribbons Gwen was the only poor child in the class or the only one whose teenage brother ran away from home? Would she
want to announce this uniqueness to the world? I suspect that had Jennifer picked certain other unique traits for her classmates, the story
might not come to the rosy conclusion that my sweeter side had prayed would occur.
The question is, to what extent is it desirable to encourage kids to value their uniqueness over their commonalities? Is their pride and
power in their own exceptional qualities or in the qualities that unite them? Does this equation change if their unique qualities are sources of
shame or embarrassment? Perhaps it is the very fact that each of them is unique is what they all have in common.
One side of me optimistically argues that Jennifer Jacobs turns an isolating experience into one of empowerment and joy. All school
children may not be as lucky as Jennifer to have a teacher who changes gears so easily, allowing them to make Hanukah decorations
instead of Christmas ones. On the other hand, other teachers may be more sensitive in advance, opting either to leave religious holidays
outside of the classroom (where they belong!) or incorporating all the various religious holidays of the season into the class activity.
It doesn’t surprise me that this book was inspired by an incident in author Jane Naliboff’s daughter’s young life. What Jewish kid (at least
one who doesn’t go to a Jewish school) hasn’t experienced the isolation of being a Jewish kid at Christmas time? These days, with the
“Christmas season” painfully extended to include the time between Halloween and the end of the calendar year, it’s hard for Jewish kids
not to feel “other.” The minute the Halloween candy gets marked down on November 1, the Christmas bounty gets piled onto store
shelves, the Christmas music starts blaring from every direction and the Salvation Army’s deafening bells take up residence on every street
corner. In this atmosphere, what Jewish kid wouldn’t feel like the only one? For this reason especially, The Only One Club, with its
expressive illustrations by Jeff Hopkins, does fill a need for kids who feel left out in December.
So part of me does have sympathy for Jennifer Jacobs on the day of making Christmas decorations. My cynical side, however, wonders
whether a real six-year-old would have the gumption to raise her Jewish voice in the midst of the gentile-dominated class.
In the end, I have to judge this book as a picture book for children that attempts to deliver a lesson on individuality, pride, and first-grade
politics. To judge it by grown-up book standards would be unfair. The Only One Club must over-simplify in order to convey a complex
message in a way that its intended young audience can grasp. And although I remain of two minds about this book, I have to say that it
does get the message across that being different can be a positive thing and a source of pride. For Jewish kids – and all kids who have
ever felt “other” -- The Only One Club offers a bit of hope in a cynical world. - Sue Edelman
From the Forward
"The Only One Club" (Flashlight Press), a book for children ages 4 to 8, is written by Jane Naliboff and illustrated by Jeff Hopkins. It tells
the story of first-grader Jennifer Jacobs, who gleefully discovers that she is the only Jewish student in her class. The girl's positive sense
of Jewish pride quickly morphs into a grade-school brand of ethnic elitism as she begins parading around with a badge, identifying herself
as a member of the exclusive "Only One Club" and refusing to let anyone else join. Eventually Jennifer's conscience prevails and she
decides to include every classmate in the club, finding "only one" categories for all of them: For example, Sam is the only kid with a pet
iguana and Alex is the only first grader who was born on a bus.
The book attempts to deliver a clear and praiseworthy lesson: It is important to celebrate those things that make each of us unique. But this
message often gets lost as the story takes a few puzzling turns, starting with the jarring decision to cast Jennifer as an inside-out version
of Anne Frank and to transform the December dilemma into a young Jew's holiday fantasy. The early emphasis on Jennifer's Jewishness
sets up the book as a story about bridging ethnic differences. But the author proceeds to ignore the obvious racial diversity in the class
(made clear through illustrations), instead equating Jennifer's distinct religious identity with jumping Double Dutch and having huge front
teeth. And, in the end, the children seem less interested in celebrating their diversity than in making sure they gain admission to the club. -
Jennifer Lerer Eden
Back to The Only One Club
Local author publishes the one and only; Jane Naliboff of Vienna has a new book out everyone is talking about
The Only One Club, by local author Jane Naliboff, has been embraced by librarians and school teachers alike for its engaging storyline and
its underlying message. But the book isn't what you'd expect. The story of a first grader who discovers that she is the only Jewish student
in her class is not about embracing each other's cultures, but instead, about the joy found in being unique.
