Hidden Hope by Elisa Boxer

Hidden Hope tells of a brave young lady who smuggled papers in a child’s toy to save lives during World War II.

Hidden Hope: How a Toy and a Hero Saved Lives During the Holocaust by Elisa Boxer, illustrated by Amy June Bates. Harry N. Abrams, 48 pages.

• Reading Level: Picture books, ages 8-10
• Recommended For: Ages 8-10

Many stories have emerged from memories and records of World War II, of ordinary people who bravely did the right thing in secret. Thousands of lives were spared simply by having forgeries of the right documents. But how to get those life-saving papers to people who needed them?

Jacqueline Gauthier smuggled them in a duck. Yep, a yellow wooden duck with a secret compartment for papers. Actually, Jacqueline was Jewish, but she changed her name and helped hide her own family before carrying out more missions.

The limited-palette illustrations are full of browns and shadows, emphasizing the significance of a girl in a red hat with a yellow toy, symbolizing the courage of those who prized the lives of others over their own. A great introduction to heroes of the Holocaust for younger readers.

Overall Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 3.5
• Artistic/literary value: 4

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