The Children of Willesden Lane

By Author / Illustrator

Franklin Watts, Lee Cohen

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Hachette Children's Group

ISBN

9781445161303

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

14-12-2017

Synopsis

The inspirational story of Lisa Jura's escape from Nazi-controlled Austria to England on the famed Kindertransport

Fourteen-year-old Lisa Jura was a musical prodigy who hoped to become a concert pianist. But when Hitler's armies advanced on pre-war Vienna, Lisa's parents were forced to make a difficult decision. Able to secure passage for only one of their three daughters through the Kindertransport, they chose to send gifted Lisa to London for safety.

As she yearned to be reunited with her family while she lived in a home for refugee children on Willesden Lane, Lisa's music became a beacon of hope. A memoir of courage, survival, and the power of music to uplift the human spirit, this compelling tribute to one special young woman and the lives she touched will both educate and inspire young readers.

Based on a true story of a 14 year old girl Lisa Jura, who had to flee her home in Vienna and rebuild her life in London, the story brings home the reality of the Holocaust to readers aged 12 and up.

Reviews

The Children of Willesden Lane is a true story of hope and survival during World War II. Mona Golabek, one of the authors, writes a note at the start to explain that this book is based on the story of her mother, Lisa Jura, who taught both of her daughters to play the piano. Through music, Lisa told her life story to Mona. As a 14 year-old, Lisa travelled by train to escape atrocities that were taking place in Vienna at the time. She asks the reader to consider, what do you hold on to in life when facing great challenges? I think we hold on to stories like these, of remarkable people, that inspire us to achieve our dreams. I think we hold on to the love of family and friends. It gives us the courage we need to tackle challenges. I think most of all we hold on to a tiny candle of hope that lights a path in the darkest times. I think this book is truly inspirational and such an important reminder of the importance of music. It has the power to inspire, make you reflect, help you dream, give you courage and it has the power to transport you to a faraway place. Isn't it magical? 240 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Keranjit Kaur, teacher.