Hanukkah and soccer are the twin subjects of this heartwarming novel for middle grade children, especially boys. Ten year old Ben is worried about a school bully, an up-coming soccer game, and his parents apparent lack of understanding of issues that he finds important. His grandfather tells him the story of the Maccabees and through it and a growing fondness for his grandfather, Ben learns to overcome his fears and play the big game "like a Maccabee." Set during Hanukkah, it depicts a Jewish family's celebrations with joy.