Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II -- Lia Levi - Hardcover
In this award-winning memoir translated from Italian to English, a Jewish girl grows up during a difficult time of racial discrimination and war, and discovers light in unexpected places. This classic, powerful story from Lia Levi is adapted for young readers, with beautiful black-and-white illustrations, a family photo album, and a powerful author's note to readers.
1938, Italy. Six-year-old Lia loves to build sandcastles at the beach and her biggest problem is her shyness and quiet, birdlike voice--until prime minister Mussolini joins forces with Hitler in World War II, and everything changes.
Now there are laws saying Jewish children can't go to school, Jews can't work, or go on vacation. It's difficult for Lia to understand why this is happening to her family. When her father loses his job, they must give up their home and move from city to city.
As war comes closer, it becomes too dangerous to stay together, and Lia and her sisters are sent to hide at a convent. Will she ever be "just a girl" again?
The memoir is full of poignant moments of friendship and loss, dreaded tests at school, told in Lia's captivating voice, as she grows into a young teen. Just a Girl is an important addition to the WWII Jewish canon.
Author: Lia Levi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 03/22/2022
Pages: 144
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.30w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9780063065086
Audience: Ages 9-12
Review Citation(s):
Booklist 02/01/2022 pg. 48
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2022
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 03/01/2022
School Library Journal 05/01/2022 pg. 93
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2022 pg. 164