The Children of Willesden Lane

A True Story of Hope and Survival During World War II (Young Readers Edition)

By: Mona Golabek, Emil Sher, Lee Cohen

Narrated by: Katherine Manners

A young readers' edition of an important and inspiring true story of hope and survival during World War II.

Fourteen-year-old Lisa Jura was a musical prodigy who hoped to become a concert pianist. But when Hitler's armies advanced on pre-war Vienna, Lisa's parents were forced to make a difficult decision. Able to secure passage for only one of their three daughters through the Kindertransport, they chose to send gifted Lisa to London for safety.
As she yearned to be reunited with her family while she lived in a home for refugee children on Willesden Lane, Lisa's music became a beacon of hope. A memoir of courage and the power of music to uplift the human spirit, this compelling tribute to one special young woman and the lives she touched will both educate and inspire young readers.

Critic reviews

"A tale of one young woman's courage ... hopeful, personal, and true."— Los Angeles Times

"A deeply moving and heartfelt tale ... brings tears to the reader's eyes ... a testament to maternal love."—Washington Post Book World

Notes of fear and strength

This is a story that could have been created by a great writer with a wonderful imagination, but instead it was created by the tragedies and uncertainties of war and the strength that comes from determination and love.