• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Heroic actions speak volumes in a powerful middle grade novel based on real WWII events, set in Ukraine.

"[a] unique perspective on the Holocaust..."—starred review, School Libary Journal

Life is becoming ever more terrifying for the Jewish community as the Second World War envelops their lives. For twelve-year-old Dina and her sisters, things get even harder when their father dies. Their mother must go back to work and despite many objections, the family adjusts to the arrival of their new housekeeper, Nina, who is not Jewish. But Nina’s role changes dramatically when the Nazis invade their small Ukrainian town. Nina sacrifices her own safety to make sure the children she has come to love are kept from the clutches of the Nazis, and Dina comes to depend on her in a way she never imagined she would.

The third novel in Kathy Kacer’s acclaimed Heroes Quartet series, Louder Than Words is based on the true story of one woman’s incredible heroism in the most dangerous of circumstances. It is another affecting testament to the unsung heroes of World War II who, at great personal risk, saved the lives of strangers.

 

Kathy Kacer est une auteure primée qui a écrit de nombreux livres sur l'holocauste pour les jeunes lecteurs, dont The Magician of Auschwitz, L'histoire d'Edith, Le journal de Sara et Les espions de la nuit. Elle s'estime honorée de contribuer à faire connaître l'histoire familiale de Jenny Kay Dupuis. Kathy vit avec sa famille à Toronto.

 

Kathy Kacer has won many awards for her writing, including the American Jewish Library Association Award. In 1999, she wrote the first book in Second Story's Holocaust Remembrance Series, The Secret of Gabi's Dresser. Since then, she's penned four other books in the series. Kacer now writes about the Holocaust for young readers and travels the country speaking about it. Kacer lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her family.

Kathy Kacer's profile page

• Joint winner, Best Bets List, Top Ten, Ontario Library Association
• Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre

“This story needs to be read and remembered.”

Kiss the Book, 07/14/20

“This is a book that belongs on any library shelf.”

Association of Jewish Libraries, 09/20

“An accessible and absorbing portrait of empathy, character, and moral courage, relevant for modern times.”

Kirkus Reviews, 01/21/20

“[A] well written novel for younger readers that features a true heroine.”

Libris Notes, 05/26/21

“This unique perspective on the Holocaust provides a powerful story that focuses on the importance of understanding and love.”

School Library Journal, *starred review, 04/20

“Worthy of five out of five stars!”

Christian Author Chick, 12/13/19

“Definitely purchasing . . . this was a compelling read.”

Ms. Yingling Reads, 04/18/20

“Riveting not only for its content, but also because of its fast pace and well-developed characters.”

CM Reviews, 01/27/20

“A pro­file in true, self­less courage, spot­light­ing a role mod­el from whom read­ers can learn and por­tray­ing a fam­i­ly of brave young girls with whom they can iden­ti­fy.”

Jewish Book Council, 02/22/21

“Captivating.”

A Beauty & Her Books, 04/13/20

“A beautifully written, powerful story that needs to be shared.”

Home School by the Beach, 12/19/20