A Bit of Love and A Bit of Luck

Our Canadian Girl: Margit #2

by Kathy Kacer

It is 1946, and the war is finally over. Margit's beloved father has returned to his family after being held in a concentration camp, and Margit is thrilled. Her family is trying hard to do well in their new home, but Toronto is very different from Czechoslovakia. Her highly educated father cannot find work in this new country, and Margit starts to fail at school, which she hides from her parents. How can she disappoint the family she loves after they have been through so much to make a good life for her in Canada? Welcome back to OUR CANADIAN GIRL, and the continuing adventures of Margit and many other smart, spirited, and courageous girls. They come from different places and times in Canadian history, and each of them meets some ordinary—and extraordinary—challenges in her day-to-day life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens

Paperback

Published April 5, 2005

About the author

Kathy Kacer was born in Toronto and has lived there all her life (with the exception of three years in New Brunswick). She has a Master’s degree in Psychology and worked for many years with troubled teens and their families. She stopped working full time in 1995 to pursue her dream of becoming a children’s author. That dream came true with the publication of her first book, The Secret of Gabi’s Dresser, in 1999. She has been writing ever since.

Her parents were both survivors of the Holocaust. Her mother survived the war in hiding; her father was a survivor of the concentration camps. Their stories of survival were an inspiration to Kathy as she was growing up. As an adult, she was determined to write their stories and pass them on to young readers. She went on to write more than twenty books, all focused on the Holocaust. These books include The Night Spies, The Diary of Laura’s Twin, To Hope and Back, Hiding Edith, the Whispers series, and The Magician of Auschwitz. Many of her books have won awards in Canada, the United States, and Israel. Her books have been sold in over twenty countries around the world.

In addition to writing, Kathy teaches at the University of Toronto (Continuing Studies). She also speaks to children in schools and libraries around the world about the importance of understanding the Holocaust and keeping its memory alive. In addition, she lectures in universities and colleges on the topic of teaching sensitive material to young children.

She is married and has two children, Gabi and Jake. Both children share her family’s love of stories.

Reviews

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT!!!! WATCH OUT!!!

A Little Bit of Love and a Little Bit of Luck:

Exposition: This is a story about a 10 year old girl named Margit, and her family. It is 1946, just after World War II, she lives in downtown Toronto with her mother and her little brother Jack. Her dad is not in Toronto yet because he was left behind in a concentration camp when Margit and her mother escaped from Czechoslovakia, but he will be there soon.

Rising Action: Margit is not doing well in science and she just got a D on one of her tests. Mrs. Cook, her teacher wants her to get her mom to call her so they can can talk about Margits grade. Margit doesn't want to tell her mom about her test grade because her mom wants her to do well in school, and Margit doesn't want to disappoint her. That night, Margit's dad finally comes home from the concentration camp!!! She thinks everything will be perfect!!! When Margit goes to school the next day, she finds out that if she doesn't pass the next test, Mrs. Cook would come and visit her family!!! After school, Margit agrees to go with her dad to a government office to see if he could get a job as a lawyer, like he used to be in Czechoslovakia. It turns out for her father to be a lawyer, he would have to go BACK to a university for 3-5 YEARS!!!!!! That disappoints her father greatly. The next day, Margit has to go run errands with her father. She is really embarrased because her father is so different than other fathers and she is also embarrased because her family is poor. At school the next day, Margit takes her well-dreaded science test!!!! Oh NO!!!!!

Climax/ Falling Action: Margit's dad is called back to the government office and Margit goes with him. There, he talks with the man who he had talked to before, and finds out that the man found another job that Margit's dad can do. When they go home, Margit walks in and finds her mother there talking with Mrs. Cook. Margit is suddenly very nervous and after her teacher leaves she is afraid. She is scared that her parents are going to be mad and disappointed with her.

Resolution: After they have talked and explained to her, she realizes that she doesn't have to be perfect at everything and that she can always confide int them. As far as Papa's situation, he got the job, and the family rejoices.