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 MaterialsDetails
Publication Date: April 9, 2024
Reading Age: 9 - 12
Product Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-1-77260-368-2
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
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