Shoes for Amélie

Description

42 pages
$17.95
ISBN 1-894222-37-7
DDC jC813'.54

Publisher

Year

2001

Contributor

Illustrations by Denis Rodier
Reviewed by Elizabeth Levin

Elizabeth Levin is a professor of psychology at Laurentian University.

Review

For most children today, World War II was just a war that happened a
long, long time ago. Many adults, however, believe that it is important
to remember, to ensure that such a war does not happen again. Shoes for
Amélie is a powerful story about one boy’s wartime experiences (there
is no violence). The moving, historically accurate story unfolds in
Vichy France.

The Hugenot descendants in the Plateau Vivarais-Lignon region of France
are sheltering persecuted Jewish people. Lucien befriends a young Jewish
girl, Amélie, who his family is hiding. As his mother explains, “We
learned that we must never do evil, even if it’s the law.” Although
they are not supposed to ask questions, Lucien and Amélie learn much
about each other. One day Lucien decides to make Amélie a new pair of
shoes with his grandfather’s help. Sadly, while Lucien is away,
Amélie has to move, and he can’t give her the shoes. Nonetheless,
Lucien learned many valuable lessons during her stay.

A historical note about why Hugenot descendants risked their lives to
protect Jewish refugees is provided. Reading this background information
before reading the story is recommended. Although the story is mature in
nature, it is sensitively written for youngsters in the Grades 2 to 5
range. The accompanying illustrations, which have a warm, European
flavor, convey the story’s time and setting beautifully. Highly
recommended.

Citation

Steiner, Connie Colker., “Shoes for Amélie,” Canadian Book Review Annual Online, accessed November 3, 2024, https://cbra.library.utoronto.ca/items/show/20794.