It is 1947, and Canada has opened its borders to one thousand Jewish war orphans. When Margit's own Toronto Jewish community is asked to open its homes and hearts to these children, she is determined to welcome a child to her family.
But between school, housework, and helping care for her brother, Margit barely has a moment to herself. How can she convince her parents that they have the space, money, and time to open their doors to another child?
Kathy Kacer is the author of two historical novels for young people that deal with the Holocaust, The Secret of Gabi’s Dresser and Clara’s War, as well as a non-fiction book, The Underground Reporters. She lives in Toronto.
With her family reunited, Margit’s family is settling into life in Toronto in 1947. Now she wants her family to take in one of the thousand Jewish war orphans being allowed to come to Canada. Her campaign to persuade her parents takes an number of twists and turns, but is finally successful and readers will look forward to Book Four, as Lilly joins Margit’s home. (For those interested in present day connections, Charity Grant, the Canadian campaigner for the orphans whom Margit hears speak, was the aunt of Liberal MP Michael Ignatieff.)
Source: The Canadian Children's Bookcentre. Spring 2006. Vol.29 No. 2.