The Sound of Freedom

Heroes Quartet #1

by Kathy Kacer

Anna and her family have only one hope left to escape certain doom. It’s 1936 and life is becoming dangerous for the Jews of Krakow. As incidents of violence and persecution increase day by day, Anna begs her father to leave Poland, but he insists it’s impossible. How could he give up his position as an acclaimed clarinetist in the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra? When Anna and her father barely escape from a group of violent thugs, it becomes clear that the family must leave. But how? There seems to be only one possibility. Bronislaw Huberman, a world-renowned violinist, is auditioning Jewish musicians for a new orchestra in Palestine. If accepted, they and their families will receive exit visas. Anna and her grandmother boldly write to Huberman asking him to give Anna’s father an audition, but will that be enough to save them? This poignant story is based on real events in pre-war Poland and Palestine. After saving 700 Jews and their families, Huberman went on to establish what later became the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Against an ominous background of the impending Holocaust in Europe and the first Arab-Israeli war, The Sound of Freedom still manages to remind the reader of the goodness in the world.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Music, Holocaust, War, Poland, Jewish

256 pages, Paperback

Published March 13, 2018

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

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was so disappointing. We love WWII stories, especially from a child's viewpoint and my daughter being a member of youth orchestras and playing several instruments made this book sound very interesting and relevant to us. Having read this book and googled the author I would guess this writer does not play an instrument or have any knowledge of music which is such a downside for a book that focuses mainly on music.

When we saw the cover we couldn't get over how bad the illustration of the clarinet is. Too short, too wide, too many open holes, not enough keys, and a strange small white object that looks like an icing nozzle instead of a mouthpiece. No reed, no ligature and it is being clenched in a way that would damage the keys if they were there. The text reveals more mistakes, Anna and her father have a joke about being careful about reeds because they don't grow on trees which Anna explains is funny because they do grow on trees and they are made of wood. Reeds are made from reeds or a type of cane, they don't grow on trees. Anna also describes how reeds are as thin as tissue paper at the tip, they are opaque but even a thin beginner reed would be as thick as stiff paper if not card. An expert like herself would have a stronger reed. In another chapter Anna listens to some music, she recognises it but is not sure if it is Mozart or Chopin. They have such different styles and are so far apart in history, nobody who claims Anna's experience would get these two mixed up. Chopin or John Field perhaps. This led me to wondering what else was incorrect. Would a butcher in pre WWII Poland give a candy bar to each child who came into the shop? I suspect not and why a candy bar, he wasn't American and neither were the children or the setting!

A very disappointing book, even without the mistakes and the omission of details you would expect to find in a book about an orchestra, the story felt like a rehash of several others.

[Manybooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I was really looking forward to reading Kathy Kacer's The Sound of Freedom when I first shelved it on my to-read list this past April (as it had won a 2019 Sydney Taylor Honour mention and from the book description, it also looked like it might be yet another pre-Holocaust type of novel akin to Judith Kerr's brilliant When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit), after reading my Goodreads friend Hilary's negatively critical words regarding the many and supposedly obvious music-based errors presented as fact by the author and another similar in tone review by Aviana Joy claiming that quite a bit of the putative details and facts shown as the historical reality and truth regarding the formation of the Palestine Symphony Orchestra in The Sound of Freedom are also very much wrong or at least lacking, I certainly and quickly lost much of my potential reading enthusiasm. However, I still decided to sign out The Sound of Freedom from my local public library (since the topic did interest me, and well, because The Sound of Freedom had won an award, I definitely remained curious).

But yes, I was certainly now reading Kathy Kacer's narrative mostly with a major grain of salt and with my eyes always and continuously open to and for errors. And indeed, when during my perusal of The Sound of Freedom I did my own supplemental (and really very easy, very fast and very simple) online research regarding both the music irregularities described by Hilary and the historical faux pas about the conception and development of the PSO that I found in Aviana Joy's review, all of these same errors are clearly visible for everyone to see (with that I mean, that all of the mistakes reported to be present in The Sound of Freedom by Hilary and Aviana Joy, they are most definitely bona fide faux pas and also very easily avoidable ones at that with just some very basic good research techniques and checking online resources). And I definitely do have major trouble understanding why and how Kathy Kacer could not have investigated the music aspect of her novel as well as the historical background a bit more thoroughly deliberately (as considering that The Sound of Freedom is historical fiction, I for one cannot just forgive the sloppy research and the many avoidable mistakes in Kathy Kacer's text). And while I did find Anna and her family's story engaging enough, often heartbreaking, and indeed also important, the many annoying and indeed very real and bona fide authorial errors do make me only consider two stars at best for The Sound of Freedom (as sorry, but these kinds of gaffes should absolutely not happen with historical fiction and especially not with historical fiction based on actual reality that is marketed and geared towards children).

