Hold on to Your Music: The Inspiring True Story of the Children of Willesden Lane
AUTHOR
ILLUSTRATOR
SERIES
TYPE
AGE
Children's - Preschool-3rd Grade, Age 4-8
READABILITY
2.9
PAGES
40 p. ;
KEYWORDS
CATEGORIES
SUBJECTS
PUBLISHER
Make Way For Books
Richly colored illustrations that look photographic in places provide a somber but hopeful backdrop to this true story of bravery, self-discovery, and hope rooted in an unbearably painful circumstance. Lisa knows the heartwrenching decision her parents made to save her life, and so, with the support of a new, loving community in Britain, Lisa dedicates herself to the thing she loves the most to make her parents proud. Her artistry flourishes with her friends' encouragement and she achieves what seemed impossible.
Publisher Summary
Discover the inspiring illustrated true story about one girl's escape from the Holocaust to become a concert pianist against all odds, made popular by the beloved novel The Children of Willesden Lane. In pre-World War II Vienna, Lisa Jura was a musical prodigy who dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. But when enemy forces threatened the city--particularly the Jewish people that lived there--Lisa's parents were forced to make a difficult decision. They chose to send Lisa to London for safety through the Kindertransport--a rescue effort that relocated Jewish children. As Lisa yearned to be reunited with her family while living in a home for refugee children on Willesden Lane, her music became a beacon of hope for those around her.
A true story of courage, survival, and determination, this compelling tribute to a gifted young girl has already touched the lives of many around the world. Originally published in 2017 for older readers, The Children of Willesden Lane has sold hundreds of thousands of copies globally; now this picture book retelling will inspire a new generation.