The Only One Club begins as six year old Jennifer realizes that she is the only Jewish girl in her class, a few days before Christmas when
all the rest of her classmates are making Christmas decorations for their classroom. Jennifer's teacher asks her to make Hanukkah
decorations instead, and gives her the honor of putting her decorations on the classroom windows before anyone else.
The next day when Jennifer arrives at school, she is wearing a pin made carefully out of construction paper and glitter, stating that she is
the only member of the "Only One Club," as the only Jewish girl in class. When the other children see the badge, they all want to be part
of her club as well.
Naliboff has been writing children's books for 13 years. Her interest in children's literature began while her three daughters were young.
"We didn't have a TV until they went to college," she said, "and so, instead, we cooked together, played games and read. We read a lot."
Reading children's books aloud to her daughters gave her a familiarity with the genre and helped her to realize that coming up with stories
was something she could be good at, so she started to write.
She has published a number of short stories in kids' magazines such as "Spider," "Cricket," and "Hopscotch," and has also published the
adult humor novel, Kids Will Be Kids. The Only One Club is her first published work of children's literature.
The book is a fictional story, but Naliboff first touched on the idea when her daughters were in elementary school in Vienna [Maine]. As
one of a few Jewish families in the area, the Naliboff girls often had the experience of being "the only ones" who were Jewish in class.
Naliboff maintains that the book's theme is not about being Jewish , nor meant to educate children about multiculturalism. "It was picked
up by a lot of Jewish and other minority organizations," she said. "But it's not really about religious or cultural issues. It's more about the
need kids have to be different, to be seen for who, not what they are."
Naliboff said she simply wants both kids and parents alike to enjoy reading it and not expect to come away with some deep meaning or
heavy message. "People are always reading layers of meaning into books, when the authors are really just trying to tell a goood story." -
Maggie Burr
From the Sun Journal (Maine)
VIENNA - Though not religious, Jane Naliboff's Jewish heritage made her youngest daughter unique in her class at the Cape Cod Hill
School. During the season when holiday decorations were appearing everywhere, her daughter, Dana, now grown, wondered why she
was the only one in her class who was Jewish. Naliboff told her daughter, then a first-grader, that she was unique and that her heritage
should be a source of pride.
From that conversation many years ago, came the idea for Naliboff's second book, "The Only One Club." The 32-page children's book
tells of Jennifer, the only Jewish child in her first-grade class, who made Hanukkah decorations while classmates created Christmas trees
and wreaths. Jennifer, thrilled when the teacher allows her to put her decorations up first, later creates "The Only One Club," of which she
is the sole glittery-badge-wearing member. Jennifer's classmates want to join her club and the entire class is inducted, each one singled out
for a quality no one else possesses.
Naliboff's tale encourages young readers to look for qualities in themselves and others, beyond race and ethnicity, that make them unique,
said one reviewer. "We're all special, we're all unique and we all belong to the human race," said Naliboff recently sitting in a rocking chair
at Devaney, Doak and Garrett Booksellers in Farmington.
Naliboff has been published in several children's magazines, Spider, Cricket, Hopscotch and Boys' Quest, among them. She also authored
a humor book, "Kids Will Be Kids: Excellent, Tried-and-True Reasons for Thinking Twice About Having Children or Why You Might Want
to Rent Them Out on Weekends" published in 1997.
"The Only One Club," published in September, is featured in the recommended selected list of recent children's books on the Association
of Jewish Libraries Web site.
Naliboff said she hates cartoons and told the book's illustrator, Jeff Hopkins of Somerville, Mass., she wanted her characters to be
portrayed as cute, not cartoons and not "icky sweet." She was pleased with the results, she said.
She used real names for some of her characters though their likenesses have been altered. Jonah McBride is Dana's boyfriend though
unlike the character he does not have red hair, she said. She also used the name of the daughter of Dana's violin teacher. When Gwen
Beecham, the violin teacher's daughter read the book, she sent Naliboff a thank you note and a handmade badge.