[Bev Walkling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to #NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This novel set in the years leading up to the beginning of the second World War is geared to the young adult reader but was equally appealing to me as an adult reader. It was inspired by the true story of Bronislaw Huberman, a world-renowned violinist who helps hundreds of Jews leave Europe for Palestine pre-World War II. This was a story that was unfamiliar to me but that I am glad to have finally discovered. It reminds me that there will always be people willing to put themselves out to help save others.

Huberman started an orchestra in Palestine made up primarily of Jewish musicians who were in desperate need of a way to a safe place.

This particular story is told from the viewpoint of Anna, a young Jewish girl who is already seeing and feeling the changes that anti-semitism is bringing to her world even before her clarinetist father seems to recognize them. I was incredibly moved by the story of this family as they debated what they could do and eventually learned of the creation of a wonderful orchestra that might offer them safety. Anna experiences so many losses as friends leave and finally she, her Father and her grandmother leave but along the way she also makes new friends and adapts to her new location.

There were moments of sadness within the story and times where I wanted to shake certain characters and just yell out to them that they were making a mistake.

This is a book which should move any young adult reader and would be a great book to include in a school curriculum to teach about the beginnings of the Holocaust.

[Aviana Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs fact checking! I am doing Bronislaw Huberman for my National History Day project, and based on my so far two months of research, there were several things that did not line up with what I've read.
First and most importantly of all Bronislaw Huberman was NOT a conductor. The PSO hired a conductor from the German Kulterbund to prepare the orchestra for Toscanini's arrival.
Also on that note, what's with calling the movements from Brahm's symphony 'sections'?! I know this was written for elementary age kids, but seriously, I know that any 3rd grader mature enough to read this book can understand proper musical terms.
There were several other little things that didn't ring true with what I've researched.
The writing also felt really dumbed-down. Again, written for Elementary school kids, and I know I'm used to reading things like Les Miserables, but this age group is capable of FAR more than we give them credit for.
That being said, it was really helpful to read about what it could have been like for a member of the orchestra and their family, I just wish it had been better done.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have yet to read a Kathy Kacer book that I haven’t really liked. This one did not disappoint; I was hooked from the beginning and had difficulty putting it down. I learned things about Jewish persecution in Krakow that I hadn’t been aware of before, such as the “”ghetto chair section” in the city’s orchestra. Several parts made me tear up, so I’d suggest having a box of tissues handy. I highly recommend this one for any history buff.

[Quirkybookwormkat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm amazed how well this book was written for middle aged kids/ preteens and possibly young teens. This could be read by all age groups.

This is a historical novel which takes place right when the Nazis and Hitler were coming into power. The setting starts in Poland.

I was able to understand, feel, and enjoy the book. It's not quite the same as Anne Frank but it's relatable. The kids will understand and appreciate this novel and history. It would make an excellent discussion in classrooms.

I'd give this book low 4 stars.



I recieved this ARC from Annick Press Ltd through Net Galley in an exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A part of Holocaust history I did not know. Moving, beautifully rendered and very inspiring! 5 stars

Thank you, NetGalley and Annick Press, for an advance copy. Opinions are mine.

#TheSoundOfFreedom #NetGalley

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1936, and, for Anna Hirsch, a 12-year-old Jewish girl living in Krakow, Poland, life revolves around school, her best friend, playing her clarinet, and home. Anna's father, Avrum Hirsch, is a music teacher and a well-known clarinetist, playing in the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra, and Baba, her grandmother, has been living with and caring for the family since Anna's mother passed away. Now, however, anti-Semitism is on the rise in Poland, thanks to Hitler's influence, and Anna's happy, secure life is beginning to crumble.

After learning that her best friend is leaving for Denmark with her family to escape the unpleasant and often dangerous treatment of Polish Jews, and after witnessing violence against a Jewish butcher, Mr. Kaplansky, Anna also no longer feels safe living in Poland. So when her father tells her that he had read that the famous musician Bronislaw Huberman was coming to Poland to begin forming an orchestra that would be situated in the British Mandate Palestine and made up of only Jewish musicians who would receive exit visas for themselves and their families, Anna knew her father needed to audition for it.

