Clara's War

Mary St. Onge-Davidson is president of the Essential English Centre in
Ottawa.

Uprooted from Prague by the Nazis in 1943, 13-year-old Clara, her
parents, and her younger brother are sent to the Czech fortress city of
Terezin, built in 1780. The city became Theresienstadt, a “ghetto”
for Jews where almost 15,000 children were reduced to 132 over a period
of four years. Yet, even under unbelievably squalid conditions, music,
art, and culture thrived. When the children’s opera Brundibar is
created, Clara is eager to be involved. She faces another kind of
challenge as her special friend Jacob becomes involved in a dangerous
escape plan.

Kacer’s well-written story, which is based on historical research and
includes a map of the fortress city, five photos, and a drawing, is not
only about loss, fear, and despair, it is also about hope and the
courage to survive against impossible odds. Through Clara’s eyes, we
are able to witness her tender relationship with her family, her daring
adventures inside the walls of the fortress, and the drawing together of
all those who make the small crowded world of Theresienstadt so real.
Highly recommended.