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To Hope and Back: The Journey of the St. Louis
The true story of the ship St. Louis, which left Germany in May 1939 full of Jewish passengers seeking refuge in Cuba. Denied port in Cuba, the US, and finally Canada, the St. Louis was forced to return Europe, where many passengers later died in the Holocaust. Through the eyes of two children, Sol and Lisa, both of whom survived the war and shared their experiences, we see as their journey begins with excitement and hope, only to end in frustration and fear. The children's chapters alternate with those of Captain Schroeder, who reveals the full history of the journey.
204 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
16 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Kacer
46 books55 followersKathy 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 28, 2016
Lisa and Sol are children who journey aboard the luxury ship St Louis in May 1939. Lisa, Sol and their families are Jewish, as are most of the 937 passengers, and this is their chance to escape the clutches of Hitler's Nazi regime, and the very real threat of harm this presents. Hope builds as they approach their Cuban destination, a safe harbour, but hope is soon swallowed up by despair when they discover Hitler's campaign of hate and fear to set the world against them has tainted the opinions of the Cuban Government, and the leaders of seemingly every other nation where refuge may be sought. Left doing large circles in open waters, it soon becomes apparent no one wants them.
And so, they are eventually turned back to a fate of shame, certain torment and eventual death. Will anyone answer the call, so well articulated in a quote included in the book from a New York Times article?
'We can only hope that some hearts will soften somewhere and some refuge be found. The cruise of the St Louis cries to heaven of man's inhumanity to man.'
From the resolute actions of a kind and determined Sea Captain, to the betrayal and selfish greed of those placed in authority intended to protect and provide safe passage to these displaced Jewish souls, this story puts flesh and blood on the faceless thousands who have throughout history, and to this day, been forced to the flee their homelands and seek refuge in foreign lands.
Hope eventually shines again, but in the expectant highs and hopeless lows, the impotence of 'compassion in hindsight' hangs like a banner of disgrace, warning us to never close our hearts to the plight of those in need.
And so, they are eventually turned back to a fate of shame, certain torment and eventual death. Will anyone answer the call, so well articulated in a quote included in the book from a New York Times article?
'We can only hope that some hearts will soften somewhere and some refuge be found. The cruise of the St Louis cries to heaven of man's inhumanity to man.'
From the resolute actions of a kind and determined Sea Captain, to the betrayal and selfish greed of those placed in authority intended to protect and provide safe passage to these displaced Jewish souls, this story puts flesh and blood on the faceless thousands who have throughout history, and to this day, been forced to the flee their homelands and seek refuge in foreign lands.
Hope eventually shines again, but in the expectant highs and hopeless lows, the impotence of 'compassion in hindsight' hangs like a banner of disgrace, warning us to never close our hearts to the plight of those in need.
April 11, 2025
This book was very fascinating, I read it in class and I found it mesmerizing on how many different things I’ve learned and all the different words I’ve found. This book, To Hope and Back, is a really good book if you’re looking for a good real life story or just need something to read.
The reason why I didn’t rate this book the whole 5 stars is because of the beginning of the book. It starts off a little bland, plain, or you could say boring. I found it very hard to stay focused at the beginning because of how bland it was. But I definitely think it’s a good book for a grade 6, 7, or 8 to read.
The reason why I didn’t rate this book the whole 5 stars is because of the beginning of the book. It starts off a little bland, plain, or you could say boring. I found it very hard to stay focused at the beginning because of how bland it was. But I definitely think it’s a good book for a grade 6, 7, or 8 to read.
January 1, 2025
To Hope and Back: The Journey of the St. Louis is a powerful introduction to the injustice faced by Jewish refugees during WWII, told through the perspectives of two children. Blending history with personal narratives, it’s impactful yet age-appropriate, offering a poignant, educational experience for young readers. Perfect for Grade 6 classrooms.
April 6, 2025
5 stars from Ms.Elman and Room 3!
May 26, 2016
In 1939, over 900 Jews sought refugee from Hitler and the rise of Nazism in Germany by boarding the St. Louis and heading to Cuba. Having purchased costly tickets, which in some cases used up families' entire life savings, they were treated kindly by the crew, including Captain Schroeder, and they were anticipating a new life in Cuba, or after a brief stay in Cuba, in the U.S. However, as the ship was racing across the ocean, trouble was brewing, as Nazi propaganda convinced many Cubans the soon-to-arrive Jews were poor, dirty criminals. As the ship reached Cuba, no one was allowed to disembark. While a few concerned people tried to convince either the Cuban government or the U.S. government to allow the emigrants in, the Jews feared what would happen if no one would take them--because returning to Germany would mean almost certain death.