The only problem is that Papa refuses to uproot his family, believing that they were not in an danger in Poland. But after witnessing an even more violent attack on Mr. Kaplansky, and after she and her father are almost attacked at his office, Anna and Baba decide to write to Mr. Huberman, requesting an audition - behind Papa's back. When the letter came, inviting him to audition, Papa and Anna travel to Warsaw for it. There, she meets Eric Sobol, an energetic boy whose father plays the trumpet and is also auditioning. The two hang out together, and Anna hopes that both father's are accepted into the new orchestra.

A letter finally arrives offering Anna's father a seat in the new orchestra, but their leaving is fraught with all kinds of delays and setbacks. The trip to Palestine is long and when they finally board the ship that will take them to Haifa, Anna is happy to see Eric there. After arriving in Palestine, the two friends discover they will now be neighbors in Tel Aviv and go to the same school, and both discover that life in Palestine isn't going to be easy for a while. There is the ongoing conflict between the Jews, the British, and the Arabs, learning Hebrew isn't all that easy, and Anna's beloved clarinet, the one her mother gave her, is lost. But life is also exciting. Mr. Huberman allows Anna to attend rehearsals whenever she wants, and often chats with her when she does show up. And the first concert of the Palestine Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Arutro Toscanini, who proves to be quite a hard taskmaster at best.

Then Mr. Huberman tells Anna he would like her to stop by is office, but about what could he possibly want to speak to her?

The Sound of Freedom is based on the actual events surrounding the formation of the Palestine Symphony Orchestra by Bronislaw Huberman, though the story about Anna and her family is completely fictional. But Kacer seamlessly and realistically weaves in the kinds of events and issues there were happening in Krakow into Anna's story, along with the fear she felt while traveling through Poland, Germany and Italy in 1936 and the difficulties adjusting to life in a new country.

There aren't all that many books that take place in Europe the mid-1930s, at time when crimes and restrictions directed at Jews were on the rise, but before the Final Solution actively began in full force. That makes this an important addition to Holocaust literature for young readers showing them just how things evolved into WWII and the Shoah. People always ask why didn't more Jews leave Europe as life became more and more difficult for Jews and Kacer addresses that, showing how many people, including Anna's father, really felt that things would eventually blow over and life would return to normal. In fact, that belief was so strong that some of her characters, like their real-life counterparts, returned to Europe when they found adjusting to Palestine too difficult.

The Sound of Freedom is an interesting coming of age novel, well-written, and well researched. Anna is a compelling character as we watch her innocence replaced by an acute awareness of what is happening around her, despite her father's attempts to shield her from it. Kacer descriptions aren't so graphic that they will scare younger readers, but they do convey the pain and humiliation that was inflicted on the Jewish people by followers of Hitler in realistic terms. And I think this novel will really resonate for today's readers.

It's always hard to read about anything related to the Holocaust, but Anna's story is one with a relatively good ending for her and her family., all the more so because of it is based in reality.

This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was provided to me by the publisher, Annick Press

[Yibbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

From a child's perspective, it chronicles the worsening persecution Anna suffered in Poland before WW2, and the sacrifices she made to find a new home. It really captures the feeling of foreboding so many felt at that time.
Specifically, it is based around the formation of the Palestinian Symphony Orchestra, now the Israeli Philharmonic. That was really interesting.
Even though it covers some terrifying times and terrible events, it is still appropriate for younger teens. They would understand the fear and anxiety the heroine felt, but it’s not overly graphic.
It was interesting having a child tell the story. I think that will help keep children’s attention, but, to me, it seemed a bit odd in spots. She comes across as more of an ‘actor’ or ‘mover’ in their story than her father or grandmother. All the ideas seem to be hers, not the adults. For such a young child it seemed a bit odd that she would know or care more about certain events than her father does. It also meant that there were several instances where she must choose to disobey her father so she can be part of the action.
I wish there were more footnotes. There were a few things that I wish I could research more. I had read some of these things before and would like to verify them.
I received this as a free ARC from NetGalley and Annick Press. No favorable review was required. These are my honest opinions.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anna Hirsch enjoys her life in Krakow, Poland, in 1936 as she continues to learn how to play the clarinet under the tutelage of her father. Despite her father's reassurances that nothing bad will happen to them, Anna's feelings of safety are threatened as violent actions toward Jews increase and even one of her classmates threatens her. Even the other Jewish musicians like her father are segregated during rehearsals, and Anna fears even worse is yet to come. When she learns of the efforts of Bronislaw Huberman, another musician, to form an orchestra in Palestine, offering a way out of Poland, she and her grandmother join forces to persuade her father to audition. This book does a great job of showing how the fear builds in Anna and how determined the family is to stick together. But living in Palestine has its own challenges, and some who moved there decided to return to Poland. A note from the author provides additional information, pointing out that Huberman managed to bring 1,000 individuals, 70 musicians and their families, to Palestine through his efforts. As I read this book, I could only imagine all the red tape and constant vigilance this must have taken. But how brilliant his plan was! I was pleased to read about yet another piece of Holocaust history that was unfamiliar to me.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sound of Freedom
by Kathy Kacer
Annick Press Ltd.

