
A parent should reach for this book when their child is experiencing the anxiety of a major life transition, or when they need to understand the profound strength required to face systemic hardship. It is an ideal bridge for discussing the reality of being a refugee and the emotional toll of family separation. The story follows Lisa Platt and her family as they escape Nazi Germany in 1938, facing hunger and uncertainty in Switzerland while waiting for a chance to join their father in America. While the historical setting is specific, the emotional core focuses on resilience and the bond between sisters. For children ages 9 to 13, this book provides a safe but honest way to explore how families stay connected through hope even when they are physically apart. It normalizes the feeling of being an outsider and celebrates the quiet bravery found in everyday survival.
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Sign in to write a reviewDepicts the systemic persecution of Jewish people in Nazi Germany.
The family must hide their identities and cross borders under threat of capture.
The book deals directly with the Holocaust, antisemitism, and refugee status. It is a secular approach to a historical crisis, though Jewish identity is central. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, as the family does reunite, but the trauma of what they left behind remains.
A 10-year-old who is interested in history but also struggles with 'newcomer' anxiety. It is perfect for a child who feels a heavy responsibility for their siblings or who is currently facing a period of waiting and uncertainty.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of the 1938 Nazi regime. There are scenes of extreme hunger and the sisters being sent to different camps/homes in Switzerland that may be distressing and require a post-reading hug. The parent may notice their child expressing fear about the family being split up or asking pointed questions about why people are treated differently based on their religion or background.
Younger readers (9-10) will focus on the physical adventure and the bond between the sisters. Older readers (12-13) will pick up on the political nuances and the mother's quiet desperation and sacrifice.
Unlike many Holocaust books that focus on the camps, this uniquely highlights the 'waiting room' experience of refugees in neutral countries, emphasizing the psychological toll of being a person without a country.
In 1938, the Platt family is forced to flee Germany. The father leaves first for America to secure visas, while Lisa, her mother, and two sisters escape to Switzerland. They live in cramped, impoverished conditions, often separated even from each other, as they wait for the chance to reunite. The story focuses on their year of waiting, the kindness of strangers, and the looming threat of the war.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.