A poignant story of bravery, sacrifice, and love. The Crystal Beads, Lalka’s Journey, teaches the history of hidden children of the Holocaust, evokes compassion through beautiful language and illustration, and leads readers to consider what connects rather than divides us from one another.
— Jennifer Rosner. Author of The Yellow Bird Sings, Once We Were Home.
A National Book Award Finalist
I firmly believe that parents and teachers should share the story of the Holocaust with their children and students. Like the story of Ann Frank, it is a story that must be told. 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, where the tragedy is redeemed by love. —-Rabbi Mark W. Kiel, New York
A Star of David necklace or a rosary? Lalka, a young girl, must reject one of these and accept the other without understanding why. Lalka is confused about why her mother gives her crystal beads (a rosary) in exchange for her most prized possession–her Star of David necklace, a precious gift her father gave her before he died.
But the year is 1939, and Lalka’s mother knows Poland is no longer safe for Jews. So, with the help of her neighbor, she teaches her daughter new songs and prayers. When she feels the child is ready, the mother makes the heartbreaking decision to leave the little girl at a convent where the brave nuns take the child under their wing and continue her Catholic education. But when the Nazis question her, will the training be enough? When forced with a difficult decision, will Lalka follow her heart or her mother’s directions? And will her choice be enough to save her life?
This beautifully illustrated Gold Medal award-winning book is inspired by a true story and told from a child’s perspective. The story is one of sacrifice and bravery and highlights the hidden children of the Holocaust. Readers will witness how people can come together, despite differences, when it really matters.
Although a children’s book, The Crystal Beads is designed for ages 9 to adults. It contains two study guides. One is for children, parents, and teachers. The other is for adults who may gather in places of worship, book clubs, and small groups. Discussion topics include themes of compassion, empathy, and diversity.