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Kathy Kacer

    September 6, 1954

    Kathy Kacer's literary work delves into the legacy of the Holocaust, sensitively exploring themes of survival and remembrance for young readers. Driven by her family's experiences as survivors, her writing illuminates the resilience of the human spirit amidst unimaginable tragedy. Kacer skillfully balances the gravity of historical events with enduring hope, crafting compelling narratives that educate readers on the importance of understanding and preserving the past. Her literary endeavors aim not only to inform but also to foster empathy and instill in younger generations a profound appreciation for memory.

    The Brushmaker's Daughter
    The Underground Reporters
    Hiding Edith
    Margit
    By Chance Alone: The Young Readers' Edition
    Broken Strings
    • By Chance Alone: The Young Readers' Edition

      A Remarkable True Story of Courage and Survival at Auschwitz

      • 224 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      This poignant narrative follows the experiences of Holocaust survivor Max Eisen, offering a deeply personal account of resilience and hope. Adapted for young readers, it explores themes of survival, memory, and the impact of history on personal identity. The book not only educates about the Holocaust but also inspires empathy and understanding, making it a powerful read for a younger audience. Its recognition as an award-winning title highlights its significance and emotional depth.

      By Chance Alone: The Young Readers' Edition2024
      4.0
    • Novináři v utajení

      • 141 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      Kniha, jež vznikla v Kanadě, vypráví o protektorátních Budějovicích. Přibližuje židovský humoristický samizdatový časopis Klepy, jímž židovská mládež čelila nacistickým represím.

      Novináři v utajení2023
      4.5
    • Hidden on the High Wire

      • 216 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      Set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany, the narrative follows Irene, a young Jewish girl growing up in a circus environment. As she navigates the challenges of her precarious situation, she strives to protect herself and her mother, embodying resilience and courage in the face of danger. The story highlights the unique blend of circus life and the harsh realities of their circumstances, showcasing the struggle for survival and the strength of familial bonds.

      Hidden on the High Wire2022
      4.0
    • Under the Iron Bridge

      • 216 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      It's 1938 in Dusseldorf, Germany, and Paul is feeling pressured to join the Hitler Youth. The last thing he wants to do is march around with a bunch of bullies, supporting the Gestapo and abusing the city's Jews, but even Paul's parents think he should go along with his classmates in order to keep himself safe.Just when he's starting to despair, Paul meets the Edelweiss Pirates, a group of teenage boys and girls who are working to undermine the growing power of the Nazis. When he joins the rebel organization, he finds out just how hair-raising and dangerous it is to sabotage the Third Reich and rescue Jews wherever they can. But choices have consequences, and during the terrifying violence of Kristallnacht, Paul must step out of the shadows and make a life-changing decision.Inspired by the true story of the Edelweiss Pirates, a group that declared "Eternal War on the Hitler Youth," Under the Iron Bridge is a tale of courage in the face of cruelty.

      Under the Iron Bridge2021
      3.9
    • Call Across the Sea

      • 216 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      History is made one brave act at a time. Henny has grown up with her father's boat, the Gerda III, as a home away from home. She loves sailing the waters between Denmark and Sweden, carried along by the salt breeze. But when Nazi rule tightens in Copenhagen, Henny joins the resistance. And when Hitler orders the Gestapo to round up all Jewish citizens, Henny realizes that the Gerda III isn't just a boat--it's a means of escape for her Jewish neighbours. Safety and freedom are just across the channel in Sweden--as long as Henny doesn't get caught. The fourth book in Kathy Kacer's Heroes Quartet series, Call Across the Sea brings to life a little-known part of World War II and highlights the unsung acts of heroism that moved history forward.

      Call Across the Sea2021
      3.8
    • Broken Strings

      • 288 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      A middle-school musical and a violin reveal a hidden family secret in this poignant tale. The narrative explores themes of heritage and identity, drawing readers into a world where music intertwines with personal history. The story promises emotional depth and resonates with fans of impactful historical narratives, making it a compelling read for those interested in family dynamics and the power of art.

      Broken Strings2020
      4.6
    • The Brushmaker's Daughter

      • 120 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      In 1939 Berlin, a Jewish girl and her blind father navigate the dangers of Nazi persecution with the assistance of Otto Weidt, a courageous German businessman. The story highlights themes of bravery, compassion, and the impact of individual actions in the face of tyranny, showcasing the lengths to which one man goes to protect those in peril during a dark chapter of history.

      The Brushmaker's Daughter2020
      4.1
    • Louder Than Words

      • 240 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Twelve-year-old Dina, her mother, and two sisters must contend with the invasion of the Nazis of their small Ukrainian town during World War II. With the help of a new housekeeper, Nina, they struggle to stay safe from imminent danger to the Jewish community. Based on a true story.--

      Louder Than Words2020
      3.8
    • Stones on a Grave

      • 240 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Set against the harrowing backdrop of the Holocaust, this narrative explores the profound themes of trauma, shame, and the quest for forgiveness. It delves into the experiences of Jewish individuals in concentration camps, highlighting the brutal realities they faced, including sexual violence. The story examines the complex interplay of identity and survival, as characters navigate their painful pasts while seeking redemption and understanding in a world marked by deep scars.