Annick Press
Children's Fiction , History
Pub Date 13 Mar 2018


I am reviewing a copy of The Sound of Freedom through Annick Press and Netgalley:


Anna and her family have one hope left in order to escape certain doom. In 1936 things are getting exceedingly dangerous for the Jews of Krakow. As violence increase daily Anna begs her Father to leave Poland but time and time again he tells her that is not possible. He cannot give up his place as acclaimed clarinetist in the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra. Anna and her Father barely escape a group of violent thugs, making it clear that the family must leave.


How will they leave? Their seems to be only one option Bronislaw Huberman a world renowned violinist is auditioning Jewish Magicians for a new orchestra in Palestine. If they are accepted they and their families will be given exit visas.


Anna and her Grandmother decide to write Hubetman giving her Father an audition, but will it be enough?


The Sound of Freedom is a fictionalized account of prewar Poland and Palestine its a story of sacrifice, loss and survival.


I give The Sound of Freedom five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Eileen Charbonneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Anna lives a carefree life in 1930s Krakow, Poland, enjoying bakery treats with her friend Renata after school. The girls are a great team, with different, complimentary strengths. But their worlds are about to be upended by the looming threat of Nazi philosophy. At first the threat is from bullies badgering the baker. Then they set their fists against the kosher butcher. Soon Renata ’s family leaves Poland for Denmark.
As the violence reaches even into the music conservancy where Anna’s widowed father plays, she urges him to apply for a place in an orchestra being formed by Bronislaw Huberman. It would mean a family move to Palestine. The audition is nerve wracking, but successful and after tense delays, Anna, her father and beloved grandmother settle in their new country, which is not without its own adjustments and strife.
Written with deep sensibility and care, The Sound of Freedom is a good introduction to the horrors of the Holocaust for young readers. Brave Anna and her family make sacrifices, overcome grief, and find healing in connection, love, and the power of music. Highly recommended YA Ages 10 and up.

[KayKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Sound of Freedom" is not a Holocaust literature but more about the German persecution of the Jews. Loosely based on a true story about a renowned Jewish musician, Bronislaw Huberman, who organized an orchestra by auditioning talented Jewish musicians all over Europe to join him in Palestine. Amidst political upheaval and difficulties to obtain travelling documents, Huberman successfully saved over thousand lives of many Jewish musicians and that of their families.

Holocaust and the persecution of the Jews are always some heavy topics to read. "The Sound of Freedom" offers a fresh, innocent and positive voice in the genre and it manages to break the heavy topic to young adults gently. I enjoyed reading "The Sound of Freedom" for the most part and I am now interested to research more on Bronislaw Huberman.

And as a fan of classical music myself, reading anything about music adds additional satisfaction. Thanks Annick Press for providing e-gallery for my enjoyment. I will certainly consider adding "The Sound of Freedom" to my personal collection.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful historical novel for kids about the founding of the Palestine Philharmonic (the precursor to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra). The creation of Bronislaw Huberman, a virtuoso violinist, the Palestine Philharmonic was founded as a means of both bringing culture to the new state of Palestine and of rescuing Jewish musicians and their families from the horrors of the Third Reich. Through the lens of a girl named Anna readers learn about this difficult chapter in Jewish history.

[Lisa Bernstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Sound of Freedom" is an excellent book for middle school aged children. It introduces the reader to the beginning of the escalation of anti-Semitism in Poland as Hitler's ideas take stronger hold. The characters are a little bit like caricatures in that they're simplified and one-dimensional. However, the plot is engaging and moves at a quick pace. The novel is also informative as it is based on the true story of world-renowned violinist Bronislaw Huberman, who created a new orchestra in Palestine and saved the musicians and their families from Europe at this critical moment.

