Be An Upstander
I wrote The Christmas Menorahs with the hope that the courageous actions of the people in Billings would inspire others to stand up in the face of injustice. Since the original book was published, I have heard from many children about the ways the story affected them and made them think and act differently, about how it helped them to become an Upstander.
I’d love to hear your own stories and create a community of courage and goodness here where we share our experiences. I believe that standing up to hate starts with each of us and then ripples outward.
Join Our Community
Share your experience with me through my contact page or on Instagram with the hashtag #christmasmenorahs to help spread the word about becoming an Upstander.
Here are just a few of the stories and testimonials I’ve received. I hope you find them inspiring.
“The Christmas Menorahs was a fantastic story! I treasure it…When I see people who are prejudiced, I just want to jump up and say No! Don’t”
Josie R.
“I learned a lot from your book. If a lot of people read it, you will probably make a change in the world.”
David M.
“I have your book lying next to my bed so I can look at it when I go to sleep. I think about your book almost every day. When I see people being cruel, I think of how the people in Billings responded.”
Bridget R.
“I never knew about neo-Nazis. I don’t understand why anybody thought what Hitler thought. I think that it’s good that you wrote The Christmas Menorahs because it will let people know that they can do something about prejudice.”
Kevin F.
After enacting the story of The Christmas Menorahs, some young people shared their thoughts:
“…I pay attention now when kids around me are making dumb comments about other people. Acting the part made me want to live it.”
Marky H., age 13
“…this story will help change people’s lives.”
Chase A., age 12
“…I’ve learned that I need to stick up for people I don’t know. It’s never really happened to me. But if it does, I’m ready.”
Rebecca K., age 12
“ [Enacting the story] has made me a better person.”
Kaleb C., age 13
I look forward to hearing your stories.