      Stones on a Grave2015
      3.7
    • Kúzelník z Auschwitzu

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      Werner má len 14 rokov, keď ho nacisti odlúčia od rodiny a on skončí v koncentračnom tábore. Na drevenej prični sa tlačí aj so starším mužom, ktorý sa mu predstaví ako Levin. Raz v noci vrazia do baraku strážcovia, muža vytiahnu z prične a donútia ho čarovať s kartami. Levin predvádza po nociach kúzla, lebo vie, že hrá o svoj život. Jedného dňa sa zúfalému Wernerovi čosi prihodí a Levin, aby ho upokojil, odhalí mu tajomstvo svojich kúzel. Naučí ho však aj čosi iné, že vždy existuje nádej a že sa nikdy nemá vzdávať. Láskavosť a priateľstvo tohto muža pomôžu Wernerovi nakoniec prežiť, a hoci sa už nikdy nestretnú, jeho dar ho bude sprevádzať novým životom. Autorka, pôvodným povolaním psychologička, opísala krehký príbeh o priateľstve, ľudskosti a neutíchajúcej nádeji aj počas najčernejších momentov veľmi citlivo a vhodným spôsobom. Knihu dopĺňajú pôsobivé, čiernobiele ilustrácie, ako aj fotografie skutočných hrdinov príbehu.

      Kúzelník z Auschwitzu2015
      4.1
    • Shanghai Escape

      • 240 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Set in 1938 Shanghai, the story follows Lily Toufar, a young Jewish girl who flees Vienna with her family in search of safety from the oppressive regime of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. As they navigate the unfamiliar landscape of Shanghai, the narrative explores themes of resilience, identity, and the quest for refuge amid the turmoil of war. Lily's journey highlights the challenges faced by displaced individuals and the hope that persists even in the darkest times.

      Shanghai Escape2013
      3.8
    • We Are Their Voice

      Young People Respond to the Holocaust

      • 160 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      The book features a poignant collection of writings and artwork from young individuals reflecting on the Holocaust's significance. Through their diverse contributions, these voices uncover valuable lessons from history, emphasizing themes of hope, peace, and tolerance for the future. Their personal insights offer a profound perspective on resilience and the importance of remembering the past to foster understanding and compassion in society.

      We Are Their Voice2012
      3.7
    • To Hope & Back

      • 204 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      A true account of two Jewish children on the ship St. Louis who while attempting to escape Nazi Germany were turned away from port after port.

      To Hope & Back2012
      4.0
    • The Diary of Laura's Twin

      • 202 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      The narrative intertwines Laura's Bat Mitzvah preparations with the poignant story of Sara Gittler, a young Holocaust victim from the Warsaw Ghetto. As Laura learns about Sara's courageous life through her diary, she gains insights into resilience amidst fear and tragedy. This exploration not only honors Sara’s memory but also empowers Laura to tackle her own challenges. The book enriches the experience with photographs and biographies of young heroes from the Ghetto Uprising, highlighting the significance of "Twinning Ceremonies."

      The Diary of Laura's Twin2008
      3.9
    • In 1938 many Jewish people were forced to leave their homes to escape the Nazis. Edith was one child who was entrusted to the care of a chidlren's home in Moissac, France with other Jewish children. This is her story.

      Hiding Edith2006
      4.2
    • Margit

      • 110 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      It is 1946, and the war is finally over. Margit's beloved father has returned to his family after being held in a concentration camp, and Margit is thrilled. Her family is trying hard to do well in their new home, but Toronto is very different from Czechoslovakia. Her highly educated father cannot find work in this new country, and Margit starts to fail at school, which she hides from her parents. How can she disappoint the family she loves after they have been through so much to make a good life for her in Canada? Welcome back to OUR CANADIAN GIRL, and the continuing adventures of Margit and many other smart, spirited, and courageous girls. They come from different places and times in Canadian history, and each of them meets some ordinary--and extraordinary--challenges in her day-to-day life.

      Margit2005
      4.2
    • The Underground Reporters

      • 160 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Set in Budejovice during World War II, a group of courageous Jewish youths defies oppressive laws by creating a newspaper in a small shack. This act of creativity and resilience serves as a testament to their adventurous spirit amid adversity. Despite the tragic fate of many villagers, the newspaper survives, symbolizing hope and the desire for a peaceful future. The narrative explores themes of resistance, community, and the enduring power of expression in the face of danger.

      The Underground Reporters2005
      4.1
    • The Night Spies

      • 197 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      Set during World War II, the story follows Gabi, her mother, and cousin Max as they hide in a secluded mountain village. Enduring the challenges of their cramped hiding space, Gabi and Max venture out for secret nighttime walks, leading to encounters with anti-Nazi partisans. Their experiences as scouts not only bolster their courage but also ignite a sense of hope amid the darkness of war. The narrative explores themes of resilience and the power of friendship in the face of adversity.

      The Night Spies2003
      3.9
    • Clara's War

      • 198 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      Set during World War II, the story follows thirteen-year-old Clara and her family as they navigate life in Terezin, a ghetto designed to deceive the outside world about the treatment of Jews. As they face the harsh realities of imprisonment, Clara's resilience and courage are tested in a perilous environment. The narrative explores themes of survival, hope, and the impact of war on young lives, highlighting the stark contrast between the facade of the ghetto and the grim truth of their situation.

      Clara's War2000
      4.1
    • The Secret of Gabi's Dresser

      • 128 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      Set against the backdrop of World War II, Gabi's story reveals the harrowing experiences of a young Jewish girl living on a family farm in Eastern Europe. She vividly recounts her life before and during the Nazi occupation, highlighting her brave act of hiding in a dresser during searches for Jewish children. The dresser, which ultimately became a symbol of survival, is now in the author's home in Toronto. Kathy Kacer, Gabi's daughter, draws on her mother's experiences to weave this poignant narrative.

      The Secret of Gabi's Dresser1999
      4.1