| Title | : | The Hiding Game |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1455622656 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781455622658 |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 40 |
| Publication | : | Published February 8, 2017 |
At their new home in the Villa Air-Bel, Aube and her family are used to things being hidden. Among the secrets kept at the château are a radio, a cow, and—most secret of all—Aube herself. Even with the threat of Nazi capture looming over their heads, life at the villa has been colorful for the refugees awaiting their escape to safety. Joined by writers, musicians, artists, and great thinkers like Marc Chagall and Max Ernst, Aube spends each day singing, playing games, and creating art. Together, this lively congregation are able to fight back fear and hatred with bravery and laughter—not just for young Aube, but for themselves as well.
The Hiding Game Reviews
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A young girl and her family settle into a new home in the Villa Air-Bel in France. They’re used to hiding things: the radio, a cow, anything of value that the Nazis could seize. Aube Breton – the daughter Dada pioneer Andre Breton – even learns to hide herself in case of a raid. You see, Villa Air-Bel was a safe place for refugees during World War II, a place where those on the run could await passage to safety. Aude spends her days with luminaries like artists Marc Chagall and Max Ernst; helping hold art sales to raise money for transport out of occupied France, and playing, as a child should.
A very different experience from Anne Frank and the families ensconced in the Secret Annex, Aude’s story is no less powerful. She witnesses a Nazi raid and hides while her father and other men are rounded up and taken in for questioning, and she faces her situation with love and laughter. The stories of the Villa Air-Bel refugees is a lesser-known part of World War II France, and The Hiding Game is a strong introduction to younger readers. Its message is as strong today as ever.
Herb Leonhard’s illustrations and subdued color palette are gentle on the eyes in some spreads, more powerful in others, enhancing the story with strong images that will lead to deep discussions with school-age readers.
A historical note and further resources round out this story, and the author explains that her uncle was one of the men who risked his life to bring refugees to safety. A recommended addition to history collections.
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This book is so confusing! I had to read it twice and even then I had to go back and reread... There are so many characters and none are really fleshed out. There is some interesting information in the back matter that explains which famous artists were at the house and how they escaped. This story needs a good editor.
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You know a book is good when you immediately google for more information. FASCINATING! The art sell in a tree blew my mind.
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The Hiding Game is a biographical picture book story of how Aube and her family, along with other refugees his from Nazis in occupied France. Based on the true story of her great uncle Danny, the author relates with the naïveté of a child the circumstances of the situation. While the hardships are present it is the moments of joy and community that comes across so deftly through the blend of text and illustrations.
A recommended book for providing another perspective of WWII and the Holocaust. -
"Creative nonfiction" - the author's own description of the book. Well written and I learned that there were Americans who risked their lives to help others get away from an evil government. Great web links to further your own research.
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Illustrated nonfiction that reads like fiction. This story is told from the perspective of a little girl, Aube, fleeing capture by the Nazis durring World War II. At the end of the account are photographs and background information about the people in the story, inculding Marc Chagall. Perfect for teachers doing read aloud, gentle enough for younger readers. ~ Alexis S.
