The Whispering Town
Jennifer Elvgren, Author
Fabio Santomauro, Illustrator
Kar-Ben Publishing, Historical fiction, 2014
Suitable for ages: 7-11
Themes: Denmark, German Occupation, Jews, Holocaust, World War II
Opening: “There are new friends in the cellar, Anett,” Mama said when I woke up. “Time to take breakfast down to them.”
Book Jacket Synopsis: It is 1943, in Nazi-occupied Denmark. Anett and her parents are hiding a Danish Jewish woman and her son, Carl, in their cellar until a fishing boat can take them across the sound to neutral Sweden. Worried about their safety, Anett thinks of a clever and unusual plan to get them safely to the harbor.
Why I like this book: The Whispering Town is based on a true story. Jennifer Elvgren’s text is simple and will teach children about the Holocaust and the heroes who risked their lives to help. It is a great introduction book to the Holocaust. This is a compelling story about the courage and compassion of a girl, her family and village to defy the Nazis and house and guide Danish Jews to Sweden. The story is narrated by the main character, Anett, who is very mature and learns to keep a very big secret. Anett is courageous and clever. She knows how to sneak extra food from the right people who are helping on the underground. When the Nazis begin knocking on doors, the stakes rise. The Jews must be moved. A problem occurs when it is too dark to sneak the Jews through the town. The villagers like Anett’s idea and “whisper” the Jews to the fishing boats. Fabio Santomauro’s artwork suggests an air of secrecy with his dark and muted tones and black lines. This is an important book to add to a school library as it focuses on the courage of a community.
Resources: Visit Jennifer Elvgren at her website. Kar-Ben Publishing has resources on the Holocaust. It is growing Jewish library for children.
Children's Books Heal 
Pat, Thanks so much for reviewing this book. Ellen Levine’s book, Darkness Over Denmark: The Danish Resistance and the Rescue of the Jews is also a wonderful resource on this topic.
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Oh, I like the title. Is it a children’s book or an adult book? Will have to check it out. I love sharing stories like this. So many heros risked their lives to help the Jews escape.
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It is for children, ages 10 and up. My step-sister’s uncle was one of the Danish Jewish children rescued.
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Found it in paperback on Amazon. Is it NF? Was surprised to see for ages 5 and up. My library doesn’t carry it. Have you reviewed the book or ever done an interview with her? It’s nice to know family connections. And, I assume she is the same Elle Levine who wrote “Henry’s Freedom Box,” one of my all time favorite books. She’s written a lot of books. Thanks for telling me!
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NF? Sorry I’m not familiar with that acronym. Sadly, Ellen passed away. She did write Henry’s Freedom Box. She consulted with my step-sis’s uncle, Leo Golderger, when doing research for Darkness over Denmark. He had also written on the topic. (I don’t think the novel is for 5 and up. That must be an error.)
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Nonfiction. I ordered the book. The cover is in black and white and it looked like it might be a nonfiction book for children. Perhaps historical fiction. Anyway, I’m intrigued.
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Wow. Looks so powerful. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention, Pat.
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Glad you like the review, Nancy. I enjoyed the simplicity of the story. So easy for kids to understand.
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This is the first story I have heard about a Scandinavian part in helping the jews. I must read this.
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It was the second book I’ve read about the Scandinavians helping the Jews in an “underground” way. Robin mentioned another book below about Denmark.
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Looks like a must-have. Thanks, Patricia!
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Thank you! It’s a book to introduce children to the Holocaust. It shows compassion of a girl and a Village.
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I enjoy these type of historical novels. This one sounds very powerful. Thanks for sharing. I’ve added it to my TBR list and hope to open its pages before the end of the year.
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Yes, I have a soft spot for children’s books that introduce them to the Holocaust. Great book to use when studying tolerance and compassion for others.
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This sounds amazing. It reminds me of Lois Lowry’s “Number the Stars” a bit.
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It does remind me of Lois Lowry’s story, only it’s a PB for younger children.
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This book sounds amazing. I hadn’t been aware of the Scandinavian role in helping Jews to freedom. Thank you for this review, Pat!
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Robin Newman’s relative was one of the Danish Jew children rescued. Ellen Levine wrote about a book, “Darkness Over Denmark: The Danish Resistance and the Rescue of the Jews.” Her relative was interviewed for the children’s novel. The story is also similar to Lois Lowry’s “Number the Stars.”
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Sounds like a compelling read. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. Great review, Pat!
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Thank you! It is a compelling read. Lovely story that shows tolerance and compassion to children.
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I love stories about clever, courageous girls! This one sounds intriguing! Thanks Ms Tilton!
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It is a great story and the little girl is very determined and courageous.
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This looks a great addition to a school or home library. Denmark is not so often talked about during the war period. Is it a short illustrated novel for younger children?
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No, it is a picture book. I usually feature MG or YA novels on Mondays. But, occasionally use the day to share a book someone in PPBF has shared 5-6 months ago that I really like and want to share on my blog because of the theme. Very simply written for children. And, it focuses on compassion. A good intro to the Holocaust for children.
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