The Secret Buttons
- Historical fiction
- For readers age 10 and up
- Relevant to all immigrants
- 216 oversized pages, 8 3/4 x 10”
- 16 double-page-spread paintings and 50
spot illustrations by Caterina Baldi, one of Italy’s most celebrated book artists - Includes glossary and time line
A suspenseful coming-of-age novel inspired by the experiences of my mother in the years that led to WWII and the Holocaust.
Anni Blum is twelve when she and her little sister Rosie travel alone to rural England from Nazi-occupied Vienna, Austria. The borders are closed to Jews, so the girls depart to live with cousins as ‘domestic servants.’ To not be recognized as Jews — and get thrown off the train — their dark, curly hair is pulled back tightly and they’re dressed to blend in with the ‘Aryan’ travelers.
On the train, they come up with quick answers for the conductor, knit, and practice English, worried about what lies ahead. They arrive in a country deep in preparations for war. Because the girls speak German, the local children accuse them of being Nazi spies. And that’s just the beginning of the challenges they face: loneliness, being teased and misunderstood, missing school and their parents and friends.
Inspired by my mother’s memories, The Secret Buttons presents resourceful girls who solve big problems while dealing with the dangers and difficulties all immigrants face when adjusting to a new culture and learning a new language.
“A fascinating journey through the hardships of life during WWII through the eyes of two talented, courageous young girls.”
Sarah Leone
Holocaust historian and editor
Duke University Press
“Ellen’s rhythmic writing and flowing graphic design are enriched by alluring illustrations.
This marriage of word and image is an intelligent and movingly engaging totality.”
Steven Heller
Former art director, New York Times Book Review.
Co-chair emeritus, ‘Designer as Author’ MFA program, School of Visual Arts, NYC
“Will inspire our children — and all of us — to be brave and resilient in the face of evil.”
Roslyn Arlin Mickelson, PhD
Professor of Sociology and Gender & Women’s Studies
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
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Hardbound w/ cloth binding and endpapers $27.95
Premium Paperback with same fine European papers and printing $23.95
Fully illustrated, color eBook $10.95
Coming soon: Standard Size Paperback