A book review of The Children of Willesden Lane: A True Story of Hope and Survival During World War II (Young Reader’s Edition) by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen
Stars: ****
Hatchette Book Group (2017)
History>WWII and Music
193 pages
Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.
Summary: A young readers’ edition of an important and inspiring true story of hope and survival during World War II.
Fourteen-year-old Lisa Jura was a musical prodigy who hoped to become a concert pianist. But when Hitler’s armies advanced on pre-war Vienna, Lisa’s parents were forced to make a difficult decision. Able to secure passage for only one of their three daughters through the Kindertransport, they chose to send gifted Lisa to London for safety.
As she yearned to be reunited with her family while she lived in a home for refugee children on Willesden Lane, Lisa’s music became a beacon of hope. A memoir of courage and the power of music to uplift the human spirit, this compelling tribute to one special young woman and the lives she touched will both educate and inspire young readers.
The Children of Willesden Lane
This is the young reader’s edition of an inspiring story that comes in adult and younger reader’s version too. The chapter book edition is reviewed at Callista’s Ramblings as it’s more of a fictional novel.
Most people know what went on in the world in World War II but I think that the Kindertransport is less talked about. I love that this book isn’t just a tale of that though, but a musical prodigy’s tale of overcoming the odds during Hitler’s regime and using her gift for good. The book shows Jewish culture as well.
The story is full of hope and would make a great read just because or as a book to study in school or homeschool. The young reader’s edition comes with photos, conversation with the author who is the daughter of the main person, time line of the Holocaust, Historical Background and Discussion Questions and Activities.
I recommend this book and the resources at the HoldOnToYourMusic.org website that go with it. TONS of stuff there.
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