Title: Broken Strings
Author: Eric Walters & Kathy Kacer
Publisher: Puffing Canada
Reviewer: Yolanda Ridge
ISBN: 978-0-7352-6624-7
In my last post of the decade (!) I want to do a quick shout out to a great 2019 title by two Canadian kid-lit super powers. Broken Strings is a Holocaust lesson wrapped up in a story about a middle school production of Fiddler on the Roof. That’s not a bad thing.
When 8th grader Shirli is cast as the Old Jewish Grandmother in her junior high school’s production of Fiddler on the Roof, she goes to her Zayde for background information and advice. While searching Zayde’s attic for costumes, she uncovers information about his musical past. As she digs deeper, secrets are revealed along with the story of what happened to her family during the holocaust.
Perhaps now more than ever, it’s important to keep memories of past generations alive. Broken Strings is set in 2002, just after 9/11, a tragedy that must also be remembered. I hope this book encourages young people to talk to their grandparents and listen to their stories.
Wishing you time with friends, family and other important people in your life during this holiday season. Thank you for visiting my website and encouraging me in my writing career. See you in 2020!