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The Whispering Town (2014)

by Jennifer Riesmeyer Elvgren(Favorite Author)

4.18 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1467711942 (ISBN13: 9781467711944)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Kar-Ben Publishing

review 1: The cover image isn't particularly appealing, which unfortunately can be enough to sway me (and patrons.) That said, this is a really excellent treatment of a difficult topic. Young readers will be able to relate to Anett and her family, and they might even be able to imagine themselves committing the small acts of bravery that Anett and her family undertake in order to ensure the safety of a Jewish family. A really excellent, age-appropriate story.
review 2: In Nazi-occupied Denmark, Anett and her family are hiding a Jewish woman and her son in their cellar. They must wait for a night with enough moonlight to see the boat in the harbor that will take them to safety in Sweden. Anett works with their neighbors to get extra food to feed them and extra books ... morefrom the library for them to read. On her errands, Anett notices solders questioning her neighbors and she heads home quickly to warn her parents who in turn knock on the cellar door to alert the people they are sheltering. Eventually, the soldiers come to Anett’s house but no one is home except Anett who manages to keep calm and turn them away. But how will the woman and her son escape with no moon that night? It will take an entire town to save them.Elvgren tells a powerful story based on actual history in this picture book. Presenting that history from the perspective of a participating child makes this book work particularly well. The support of the town is cleverly displayed as Anett moves through town, informing people that they have “new friends” and the others offer extra food and support. That is what makes the resolution so very satisfying, knowing that these are all people standing up to the Nazis in their own special way, including Anett herself.Santomauro’s illustrations have a wonderful quirky quality to them. Done with deep shadows that play against the fine lines, the book clearly shows the worry of the Danish people and also their strength as a community. This is a story many may not have heard before and it is definitely one worth sharing. Appropriate for ages 6-9. less

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