This is first-rate book that really makes the story of the St. Louis and her passengers come to life. It follows two children who really traveled on the ship, one a wealthy passenger experiencing seasickness and the other a third class passenger loving every minute on the ship. In alternating chapters, we follow them as they leave their homeland--and their fear--behind, only to be faced with a whole new fear when they reach Cuba. Interspersed throughout the books are also chapters titled "What the Captain Knew," which is a bit of a misnomer since the captain didn't know exactly what was going on, just that something wasn't right as he tried to get his passengers to Cuba as quickly as he could, in hopes of getting them into the country before anything could keep them out. The narrative style makes it a gripping choice, and readers will be aghast at the decisions made by hostile and/or weak governments who haggled over the Jews and their situation with little regard for their suffering. With its bittersweet ending, as the Jews did find new countries back in Europe but many were captured by the Nazis anyway, it shows readers the sobering reality of weakness and disregard for human life.
This is first-rate book that really makes the story of the St. Louis and her passengers come to life. It follows two children who really traveled on the ship, one a wealthy passenger experiencing seasickness and the other a third class passenger loving every minute on the ship. In alternating chapters, we follow them as they leave their homeland--and their fear--behind, only to be faced with a whole new fear when they reach Cuba. Interspersed throughout the books are also chapters titled "What the Captain Knew," which is a bit of a misnomer since the captain didn't know exactly what was going on, just that something wasn't right as he tried to get his passengers to Cuba as quickly as he could, in hopes of getting them into the country before anything could keep them out. The narrative style makes it a gripping choice, and readers will be aghast at the decisions made by hostile and/or weak governments who haggled over the Jews and their situation with little regard for their suffering. With its bittersweet ending, as the Jews did find new countries back in Europe but many were captured by the Nazis anyway, it shows readers the sobering reality of weakness and disregard for human life.
April 25, 2014
A very powerful book, to understand the true desperation of the people of the St.Louis the people on this ship knew if they went back to Germany they would die, the selfish people who ran the counties of Cuba, America, Australia, the Dominican Republic, Canada and a lot more should be ashamed.
People died some lives were saved but 937 passengers could all be alive today if not for a selfish few.
People died some lives were saved but 937 passengers could all be alive today if not for a selfish few.
June 30, 2013
Beautiful just beautiful!!!
June 20, 2023
There are so many WWII books but this was unique in that it was May-June 1939 before the war fully started. 937 passengers leaving their lives behind in the hope that they will be welcomed in Cuba and eventually the US. Told from the perspective of two young children, 1 wealthy, 1 not and filled in between with more details from the captain. I knew nothing of this ship or others that embarked on similar journeys. It was very relevant as another refugee crisis is happening in Europe in 2022/23. I also didn't connect that this was still the time of the Great Depression in the US and the effect that would have on accepting or turning away the SS St. Louis.
Though the situation is heavy (holocaust) it is not a dark or depressing read. It is important to remember these events so they are never repeated. As these individuals started with hope, and then faced great uncertainty, it heightened my awareness of what current refugees could also be feeling. I was so impressed with the captain, his actions, and his treatment of every passenger. I was angered by Cuba and its exploiting actions.
CCs: more than one mention of suicide, a page describes conditions in Dachau concentration camp, pg 56 there is a black & white photo of the male MC’s family boating in happier times. Two young female cousins are shown in the boat (waist up) without swimwear.
Though the situation is heavy (holocaust) it is not a dark or depressing read. It is important to remember these events so they are never repeated. As these individuals started with hope, and then faced great uncertainty, it heightened my awareness of what current refugees could also be feeling. I was so impressed with the captain, his actions, and his treatment of every passenger. I was angered by Cuba and its exploiting actions.
CCs: more than one mention of suicide, a page describes conditions in Dachau concentration camp, pg 56 there is a black & white photo of the male MC’s family boating in happier times. Two young female cousins are shown in the boat (waist up) without swimwear.
March 31, 2025
This is the story of the St Louis- a ship which sailed from Germany with over 900 passengers aboard hoping to escape Hitler to eventually settle in the United States. It is told from the viewpoint of 2 passengers, Lisa and Sol, children from different economic backgrounds. The story is rich in historical facts and context, interwoven with the fictional accounts of their days at sea. It is a sad reflection on Cuba and other countries who failed to come to their aid, considering news of the camps had been reaching other parts of the world by this time. The wholesale bribery invited by the Cuban government trying to take advantage of the situation is appalling. Weak governments afraid of losing popularity should have been ashamed. This would make a great story to read in a classroom and inspire discussion of antisemitism and WWII.