[Erikka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure this book is fine for a third or fourth grader, but I couldn't help but be bored by it. There's literally no conflict in this book that isn't resolved in less than five pages. There's are plenty of things that happen, but the solution is always readily available. I did like the idea of Bronislaw Huberman's story being given a voice finally, though. He was quite an amazing man.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A part of Holocaust history I did not know. Moving, beautifully rendered and very inspiring! 5 stars

Thank you, NetGalley and Annick Press, for an advance copy. Opinions are mine.

#TheSoundOfFreedom #NetGalley

[Ampersand Inc. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Kathy Kacer; this time on Bronislaw Huberman, a world-renowned violinist who helps hundreds of Jews leave Europe for Palestine pre-World War II.

[Michelle Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the true story of violinist Bronislaw Huberman and his heroic effort to save Jewish musicians and their families in the 1930s in Europe. I love the way history added tension to this story. As Anna sees Polish society disintegrating around her and experiences anti-Semitism, the pressure is on for her and her family to get out while they can. As things start going wrong for them, I found myself almost unable to keep reading—a testament to how much Kacer made me care about Anna.

[Zoey Pick · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book. Kind of slow, though.

[DustBunniesAndBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sound of Freedom
by Kathy Kacer

Release Date: 3/16/2018

My rating: 4.5 stars

SUMMARY: The Sound of Freedom is a middle-grade novel about a Jewish family in Krakow, Poland in 1936. Life has become increasingly more dangerous, as the violence and persecution of Jews ramp up. Anna is afraid if they don’t escape soon, something really bad will happen. Her father is a talented clarinetist in the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra. Then they hear that Bronislaw Huberman is auditioning Jewish musicians from all over Europe for a new orchestra in Palestine. If her father auditions and is accepted, she and her grandmother can leave with him. Can father make the cut?

MY THOUGHTS: Stories of Jews in the Holocaust have fascinated me since I was a kid and first read A Diary of Anne Frank and The Hiding Place. As an adult, I worked at a Jewish Center and met Holocaust survivors and got to hear their stories. My interest in the Holocaust is why I requested a copy of this book from NetGalley.

The Sound of Freedom is a gentle introduction to the beginning of the Holocaust for middle-grade students. The story is told through the eyes of young Anna, focusing on the growing anti-Semitism she sees going on around her and that eventually happens to her. It is set in 1936, before Germany’s invasion of Poland and as Hitler is rising in power, so the real horrors of the Holocaust have not yet started.

While the story of Anna’s family is fiction, Bronislaw Huberman really was a world-renown violinist and really did create the Palestine Philharmonic Orchestra and save over a thousand Jews by recruiting them for the newly formed orchestra. Anna’s story is representative of the lives saved by Bronislaw Huberman.

While the story is gentle, it does not make things all nice and tidy and happy. Some of the families leave the orchestra to go back to their homeland, and Anna is concerned for their safety and the reader is left to wonder what happened to them. The story also mentions the tensions between the Arabs and the Jewish peoples in Palestine, so Anna's family may have escaped Poland, but you wonder what will happen to them in Palestine.

I give the story 4.5 stars. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in the time-period. I knocked off a half star because there were several times that Anna felt like the adult in the story. She is more concerned about the things she sees and hears about than her father and grandmother are. There are also times when Anna is disobedient to her father.

For home educators and teachers, The Sound of Freedom would make an excellent addition to a Holocaust study.

