Guardian Angel House

February 1, 2010
Gr 5-8-The Sisters of Charity of the Guardian Angel Convent in Budapest saved the lives of more than 100 Jewish children during World War II. Based on the experiences of her mother and aunt, Clark provides a compelling, fictionalized account documenting the courage and compassion of these nuns. Through the connections of their mother's childhood friend, Isi, a Catholic, 12-year-old Susan and her 6-year-old sister, Vera, are taken to the convent after their father is sent to a labor camp. They join other Jewish girls in hiding and quickly adapt to their new life. Their days are filled with prayer, chores, studies, and recreation. The nuns respect Jewish traditions, allowing the girls to light the Sabbath and Hanukkah candles and to conduct a Passover Seder, but they also teach them the rites and customs of Catholicismboth out of respect and for protection. And, when Budapest is under attack, the nuns create a shelter in the crypt beneath the church, risking their own lives to protect the girls from bombs and Nazi raids. Miraculously, Susan and Vera are reunited with their parents, who survived the war through the aid of Raoul Wallenberg, and again with the help of Isi, the family immigrates to Canada. Black-and-white photographs and an afterword help to bring the story and history to life. This is a touching and heartwarming tribute to the Righteous Gentiles of the Guardian Angel House and a highly readable, accessible resource to introduce students to the Holocaust."Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL"

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