From Maine In Print
When the first grade begins making Christmas decorations, we find out that Jennifer is different in a way that no one can see. She is the
only Jewish student in her class. Her teacher tells Jennifer that she can, of course, make Hanukah decorations instead, and can be the first
to hang them on the classroom windows. Jennifer is thrilled to be singled-out, and at home that night creates "The Only One Club." of
which she is the only glittery-badge-wearing member. But what happens in school the next day when her classmates all want to join her
exclusive club? This delightful book encourages children to actively look for special qualities in others, beyond race or culture. (Maine in
Print, a publication of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, is a bi-monthly newsletter for MWPA members, including 16 newspaper-
size pages of information about hot topics in the literary world, as well as essays, calendar listings, submissions listings, member news,
and book reviews.)
From Jewish Woman Magazine
How Jennifer deals with her difference shows that each child can feel respected and valued for being unique. The story comes to life
through Nabiloff’s true-to-life dialogue and Jeff Hopkins’ colorful mixed-media illustrations.
From DDG Books "Holiday 18" Seasonal Gift Guide
The Only One Club, by local writer Jane Naliboff, is a charming story following a first grader who, during the holiday season, discovers
that she is the only Jewish student in her class. Jennifer enjoys the sense of being special and creates the Only One Club, to celebrate her
uniqueness. Her classmates, however, all want to join the club. - Kenny Brechner
From the AJL Newsletter
Jennifer Jacobs is the only Jewish child in her class. While the other students make Christmas decorations, she makes dreidels and six-
pointed stars for Hanukkah. When she goes home after school, she makes herself a glittery badge that says “The Only One Club.” Her
fellow students want to join the club, but she is hesitant. After thinking it over, she comes to school the next day with a badge for all her
classmates, who all have something unique – red hair, the last name “Raven,” etc. The premise of the book – that everyone has something
special about them and we should acknowledge and respect that - is a good lesson for children. The illustrations are very cute and they
enhance the story. It concerned me that Jennifer was wearing a badge because she was Jewish, although most children reading the story
would probably not associate this with anti-Semitism and the Holocaust. While the book is appropriate for ages five to ten, it would be best
suited for a public library or public school library... - Kathe S. Pinchuck
From Rebecca Reads.com
A story which encourages looking beyond race & culture for special qualities in everyone.
Delightfully illustrated by Jeff Hopkins, The Only One Club is a thoughtful look at how alike we all really are, even when we are so
different! I was completely caught up in finding out how Jane Naliboff was going to solve Jennifer's puzzle... [I] highly recommend The
Only One Club, about how a little Jewish girl, her teacher & a classroom of Christian children prepare for Christmas. [It's] a thoughtful
look at how alike we all really are, even when we are so different!" - Rebecca Brown
From an Amazon.com Top 500 Reviewer
When six-year-old Jennifer Jacobs' first grade class begins working on Christmas decorations, she quickly informs her teacher that she
doesn't celebrate Christmas, but rather Hanukkah, for she is Jewish. Soon, Jennifer realizes that she is the only Jewish child in her class,
and decides to make The Only One Club, in which she is the only member. However, as word gets around about her club, Jennifer begins
realizing that there are many other children in her class, and in the school, who are the only one of something, and quickly makes badges
for everyone in her class, informing them that they too can be a member of The Only One Club.
While I am not Jewish myself, I find that there are so few books on the market for Jewish children around the holidays. So I was quite
awed by the arrival of Jane Naliboff's THE ONLY ONE CLUB. The prose is wonderful, and teaches children that everyone is unique,
whether it's the color of their hair, or eyes, or their religion, or beliefs, while the illustrations by Jeff Hopkins couldn't be cuter. This is a
lovely children's book to pick up this holiday season, whether you're Jewish or not. - Erika Sorocco, also a Book Review Columnist for
The Community Bugle Newspaper
From My Shelf.com
Mrs. Mathews’ class is making Christmas decorations for their room, but Jennifer is Jewish and is making Hanukah decorations. Jennifer
makes herself a badge at home that says “The Only One Club” to signify that she is special. However, when she wears the badge at
school, the other students want to join her club. What will Jennifer do?
The illustrations by Jeff Hopkins show children with different skin tones and hair texture. This is especially true in classrooms across the
country and gives children an opportunity to see other children like themselves in books. The facial expressions show a range of emotions
and are very realistic. The text is conversational and easy to read.
