Edith’s story is remarkable not only for her own bravery, but for the bravery of those that helped her: an entire village, including its mayor and citizenry, heroically conspired to conceal the presence of hundreds of Jewish children who lived in the safe house. The children went to the local school, roamed the streets and ate good food, all without having to worry about concealing their Jewish identity. And during Nazi raids, the children camped out until the coast was clear.
Hiding Edith details not only the amazing courage and struggles of one young girl, but the inspiring spirit of the people she met. Shatta and Bouli Simon, the couple who ran the house, taught the children everything they needed to survive, including how to change their identities in new hiding places once conditions in Moissac became too risky. Sarah Kupfer, another Jewish child in hiding, became Edith’s closest friend, sharing both birthdays and bomb attacks, losses and love. And Muti, Edith’s mother, sacrificed everything she could for her children — even the comfort of having them close at hand.
Intensively researched and sensitively written, this book both comforts and challenges a young reader’s spirit, skillfully addressing both the horrors and the hope that children experienced during the Holocaust.
"The story is told in an engaging style and manages to present this dark period of history in a clear, interesting manner."
"It is a tale that needed to be told, and told it is."
"Edith's story stands out for its child-eyed perspective recounted in an easily readable, intriguing narrative."
"Kacer expands upon her brilliant use of the Holocaust theme, found in The Secret of Gabi's Dresser and Clara's War."
"Kacer makes a difficult topic manageable for young readers, avoiding graphic horrors without trivializing the events."
"Winning the Yad Vashem prize is a huge honor for Kathy and a source of great pride for Second Story Press and the Israeli publisher of the book, Schocken."
"This book is quite interesting and the photos provide another layer of education. The author did an excellent job in telling the story of Edith Schwalb Gelbard."
"Kacer has made an engaging, intelligent story out of many hours of interviews with Edith Schwalb."
"Facts about the Holocaust are presented deftly for young readers and are supplemented with black and white photos."
"…this account of survivors uses the truth of a young child's viewpoint to move readers and bring history close."