The Diary of Laura's Twin

The Diary of Laura's Twin

Laura is almost thirteen, a busy modern teenager- so busy she feels reluctant to spend time on a project set by her rabbi, which is to find and research the life of a 'twin' from the time of the Holocaust. But when Laura is given a mysterious diary, written more than sixty years ago in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II, she is soon swept up in Sara's story- the story of a girl who was in many ways just like Laura herself, but who was forced to live through terrible times of war and oppression,

It is unusual to read about life in the Ghetto and the story told by Kathy Kacer is intensely vivid, supported by historical documents and photographs. The characters are compelling and likeable and both Laura and Sara are courageous, resourceful, and willing to fight against being victimised.

My name is Sara Gittler and I am thirteen and a half years old. I have lived here behind barbed wire and high walls for more than a year. I dream of walking down a busy street and stopping in a cafe for ice-cream and cake. I dream of buying a new dress, or maybe ten of them. Most of all, I dream of being a famous writer and having everyone read my stories and remember my name. My stories speak for my life; they speak for me. Please, remember me.

Kathy Kacer said: "My parents were both survivors of the Holocaust. My mother survived the war by hiding. My father was a survivor of the concentration camps. Their stories of survival were an inspiration to me as I was growing up. As an adult, I was determined to write their stories and pass them on to young readers. In that way, future generations would never forget that time in history. My novels are stories of hope, courage and humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity.

These days, in addition to writing, I speak to children in schools and libraries around the country and in parts of the United States and Europe, about the importance of understanding the Holocaust and keeping its memory alive. In addition, I speak in universities and colleges on the topic of teaching sensitive material to young children."

Kathy Kacer has won many awards for her writing, including the Silver Birch, the Red Mapel, the Hackmatack and the Jewish Book Award. In 1999 she wrote her first book in Second Story's Holocaust Remembrance Series for Young Readers, The Secret of Gabi's Dresser. Since then she has penned four other books for the series, including The Underground Reporters, Clara's War, and The Night Spies. The right to her books has been sold to many counties, including Germany, China, Italy, Thailand, England, Japan and Slovenia. She has adapted The Secret of Gabi's Dresser into a successful play. A former psychologist who worked with troubled teens, Kathy now writes about the Holocaust for young readers and travels the country speaking about it. She also addresses adults about how to teach sensitive material to young children. Kathy lives in Toronto with her family.

The Diary of Laura's Twin
Allen and Unwin
Author: Kathy Kacer
ISBN: 9781741756678
Price: $16.95