The way Naliboff deals with the need for each child to feel unique and special is touching. She effectively uses Jennifer to explore a child’
s feelings about being different and what happens when feelings are hurt. - Patty Foster
From The Detroit Jewish News
...it’s hard not to like The Only One Club. It is a story about the importance of individuality and understanding differences... Written for
young children, The Only One Club features terrific pictures, bright and snappy. And even if the message is nothing new, in a world filled
with intolerance and hatred, it’s a message we could all do with hearing again and again. - Elizabeth Applebaum, Appletree Editor
From The Jerusalem Post
Jane Naliboff's The Only One Club also deals with another potent coming of age issue, this time for young Diaspora Jews who grow up in
isolation from others of their religion.
When Jennifer Jacob's first grade teacher suggests each student design some Christmas decorations, Jennifer discovers that she is only
Jewish child in her class. She then creates "The Only One Club" for herself. But when all of her classmates beg to join she realizes that
everyone is "the only one of something."
The story is sweet and nicely told, with colorful illustrations that bring the characters alive.
While being the only Jew is not always as rosy as this book makes it seem, Naliboff's story is optimistic and heartwarming, helpful in
telling grade schoolers that it is okay to be different. - Ruth Eglash
From Jbooks.com
Two Minds Ponder The Only One Club
The Only One Club has me arguing with myself. I can’t decide whether this is a thoughtful book that empowers children to take pride in
their individuality or an unrealistic story that sends a flawed message to kids about what joins people within a community.
The cynical part of me (the one that can somehow find malice in kittens playing) argues that The Only One Club is a treatise on exclusivity
cloaked in a do-goody children’s book. My more optimistic side, which is much better equipped to appreciate the good intentions of
others, sees this book as a joyous celebration of individuality and pride. This inner debate is fueled by the details of what happens in the
center of the book, and not so much by the tidy ending that leaves everyone content. My sweeter side loves happy endings, but that
cynical part of me prefers nasty shake-ups and unexpected mayhem.
So what’s it all about? The Only One Club begins as the “holiday season” approaches. Mrs. Matthews, the first-grade teacher, has decided
to have her students make Christmas decorations to hang on the classroom windows. But Mrs. Matthews’ plans need some tweaking
when little Jennifer Jacobs announces that she’s Jewish and celebrates Hanukah, not Christmas. After a show of hands, it turns out that
Jennifer is the only Jewish kid in the class. Rather than shrink with embarrassment, the precocious six-year-old turns the situation to her
advantage, creating Hanukah decorations. Mrs. Matthews even lets Jennifer hang her decorations on the window first.
I have never seen a first grader with such a sense of pride and self-confidence as Jennifer exudes. Jennifer doesn’t simply put up her stars
of David, dreidels, and hanukkiyot (Hanukah menorahs); she marches proudly to the windows, affixes her creations dead center, and then
stands back to “admire her work.” This kid’s dripping with self-assurance!
Spurred by the attention she gets for being the only Jewish kid in her class, Jennifer decides to create “The Only One Club” and become
its sole member. She makes herself a spiffy badge and wears it proudly to school the next day. Here’s a young girl celebrating, no,
downright flaunting the fact that she is different from everyone in her class. At an age when most kids would be mortified to be singled
out in this way, Jennifer is a child prodigy of individuality! She relishes the exclusivity of her club, at least until the other kids get wise to
her game.
Classmate Olivia Raven is put out when Jennifer won’t let her join The Only One Club. Olivia points out, having been refused membership
in the club because she isn’t Jewish, that the club isn’t just for Jewish people, it’s for people who are “the only one” of something. And,
as luck would have it, she’s the only one in the class whose last name is a kind of bird, so she should be admitted, right? For the first time
in the story, self-possessed Jennifer is rendered speechless.
Just as my cynical argument is gaining steam, I notice that Olivia is also the only Native American in the class, but the author, in politically
correct fashion, has chosen not to split the kids only along racial or cultural lines, as diversity applies to many aspects of who a person is.
Meanwhile, sole redhead Jonah wants into the club and Jennifer is stymied again. By the time recess is over, Jennifer has an angry mob on
her hands and they all want in on The Only One Club. Now she feels sad. Her monopoly is on the verge of collapse!
Of course, enterprising young Jennifer, rather than be bullied into letting her classmates join her exclusive club, finds a way to turn her
acquiescence into another victory. With much bravado, she makes her classmates line up in front of her to bestow upon each of them the
honor of being accepted into The Only One Club. She is the one to determine what each child’s unique characteristic is. From being the
only one to wear a dress every day with matching ribbons to being the only one with humongous front teeth, Jennifer is the one to crown
them all.