===============
At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

[Mrsk Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathy Kacer has found a gentle way for the YA reader to be introduced to the horrors of WWII as experienced by Polish Jews. Her YA novel, The Sound of Freedom, is set in Krakow, prior to the German invasion of Poland at a time when Hitler was rising in power and anti-Semitic feelings and actions were beginning to take hold among the general population.
Anna, the main character in this book, is a motherless Jewish schoolgirl who lives with her father (a professional musician) and her grandmother. Initially Anna is a happy child who pals around with her BFF and is unaware of the approaching life changing events. Gradually she starts to experience bullying and spitefulness because of her Jewishness. Kacer does an excellent job of making the child's horror real without making it overbearing for a young person to read about. Kacer uses news broadcasts, family conversations, discussions with friends, witnessing good people standing by and doing nothing, the isolation of Jews and decisions of other Jewish families to leave the country as ominous warnings of what the future holds for Anna and her family.
A central figure in this historical fiction is the real Bronislaw Huberman, who actually was a world famous Polish violinist. Huberman did indeed create the Palestinian Symphony Orchestra to which he recruited many European Jews, thereby saving the lives of them and their families. He provided travel documents to move them to Palestine at a time when Jews were unable to leave their countries.
In the novel Anna's father successfully auditions for Huberman's orchestra. There are many tense moments during the decision to audition, while waiting for the results of the auditions, trying to arrange travel documents for grandmother, travelling by train through Germany, etc. Again Kacer has inserted just enough drama into the plot line to keep the young reader interested but has bypassed the grotesqueness encountered by many Jews in that time and place.
As a former educator I have seen many youths overwhelmed when learning about the the Jewish experience during WWII. Many of today's youth are old enough to understand the descriptions but too young to process the reality. This novel, however, is an excellent teaching tool. Kacer allows her characters to ask, “But what about the ones left behind”, “What happened to the families that returned” but she does not answer these questions. This allows the reader to research these questions for themselves, when they are ready to learn the answers. I recommend this book be added to middle school curricula.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sound of Freedom by Kathy Kacer is a middle-grade novel about a Jewish family in Krakow, Poland in 1936. Life has become increasingly dangerous, as the violence and persecution of Jews increase. Anna is afraid if they don’t escape soon, something really bad will happen. Her father is a talented clarinetist in the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra. They hear that Bronislaw Huberman is auditioning Jewish musicians from all over Europe for a new orchestra in Palestine. If her father auditions and is accepted, she and her grandmother can leave Poland with her father for a new life in Palestine. 

Stories of Jews in the Holocaust have fascinated me since I was a kid. The first book about the Holocaust I read was Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, then later A Diary of Anne Frank, and many more.  My interest in the Holocaust is why I requested a copy of this book from NetGalley.

The Sound of Freedom is an introduction to the beginning of the Holocaust for middle-grade students. The story is told through the eyes of Anna, focusing on the growing anti-Semitism she sees going on around her and that eventually happens to her. It is set in 1936, before Germany’s invasion of Poland and as Hitler is rising in power, so the real horrors of the Holocaust have not yet started.

While the story of Anna’s family is fiction, Bronislaw Huberman really was a world-renown violinist and did create the Palestine Philharmonic Orchestra to save over a thousand Jews by recruiting them for the newly formed orchestra. Anna’s story is representative of the lives saved by Bronislaw Huberman.

While the story is for middle-grade student, it tells the harsh reality of the what was happening.  Readers will be faced with the problems and issues of the era. Some of the families leave the orchestra to go back to their homeland, and Anna is concerned for their safety and the reader is left to wonder what happened to them. The story also mentions the tensions between the Arabs and the Jewish peoples in Palestine. Anna's family may have escaped Poland, but they are faced with issues in Palestine.

I give the story 4.5 stars. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in the time-period. The Sound of Freedom would make an excellent addition to a Holocaust study.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy from Annick Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 5 out of 5]

DESCRIPTION:

Anna and her family have only one hope left to escape certain doom. It’s 1936 and life is becoming dangerous for the Jews of Krakow. As incidents of violence and persecution increase day by day, Anna begs her father to leave Poland, but he insists it’s impossible. How could he give up his position as an acclaimed clarinetist in the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra? When Anna and her father barely escape from a group of violent thugs, it becomes clear that the family must leave. But how? There seems to be only one possibility. Bronislaw Huberman, a world-renowned violinist, is auditioning Jewish musicians for a new orchestra in Palestine. If accepted, they and their families will receive exit visas. Anna and her grandmother boldly write to Huberman asking him to give Anna’s father an audition, but will that be enough to save them? This poignant story is based on real events in pre-war Poland and Palestine. After saving 700 Jews and their families, Huberman went on to establish what later became the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Against an ominous background of the impending Holocaust in Europe and the first Arab-Israeli war, The Sound of Freedom still manages to remind the reader of the goodness in the world.



Out July 5, 2018

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

World War II and Hitler’s repression and genocide of Jews is focused on in this story but told from the perspective of a little girl whose father is Bronislaw Huberman, a real person accredited for establishing the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and in turned saved many lives in the process.

This is the story of his daughter’s fears and concerns about escaping before the Germans arrived at her small town.

