Home - Pat Black-Gould

"A poignant story of bravery, sacrifice, and love. The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey teaches the history of the
hidden children during the Holocaust, evokes compassion through beautiful language, and leaves readers
to consider what connects us rather than what divides us."
-- Jennifer Rosner, Author, National Jewish Book Finalist, The Yellow Bird Sings, Once We Were Home

"Concerned parents often ask if children can handle the subject of the Holocaust. The answer is yes, if its story is told
with subtlety and grace, as is true in The Crystal Beads and where tragedy is redeemed by love."
-- Rabbi Mark W. Kiel, New York

The Crystal Beads is the recipient of a Gold Medal from Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
Winner of the Picture Book-All Age Category, Northern Lights Book Awards

Journey back to the turbulant times of 1939 Poland where a young Jewish girl must part with her most prized possesion
given to her by her father before he died and accept a new way of life in order to survive.

This is the story of a mother's heartbreaking sacrifice, a story of love, courage, and compassion
during one of the most troubling times in our history.

The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey is available on Amazon and other retailers.

Pat Black-Gould

Pat Black-Gould, Ph.D. is an author and a clinical psychologist. Her short stories have appeared in several literary journals.

Initially written as a short story, The Crystal Beads was first published in JewishFiction.net and later won first place in both a statewide and a national writing competition.

The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey is written as a children's book. However, it is also designed for readers of all ages. The book contains two study guides. One set is a series of questions for children, parents, and teachers. The other set is for adults who gather in places of worship, small groups, and book clubs to explore themes of compassion, empathy, and diversity.

The book can be used as a curriculum guide. In addition to the quetsions. The Afterword contains a message from a Holocaust survivor. In addition, readers can learn about the history of the Clip Project and the Children's Holocaust Memorial.

Email Pat about appearances, both live and virtual, for your
school, library, book club, religious institution, or organization.

"Thanks so much, Pat. Our school and community are forever grateful! You are always welcome in our tiny town with awesome dreams." -- Dr. Josh Holtcamp, Principal, Whitwell Middle School,Tennessee

"We were thrilled to have Dr. Pat Black-Gould speak to our PBUMC women's group. We were intrigued by the power of her story, evolving from a brief remark years ago to the full publication--The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey. There is almost more to the story. Pat has the gift of keeping listeners entertained while bringing to light the difficult topics like labeling, judging, hatred, and evil in our past and our present. Thank you, Pat, for speaking the truth and inspiring us to be better." --Jeannie Patee, The Gracce Ladies, Perdido Bay United Methodist Church, Pensacola, Florida

"3G Philly, an organization comprised of grandchildren of Holocaust survivors was elated to collaborate with Pat on a multi-generational program with her recently published picture book ... (Pat) curated discussion questions suitable for all ages that reminded us not only of the power of hearing Holocaust stories but the critical conversations it leads to that inspires each of us to be compassiona, empathic, and caring human beings." -- 3G Philly, Philadelphia

For more information about programming, contact Pat at patblackgould@patblackgould.com

Pat Black-Gould

Award-Winning Author

Pat Black-Gould