Hidden on the High Wire
Praise & Recognition
"Buzzing with tensions both pronounced and implied, this true tale highlights defiant circus settings and the leaders who worked to keep their spaces fair…Irene’s is a sobering story, and young readers will benefit from the truths that it reveals—including about the bravery that’s required to do what’s right. Hidden on the High Wire is a fast, conscientious Holocaust story."
Foreword Reviews“Though touched by plenty of tragedy, this is a more uplifting Holocaust tale than most ... A timely reminder of the power of kindness and generosity during antagonistic times.”
Booklist"The novel shines an interesting light on Jewish-owned circuses, Jewish circus performers, and their plight during the Second World War… An exciting true-life story."
Kirkus Reviews"This book is an entertaining and educational story, engaging both in the historical storyline and the descriptions of the circus life. The reader can feel the tension, fear, and bravery involved both in walking on the high wire and living through the hate and threats of the Holocaust."
Sydney Taylor Shmooze"A touching story that reminds readers even in war we can find compassion."
Calgary HeraldManitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award (MYRCA) Sundogs Award 2024 - Runner-up
Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People 2023 - Short-listed
The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids and Teens, Junior & Intermediate Fiction 2023 - Commended
In the summer of 1941, Irene Lorch must perform the most perilous balancing act of her life….
Irene grew up traveling around Germany with her family’s circus, surrounded by her loved ones and thrilling the crowds with her performance on the high wire...until one day, the audience boos. The Lorch family is Jewish, and the increasing power of Adolf Hitler’s Nazis has put them all in grave danger.
When the circus is forced to shut down and Irene’s father is taken away, Irene and her mother must go into hiding with another circus. Every day is a frightening new kind of balancing act, caught between the desire to perform and the need to hide—even in plain sight.
Details
Publication Date: September 27, 2022
Reading Age: 9 - 12
Genre: Children's Fiction
Product Format: Paperback
Pages: 216
ISBN: 978-1-77260-251-7
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.
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