This memoir draws children in through the unique use of sign language as a survival tool and the high stakes of a sister acting as her family's ears. The intimate oral history style creates a direct bond between the reader and the two siblings. Books in this family share personal accounts of historical resilience and the intense responsibility of children protecting their loved ones.
Reach for this book when your child is ready to engage with the history of the Holocaust through a lens of profound sibling devotion and unique family dynamics. This memoir centers on Renee, a young girl who served as the hearing ears for her deaf parents and sister, Herta, during the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. It is an essential choice for parents looking to introduce difficult historical truths while emphasizing resilience and the power of communication. While the sisters eventually face the horrors of Bergen-Belsen, the narrative focuses on their mutual support and the bond that kept them alive. The book uses a unique oral history format that feels immediate and personal, making the history accessible for middle-grade readers. It provides a platform to discuss disability, bravery, and the importance of remembering the past to ensure a better future.