But what if Steven, of aforementioned huge teeth fame, is embarrassed to be singled out for this physical trait? Still worse, what if Olivia
was the only one whose brother died fighting in Iraq or the only one whose grandmother has Alzheimer’s? What if daily-dress-and-
matching-ribbons Gwen was the only poor child in the class or the only one whose teenage brother ran away from home? Would she
want to announce this uniqueness to the world? I suspect that had Jennifer picked certain other unique traits for her classmates, the story
might not come to the rosy conclusion that my sweeter side had prayed would occur.
The question is, to what extent is it desirable to encourage kids to value their uniqueness over their commonalities? Is their pride and
power in their own exceptional qualities or in the qualities that unite them? Does this equation change if their unique qualities are sources of
shame or embarrassment? Perhaps it is the very fact that each of them is unique is what they all have in common.
One side of me optimistically argues that Jennifer Jacobs turns an isolating experience into one of empowerment and joy. All school
children may not be as lucky as Jennifer to have a teacher who changes gears so easily, allowing them to make Hanukah decorations
instead of Christmas ones. On the other hand, other teachers may be more sensitive in advance, opting either to leave religious holidays
outside of the classroom (where they belong!) or incorporating all the various religious holidays of the season into the class activity.
It doesn’t surprise me that this book was inspired by an incident in author Jane Naliboff’s daughter’s young life. What Jewish kid (at least
one who doesn’t go to a Jewish school) hasn’t experienced the isolation of being a Jewish kid at Christmas time? These days, with the
“Christmas season” painfully extended to include the time between Halloween and the end of the calendar year, it’s hard for Jewish kids
not to feel “other.” The minute the Halloween candy gets marked down on November 1, the Christmas bounty gets piled onto store
shelves, the Christmas music starts blaring from every direction and the Salvation Army’s deafening bells take up residence on every street
corner. In this atmosphere, what Jewish kid wouldn’t feel like the only one? For this reason especially, The Only One Club, with its
expressive illustrations by Jeff Hopkins, does fill a need for kids who feel left out in December.
So part of me does have sympathy for Jennifer Jacobs on the day of making Christmas decorations. My cynical side, however, wonders
whether a real six-year-old would have the gumption to raise her Jewish voice in the midst of the gentile-dominated class.
In the end, I have to judge this book as a picture book for children that attempts to deliver a lesson on individuality, pride, and first-grade
politics. To judge it by grown-up book standards would be unfair. The Only One Club must over-simplify in order to convey a complex
message in a way that its intended young audience can grasp. And although I remain of two minds about this book, I have to say that it
does get the message across that being different can be a positive thing and a source of pride. For Jewish kids – and all kids who have
ever felt “other” -- The Only One Club offers a bit of hope in a cynical world. - Sue Edelman
From the Forward
"The Only One Club" (Flashlight Press), a book for children ages 4 to 8, is written by Jane Naliboff and illustrated by Jeff Hopkins. It tells
the story of first-grader Jennifer Jacobs, who gleefully discovers that she is the only Jewish student in her class. The girl's positive sense
of Jewish pride quickly morphs into a grade-school brand of ethnic elitism as she begins parading around with a badge, identifying herself
as a member of the exclusive "Only One Club" and refusing to let anyone else join. Eventually Jennifer's conscience prevails and she
decides to include every classmate in the club, finding "only one" categories for all of them: For example, Sam is the only kid with a pet
iguana and Alex is the only first grader who was born on a bus.
The book attempts to deliver a clear and praiseworthy lesson: It is important to celebrate those things that make each of us unique. But this
message often gets lost as the story takes a few puzzling turns, starting with the jarring decision to cast Jennifer as an inside-out version
of Anne Frank and to transform the December dilemma into a young Jew's holiday fantasy. The early emphasis on Jennifer's Jewishness
sets up the book as a story about bridging ethnic differences. But the author proceeds to ignore the obvious racial diversity in the class
(made clear through illustrations), instead equating Jennifer's distinct religious identity with jumping Double Dutch and having huge front
teeth. And, in the end, the children seem less interested in celebrating their diversity than in making sure they gain admission to the club. -
Jennifer Lerer Eden
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