January 13, 2024
I purchased this as a recommendation for grade six social studies here in Ontario. It is a part of history that I had heard of, but really had no idea. It is the story of close to 1000 jewish people fleeing persecution just prior to the outbreak of WW2. It is a story of hope, dashed when entry to Cuba (despite having paid for paperwork) is denied. USA nor Canada were willing to accept these refugees and eventually the ship found European destinations willing to assist. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an interesting but easy read about this event in our history.
October 13, 2018
A fascinating account of the tragic journey from Germany to Cuba aboard the St Louis. The story is told from three perspectives; a young girl, a young boy and an interesting ‘What the Captain Knew’ part where the facts are shared about each stage of the journey. A great addition to any study of World War 2; there are lots of books about the Holocaust, but not so many about this key event in the lead up to the war.
January 14, 2024
A great book for young readers to learn about the days leading up to WWII.
May 21, 2024
A great read. Sad as well.
July 20, 2025
An important read. I enjoyed the different perspectives featured!
April 14, 2013
To Hope and Back
By Kathy Kacer
To Hope and Back by Kathy Kacer is set in pre-World War 2 Germany. The year is 1939 and times are becoming unsettled and dangerous for Jews right across Europe. They are demonised and suffer persecution even before the vile events after the outbreak of war. Over 900 Jews board the sailing boat St. Louis in Hamburg and seek refuge in Cuba. Some have spent their life savings to purchase their tickets and once on board the ship they are treated with respect by the crew and Captain Schroeder. They sailed with much hope of starting a new life in Cuba with the ultimate aim of moving to the USA.
However, as the ship races at top speed across the Atlantic Ocean, they lose favour with the Cubans as the Nazi propaganda machine takes hold. The Nazis convince the Cubans that the Jews on board are little better than criminals and that they should not accept them onto their shores. The hopes and dreams of the passengers are destroyed upon arrival when they are not permitted to disembark. Many people plead their case but all arguments fall upon deaf ears and they are faced with the prospect of returning to Germany, which they know would lead to their death.
The book is told from three different perspectives, Sol and Lisa (both children) and ‘What the Captain Knew’. The reader empathises with the children who come from different social strata but both experience ship life, hopes and fears. Interspersed with their stories, is the Captain’s experiences and his desire to get his passengers to safety as soon as possible.
The reader is frustrated by the lack of empathy shown by the Cuban, US and Canadian governments given what events took place a few years later. Eventually the ship is accepted by other countries in Europe but there is little comfort for many of the passengers because they are eventually captured by the Nazis anyway and therefore their quest for freedom was all in vain.
The author finishes the book with explanatory notes about what happened to the main characters and fortunately they survived Hitler’s tyranny and eventually found safe haven in England and the USA.
Karen Kacer is the author of similar books, including The Diary of Laura’s Twin and Hiding Edith. Students who enjoy war history, World War 2 and The Holocaust would find this book interesting because it adds insight into an aspect of war that I was not aware of before reading it.
By Kathy Kacer
To Hope and Back by Kathy Kacer is set in pre-World War 2 Germany. The year is 1939 and times are becoming unsettled and dangerous for Jews right across Europe. They are demonised and suffer persecution even before the vile events after the outbreak of war. Over 900 Jews board the sailing boat St. Louis in Hamburg and seek refuge in Cuba. Some have spent their life savings to purchase their tickets and once on board the ship they are treated with respect by the crew and Captain Schroeder. They sailed with much hope of starting a new life in Cuba with the ultimate aim of moving to the USA.
However, as the ship races at top speed across the Atlantic Ocean, they lose favour with the Cubans as the Nazi propaganda machine takes hold. The Nazis convince the Cubans that the Jews on board are little better than criminals and that they should not accept them onto their shores. The hopes and dreams of the passengers are destroyed upon arrival when they are not permitted to disembark. Many people plead their case but all arguments fall upon deaf ears and they are faced with the prospect of returning to Germany, which they know would lead to their death.
The book is told from three different perspectives, Sol and Lisa (both children) and ‘What the Captain Knew’. The reader empathises with the children who come from different social strata but both experience ship life, hopes and fears. Interspersed with their stories, is the Captain’s experiences and his desire to get his passengers to safety as soon as possible.
