Irene N. Watts Livres

This unusual picture book presentation in celebration of the holiday features a modern-day grandmother sharing her memories of a childhood in Nazi-held Austria.

Katie, a thirteen-year-old, struggles with her feelings about her new stepmother's pregnancy while spending the summer at her grandparents' Victorian home in Halifax. Preferring solitude in her attic bedroom, she finds solace in her imagination, particularly in her role as the disagreeable orphan Mary Lennox in her school's production of The Secret Garden. As she navigates her complex emotions, Katie's journey reflects themes of family dynamics and the challenges of adolescence.

The narrative delves into themes of indifference and moral ambiguity, exploring the chilling mindset behind viewing human lives as expendable. It presents a stark commentary on societal values and the dehumanization of individuals, likening people to mere cattle. The story challenges readers to confront harsh realities and reflect on the consequences of apathy in the face of suffering.

The story follows young Marianne, a fortunate Jewish girl who escapes Germany on one of the first kindertransporte, a mission designed to save children from the impending dangers of the Holocaust. Her journey highlights themes of survival, hope, and the resilience of youth in the face of adversity as she navigates the challenges of leaving her home and adapting to a new life in Britain.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, this poignant story follows a young girl named Millie as she navigates profound loss and responsibility. After her mother's unexpected death, Millie's world is turned upside down; her father succumbs to depression, leaving her to care for her newborn brother, Hamish. When a stranger threatens their fragile stability, Millie discovers an inner strength she never knew she possessed, determined to protect and rebuild her family's home amidst adversity.