Two Pieces of Chocolate
Two secrets. An act of kindness. And the power of hope.
In 1945, young Francine and her maman are sent to the Bergen-Belsen Nazi prison camp, where life is gray and hopeless. Determined to lift Francine’s spirits, Maman shares a secret: hidden inside her bag are two pieces of chocolate. They’re the first sweets Francine has seen in years, but Maman tells her not to eat them. “One day, when I see that you really need them…that’s when I’ll give the chocolates to you.”
When Francine meets Hélène, a fellow prisoner, she learns another secret: Hélène is pregnant. But there is very little food in the camp, and even less hope. Hélène and her baby are in grave danger. Remembering the chocolates, Francine realizes she may be able to help.
Francine’s act of kindness will make ripples in their lives for decades to come.
Inspired by a remarkable true story.
Praise & Recognition
“Kacer’s smooth retelling does not shy away from the hardships and privations of Nazi death camps, but it does focus on life within the barracks rather than the horrors that took place in the rest of the camp.... With an informative afterword that clarifies the true parts of this story, Two Pieces of Chocolate makes a worthy addition to Holocaust literature and a reminder of the dangers inherent in authoritarian regimes. Highly Recommended.”
CM: Canadian Review of Materials“Kathy’s heartachingly beautiful story underscores the spirit of humanity. Kathy’s many books about the Holocaust are so vital, and Two Pieces of Chocolate will be an important addition to libraries and personal collections for a new generation of readers.“
Jewish Books for Kids...and More!“This is an extraordinary Holocaust story about hope and survival. Ultimately, the picture book is a story of ripples of kindness paid forward in the decades ahead…. There is much to be learned – and felt – from Two Pieces of Chocolate.“
Dr. Larry Recommends“Twelve-year-old Francine’s voice is well written, giving children a sense of what it was like to be captive in a concentration camp without going into too much of the horrors. Author Kathy Kacer focuses on the tiny miracles and gifts of kindness that can prevail even under the most unimaginable of situations.”
Historical Novel Society"The storytelling is real and honest; the illustrations focus on life in the prison camp with an emphasis on the emotions felt; and an afterword lets readers know the parts of the story that are true."
Sal's Fiction AddictionDetails
Publication Date: April 9, 2024
Reading Age: 9 - 12
Product Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-1-77260-368-2
Weight: 200
About the Author
Kathy Kacer
Kathy Kacer’s books have won a number of awards, including the Silver Birch and the Jewish Book Award. A former psychologist, Kathy now travels the globe speaking to children and adults about the importance of keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive. Kathy lives in Toronto with her family.
About the Illustrator
Gabrielle Grimard
More from the author