I absolutely loved Anna and the courage of her family. Set against a horrific background, this is a story of hope and success to thwart a terrible outcome intended for many Jews. Built around historical facts, this story will tug at your heart-strings and leave you feeling somewhat relieved and happy for those who owe their lives to Huberman and his efforts.

A must read. I highly recommend it as a beginning or introductory holocaust story to middle-grade level readers. It’s gentle, yet effective.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is 1936 in Krakow, Poland and Hitler is making his move on the Jewish families. Anna has always led an idyllic and mostly happy childhood going to school and listening to her father play his clarinet in the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra. As Hitler starts enforcing his reign outside of Germany her family understands it is time to move. Bronislaw Huberman is taking auditions for his new orchestra in Palestine, a city that is safer for Jewish families. Will Anna's father get a spot and the family get their travel visas before it is too late?

I am a big reader of World War 2 fiction at it doesn't matter if it is an adult book or a children book I want to read it. The Sound of Freedom was extremely interesting as it was a story from a different country than Germany. I was also interested as it based loosely on a true story as Bronsilaw Huberman really did start an orchestra in Palestine and go to Poland auditioning people for spots and provided thousands of travel visas for families. I would like to read more about him.

The view point from Anna is very relatable for children in grades 4-7 as she talks about the things that are important to her at that age and those things are important to every child no matter the year or surroundings. She thinks about leaving her friends and how she will feel. She thinks about what to leave and what to take. She thinks about making new friends in a country that she does not know the language. Anna also shows how to gather courage and lets the reader know that each one of us is stronger than we think.

I hope to see this book in school libraries very soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Annick Press Ltd. through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Dianne McMahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful novel based on events that were true.
Their were families that were desperately trying to get out of Poland,during the War yrs.Most had no hope of getting a travel certificate and there were even fewer countries,that would accept them.
Anna's father played in the Philharmonic Orchestra & taught clarinet at a school.
He lost his job and was reduced to the Jew section to continue with the Orchestra.
A wonderful man named Huberman,came along and was accepting tryouts for an Orchestra he was putting together.
If you were lucky enough to get accepted,he assured you a way out of Poland and not just for the people he chose,but their families too.
Anna's father was lucky,as unbeknownst to him,Anna and her grandmother each wrote a letter to Mr Huberman,praising their son and father as a true genius with the clairinet.
They waited for a very long time,for the letter to arrive inviting the father to try out for a position with the Orchestra.He was accepted and this got travel certificates for him and his family
They packed the belongings they could take and waited.
Finally the day arrived and Anna's family,along with nearly 1000 others were saved by this wonderful man,who relocated them in Palestine,where they stayed throughout the War.
Several of the musicians,went back to Poland,as that families just couldn't adjust.They were lost in the Holocaust.

I want to thank Netgalley and publisher,for the opportunity to.read and review "The Sound of Freedom." by Kathy Kacer.
read the book,you won't be sorry !

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great kid's chapter book about the Holocaust, but about a side not often portrayed in literature about the Holocaust - it is the story of the Jewish refugee band that was brought to Palestine to avoid the rise of Hitler. The conductor saved many thousands of lives as a result (the book is based on a true story). It is told from the point of view of a young girl whose father auditions for the orchestra so they can leave Poland. It makes the climate of the time more visceral to see it through a child's eyes, without being too scary. Should get kids interested in what happened next, across Palestine as well as across Europe.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sincere thanks to Annik Press, the author and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. It is greatly appreciated.

This is the first book I have read by Kathy Kacer, and it is beautifully written and sincere. Written from a child's perspective, before the start of the second World War, it addresses the challenges of children in Poland during Hitler's reign. It may not be the typical book that you think of when you think of WWII, but it is a beautifully written fresh, honest tale of love, loss and survival.

It was written in an uncomplicated way, making the target audience able to fully understand the story as it unfolded. I would gladly read this book again, and happily give it 5 stars!

[Donna Dobihal Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This approachable story based on a real event in history is suspenseful, moving, sad, and hopeful. Featuring both male and female juvenile characters, it is an inmportant addition to holocaust literature collections for children. Although the book includes some realistic, disturbing scenes of abuse towards Jewish characters by Nazi sympathizers, it is at an appropriate level for upper elementary students and lends immediacy to the work for young readers. Highly recommended.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely written, was a great story about a little girl that followed her father out of Poland before it was to bad there for there Jewish family. It was good story, but I felt it was missing something.