Hold On to Your Music: The Inspiring True Story of the Children of Willesden Lane

(Paperback)

Available Formats

---

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

In pre-World War II Vienna, Lisa Jura was a musical prodigy who hoped to become a concert pianist. But when enemy forces threatened the city -- especially its Jewish population -- Lisa's parents were forced to make a difficult decision. They secured passage for only one of their three daughters through the Kindertransport, and chose to send gifted Lisa to London for safety. As she yearned to be reunited with her family where she lived in a home for refugee children on Willesden Lane, Lisa's music became a beacon of hope for all of her peers.

A story of the power of music to uplift the human spirit, this compelling tribute has moved and inspired hundreds of thousands of students and adults across the globe. Now is the perfect time to bring this timeless story of hope to even younger audiences as Mona Golabek's mission to transform historical testimony into youth empowerment has driven many requests for shorter, illustrated formats.

Reviews

"[P]oignant and meaningful."--Kirkus Reviews
"A must-share snapshot of history that invites young readers to consider what they will hold on to when they face difficult times."--School Library Journal
"This book will work well in any classroom conversation about bravery in the face of discrimination and prejudice."--School Library Connection

Author Bio

Mona Golabek is a Grammy-nominated recording artist, internationally celebrated concert pianist, star of the one-woman show The Pianist of Willesden Lane, and author of The Children of Willesden Lane. She has traveled the globe sharing her mother's inspirational message. This story will soon be a major motion picture.

Lee Cohen is a journalist, screenwriter, and poet.

Emil Sher is an author and playwright living in Toronto.

Sonia Possentini is a fine artist and illustrator living in Modena, Italy.