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The Children of Willesden Lane
The Children of Willesden Lane: Beyond the Kindertransport: A Memoir of Music, Love, and Survival | Mona Golabek, Lee Cohen
8 posts | 4 read | 9 to read
Based on the true story of her mother, Mona Golabek describes the inspirational story of Lisa Jura Golabek's escape from Nazi-controlled Austria to England on the famed Kindertransport. Jewish musical prodigy Lisa Jura has a wonderful life in Vienna. But when the Nazis start closing in on the city, life changes irreversibly. Although he has three daughters, Lisa's father is only able to secure one berth on the Kindertransport. The family decides to send Lisa to London so that she may pursue her dreams of a career as a concert pianist. Separated from her beloved family, Lisa bravely endures the trip and a disastrous posting outside London before finding her way to the Willesden Lane Orphanage.It is in this orphanage that Lisa's story truly comes to life. Her music inspires the other orphanage children, and they, in turn, cheer her on in her efforts to make good on her promise to her family to realize her musical potential. Through hard work and sheer pluck, Lisa wins a scholarship to study piano at the Royal Academy. As she supports herself and studies, she makes a new life for herself and dreams of reconnecting with the family she was forced to leave behind. The resulting tale delivers a message of the power of music to uplift the human spirit and to grant the individual soul endurance, patience, and peace.
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Nebklvr
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Pickpick

What does music offer? It is a type of sustenance in the worst of times. A young piano prodigy travels by the Kindertransport to London. There she forms beautiful relationships with fellow refugees and English coworkers. This is a beautiful ode to the determined spirits of these young people and the many talents and fears they carried with them.

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Tjackson
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Pickpick

24/52 - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟! When I was asked to read this book for approval for use in our middle schools, I was annoyed because I have so much other work. However, I started reading it & I could hardly put it down. It is an inspirational, true story. I cried in the first couple chapters and the last couple chapters -Sad tears and happy tears. I think my students from several middle schools will have the opportunity to read this book and meet the author.

DivineDiana What a fantastic opportunity for them and you! 7y
Tjackson @DivineDiana Yes, I never go on the trips, but if all works out (free books and free buses), I am definitely going! 7y
DivineDiana Here‘s hoping it works out! 🤞 7y
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Tjackson
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This entire paragraph speaks to children being good role models for other children!!!! My ❤️ still breaks reading about what these children endured during WWII and what current refugees children are enduring😥😥😥.

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Tjackson
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A perfect evening reading outside on my patio and getting some sun! This is my best multi- tasking ever!!!

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Tjackson
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Over 50% read! Only a few tears have been shed so far. This is a true story and one that I am glad to be reading. Lisa and her fellow refugees are courageous and smart!!! I am reading the young readers edition, but I think I will read the grown up edition, too! I need to recommend this book for approval for middle school students- so far, so good!!!

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Tjackson
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At the end of chapter 4 and tears started!!! It is so hard to read about atrocities that really happened, especially to children. Forced to leave your family and your home at age 14 .... makes me angry and sad!!! Being a refugee at age 14 by yourself shouldn‘t have happened in the 1930‘s and shouldn‘t be happening now!!!!!!

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Tjackson
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I am reading the young readers edition to approve it for use in my gifted program in social studies. Looking forward to to reading a book about a young, gifted girl that persevered.

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BookishMarginalia
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The coffee is as delicious as it looks: pistachio and hazelnut latte 😋 - Barista Frances rocks! @TheBookmarkPR

rachel_mbc That looks awesome! 8y
kalinichta That. Sounds. Amazing. 8y
hermyknee I've been checking your Litsy like a crazy person. I am so excited for the book exchange! Are you setting all of that up today or tomorrow?! 8y
See All 14 Comments
BooksForEmpathy Whoa! I'm loving that combination! Enjoy your Saturday 😍. 8y
night_shift Whoa! That sounds pretty great! 8y
britt_brooke Yum! 8y
LeeRHarry Yum that sounds so good! 8y
moranadatter That sounds wonderful! 8y
Texreader This sounds awesome and makes me wish sometimes that I drank coffee. 8y
Cinfhen Oh that sounds heavenly 😇 8y
Gina Oh man what I wouldn't give for a good barista in my town. The trails of living in the country. 8y
Zelma That sounds fantastic! I usually don't like flavored coffee but that combo could work for me. ☕️👍 8y
LeeRHarry I used to live off Willesden Lane in London - looks like a must read for me! 😊 funny how I already commented on the coffee a day ago - shows what my priorities were at the time! 😆 (edited) 8y
196 likes14 comments