Jennifer Elvgren

I absolutely loved reading Josias, Hold the Book. I loved this book because it utilizes figurative language and has great characterization. Right from the start of the book is examples of figurative language. On the first page the author says, “He wiped the sweat from his brow as the Haitian sun climbed higher in the sky.” This use of personification allows the reader to create a mental image in his or her head of the setting and where this story takes place. I love that it sets the tone show more for the rest of the story. I also enjoyed the characterization of Josias. I think he is a great example of a hard worker. Josias is depicted as dedicated and respectful of his family. He will do whatever it takes to help them grow their beans and fulfill his responsibilities. He says, “Nothing is growing. I must think of something else.” I love his dedication and I think it sets a good example for the reader. The main theme I took from this book is that determination and hard work will get you through anything. By utilizing books and resources, you can accomplish more than you thought possible. show less

In 1940s Denmark, Anett and her mother and father hide escaping Jews in their basement. Anett doesn't like the dark, but lets their whispering voices guide her downstairs to deliver food and library books. Other Danes - the baker, the chicken farmer, the librarian - all give Anett extra for the family's "friends." When Nazi soldiers go door to door on their street, and the sky is too cloudy to find the harbor at night, Anett suggests a whisper network of sorts, to guide their friends to the show more harbor - and freedom in Sweden. An author's note gives some context for the Nazi occupation of Denmark and the Danish resistance, including in the small fishing village of Gilleleje. show less

In Germany in 1938, playing and dancing to jazz music is forbidden. The Hitler Youth patrol the night streets looking for anyone who breaks the rules. Albert is a member of the Edelweiss Pirates, a secret group of young people who defy the Hitler Youth. They play the forbidden music and work against the Nazis any way they can. Albert's younger brother, Kurt, loves jazz and longs to be a Pirate, too. Although he's too young to be an Edelweiss Pirate, Kurt can still find a way to take a stand.

"Residents of a small town in Nazi-occupied Denmark work together to provide a hidden Jewish mother and son safe passage to neutral Sweden.

“New friends” are being harbored in Anett’s dark basement for two nights. Though afraid, she allows their whispering voices to lead her down the stairs. Anett brings food from her mother’s kitchen and books from the library until the boy and his mother can secretly board a fishing boat that will cross over to Sweden. Most of Anett’s daily show more encounters with neighbors and shopkeepers show that the townsfolk support Anett’s family in their dangerous effort. When the Nazis begin to search houses each night, the situation becomes even more perilous for Anett’s family, and her father determines that they must be taken to the harbor despite the obscuring clouds. Without moonlight, the Jews are beckoned from door to door, guided only by whispering voices—“This way”—that indicate the route to safety. The direct simplicity of the story’s telling serves well as an introduction for younger children to the Holocaust. Dark cartoon sketches reminiscent of Tomi Ungerer in opaque black, blues, grays and khaki green markers and word bubbles with the key words of direction paint the ominous atmosphere.

This uncomplicated narrative of Danish resistance will facilitate teaching and discussion of a difficult yet necessary subject. (author’s note) (Picture book. 5-8)" From Kirkus Reviews, www.kirkusreviews.com show less