About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts asking complex questions about what it means to be a good person in an unfair world, or when they are ready to explore the nuances of history through a lens of quiet bravery. It is a powerful choice for families navigating discussions about identity, the weight of keeping secrets, and the courage required to help others when you yourself are in danger. Miri is a twelve-year-old Jewish girl forced to hide her identity in a French boarding school during World War II. While the backdrop is the Nazi occupation, the heart of the story is Miri's internal journey as she navigates the bridge between the occupied zone and the free zone, both literally and figuratively. The book explores themes of justice, integrity, and the emotional toll of displacement. It is masterfully written for the middle grade audience, providing a realistic but age-appropriate look at the Holocaust that focuses on agency and moral choice rather than graphic violence. It is an excellent bridge for children transitioning from simple adventure stories to more thoughtful, character-driven historical fiction.