The reader is frustrated by the lack of empathy shown by the Cuban, US and Canadian governments given what events took place a few years later. Eventually the ship is accepted by other countries in Europe but there is little comfort for many of the passengers because they are eventually captured by the Nazis anyway and therefore their quest for freedom was all in vain.
The author finishes the book with explanatory notes about what happened to the main characters and fortunately they survived Hitler’s tyranny and eventually found safe haven in England and the USA.
Karen Kacer is the author of similar books, including The Diary of Laura’s Twin and Hiding Edith. Students who enjoy war history, World War 2 and The Holocaust would find this book interesting because it adds insight into an aspect of war that I was not aware of before reading it.
November 14, 2018
"To Hope and Back" is a very moving and informative read for children about the luxury ocean liner, the St. Louis. The ship left Germany in 1939 with almost 1,000 Jewish passengers seeking a safe haven. The story is tragic for they can find no countries to take them in and are threatened with having to return to Germany and a certain death.
I remember the first time I read about this was in a college history class and I was so horrified and disgusted that the Roosevelt administration denied them safe harbor. I am certain that most young children studying the Holocaust do not know about this chapter in WWII history.
The book's format will keep young readers engaged. Alternating chapters are narrated by two children who were on the ship (Lisa and Sol)while other chapters are more "factual" with the title "What the Captain Knew".
This is a gem of a book and a great addition to libraries and schools.
I remember the first time I read about this was in a college history class and I was so horrified and disgusted that the Roosevelt administration denied them safe harbor. I am certain that most young children studying the Holocaust do not know about this chapter in WWII history.
The book's format will keep young readers engaged. Alternating chapters are narrated by two children who were on the ship (Lisa and Sol)while other chapters are more "factual" with the title "What the Captain Knew".
This is a gem of a book and a great addition to libraries and schools.
March 28, 2016
A sombre tale based on the true story of the World War II refugee ship St Louis, with almost 1000 Jewish passengers fleeing Nazi Germany, only to be refused disembarkation and refuge in their destination of Cuba and the US. The author portrays the story through 3 narrators: The Captain (based on historical documents) and 2 of the children on board - Lisa Avedon and Sol Messinger. Suitable for upper primary/junior secondary readers, who can cope with the grim reality of persecution, betrayal and war.
March 19, 2013
I thought this book was really good. I liked how it whent from Lisa`s point of view to Sol`s. I didnt really like how it had WHAT THE CAPTIN KNEW to me that was a waste of paper.I thought it was really weird how Lisa`s name was actually lisollet (i forget how it was spelled) and it was wierd how Sol looked like a girl on the front cover.Other than that I cant really discribe what i liked about it I just realy liked it.
April 9, 2013
I Loved this book. I thought it was very interesting how it swicthed points of view. First it was Lisa's point of view then Sol's. I liked how there life stories were different and so were their personalities. I thought that What The Captin Knew was interesting because it told you stuff that the passengers didn't know about and what was happening on the ship. I really liked the end too. This book was great and I could not stop reading! :]
April 22, 2013
Today many families board a ship to freedom. This day they will set sail on a two week trip to Cuba from Germny. What they don't know is in Cuba they will not be allowed to dock.
Nobody ever wishes to return to Germany, but will they have to when Cuba doesn't want them in their country?
I enjoyed how the writer was great at describing characters.
Nobody ever wishes to return to Germany, but will they have to when Cuba doesn't want them in their country?
I enjoyed how the writer was great at describing characters.
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April 1, 2014This book is a good one to read. It shows through 2 points of views how life was when the Nazis controlled. I enjoy reading holocaust series and would recommend this book and "Hiding Edith" by Kathy Kacer. Very interesting and informative.
April 16, 2015
I liked the hybrid fiction/non-fiction style of this book about the journey of the SS St. Louis. It made for a more immersive reading experience, and I think it helps reading comprehension for children. I would like to see more books take this approach.
September 30, 2012
Sad story but a great introduction for young readers into the horrors of World War 2.
November 18, 2012
Good read, couldn't put it down! Well written for young people to try to understand the horrific situation the Jewish people encountered.....trying to escape from Germany.
March 30, 2013
It never ceases to amaze me how the holocaust happened and keeps happening.
April 27, 2015
Again one of those forgotten stories from the Holocaust. Kacer did a great job in presenting the facts in an easy to read book.
October 19, 2013
Good way to introduce children to this part of history. My 11 year old and I read it together.
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December 16, 2013Wow, that was really a surprised. It was a good read, and I learnt a few things!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews