• Age: 13 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 13 to 18

When Poland is invaded in WWII, the Gold family sticks together in horrific conditions to survive

It’s 1942, and the Nazis are rounding up Jews in the Polish town of Pinczow for transport to the Treblinka death camp. Leib and Hanna Gold thought they had more time to develop an escape plan. While Leib leaves to negotiate a hiding place, Hanna and their children, Shoshana, Esther, and twelve-year-old David, steal away in the night to find shelter with a family friend. Leib promises to join them in the morning, but when daylight breaks, Leib had vanished. Hanna must flee to a safer refuge or she and her children will perish.

So begins a true story of terror, suspense, and deplorable hardship that lasts more than two years. In a place where everyone is afraid, neighbors turn on neighbors, gentiles betray Jews, and Jews victimize each other, hoping to survive the Holocaust. David Gold's memories of his formative years during World War II are captured by his niece, author Ella Burakowski, in this heart-stopping testament to the human spirit.

Learn more about the book and see historic photos of the Gold family at www.hiddengoldbook.com.

Ella Burakowski has been writing a column in The Canadian Jewish News for the past 20 years. Now the Operations Manager at The CJN, Ella has been working full time at the paper, learning the newspaper business from the ground up. Born in Israel to two Holocaust survivors, Ella was compelled to write her family's story when her Uncle David described her family's experience during World War II.

Ella Burakowski's profile page

Theresa Tova is a writer and performer who has created a sensation with her first play, Still the Night, which was nominated for three Betty awards and won four Dora awards, including Best New Play. Born in Paris, France, Theresa immigrated as an infant with her parents to Calgary, where she attended private Yiddish school and started her acting career. A Gemini and Dora nominated actress, she has since gone on to star in television, film, and stage. She toured the US in Ragtime, performing the role of Emma Goldman, all the while continuing to pack theatres with her concert show "From Belzto to Broadway."

Theresa Tova's profile page

• Commended, Red Maple Award, Non-Fiction

“...an affirmation of human courage.” — Kirkus Reviews

“The story of a Polish-Jewish family forced into hiding from the Nazis is by its very nature compelling, and the Golds’ familial bond and undaunted spirits are commendable...” — Publishers Weekly

“Even though the subject matter is difficult, the portrayal of the characters is dynamic and heartwarming... A fine purchase to support curriculum related to World War II and Holocaust studies.” — School Library Journal

“Hidden Gold is a perfect title for this book that pays tribute to the strength of family and the resilience that each member drew upon to help them individually and collectively survive the ordeal. The book will nurture empathy in readers young and not-so-young alike.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“[Hidden Gold] is a simply told story that grabs at your heart and is a reminder of the horrors of war and the bond of family love.” — The Calgary Herald