Book Reviews
“A delightful cast of characters brightens this portrait of a dark period of history.”
This important online magazine reprinted Chapter 8 of the Secret Buttons, “All Who Are Hungry,” in its entirety.
“As danger grows, Anni and Rosie discover that their small talents—knitting, courage, and quick thinking—can change lives.”
In this essay, “Teaching, Learning, and Writing About the Holocaust,” Ellen Shapiro asks, “Isn’t there enough Holocaust literature out there already? Why would I — or should you — add another book to the mix?” And answers by showing how and why middle-graders and young teens need to read about characters their own age who are brave, successful protagonists.
Reviewer Norm Cohen keeps a focus on the importance of illustration, then leads his readers to a Q&A with Ellen.
“Caterina Baldi’s art does more than decorate pages; it captures the frantic energy of the train station, the breathless tension of border checks, and the delicate crocheting of buttons.”
“Beautifully designed, with richly detailed illustrations by Caterina Baldi, The Secret Buttons reads like the diary of an astute observer, capturing the destructive nature of fascism and the transformative power of survival.”
“By placing young girls at the center of the story and allowing them to confront fear with intelligence and creativity, Shapiro delivers a moving and empowering narrative.”
“At its heart, this is a story about the threads that hold us together when everything else falls apart.”
“Resistance here is quiet and dangerous, never romanticized. The author handles faith with similar care. Ritual exists alongside doubt, anger, and refusal. Caterina Baldi’s illustrations deepen the text rather than decorating it.”
“Moving and beautifully told... sheds light on lesser-known experiences of Jewish children during World War II.”
Media
Watch Dan expertly guide Ellen through the plot points in her novel, how they were developed and illustrated, and the reasons to read it.
Ms. Raskin interviews experts, celebrities and authors in the areas of self-help, wellness, spirituality and inspiration. She spoke with Ellen on Yom Ha'Shoah (Holocaust Memorial Day).
This hourlong conversation between Sixties activist and former New Hampshire State Senator Burt Cohen and Ellen touches on topics ranging from how small things that were smuggled helped win wars; the parallels between the Nazi era and today’s crackdown on immigrants; and how book illustrations are created.
It was great to speak with musician and spiritual teacher Mitch Gordon—we have much in common. Mitch is on the board of Teach the Shoah, an international nonprofit that teaches people to be storytellers and embody the stories from actual testimony from the Holocaust.
Influencer Cyrus Webb and Ellen talk about the meaning of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the relevance of "The Secret Buttons." The interview is also on iHeart Radio, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Amazon Music, and other podcast platforms.
Ellen was honored to be one of the inspirational women to speak with Kate about her motivation and inspiration to illuminate a dark time in history and make it exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking for young readers. (Audio only.)
From Kingston, NY, Warren Lawrence spoke with Ellen about the Secret Buttons characters and how they are the story were developed.
Mary Jane and Ellen get deep into their family histories, especially the arts of knitting, sewing, and the kind of crocheting refugees used to make "secret buttons."
L.A.-based author and journalist Jill Ferguson speaks with Ellen about design, books, and Ellen’s mother’s story and how it shaped her desire to write and share a positive message about surviving religious discrimination and wartime terror.
From the University of Maryland, John Rush and Ellen discuss racial profiling and immigration in the days leading to WWII in Europe and now in the USA — and the differences in public reaction.
Ms. Boyer and Ellen focus on the life story, talents, and accomplishments of Ellen's mother Elizabeth Nussbaum Shapiro (1915–2007), who left Nazi-occupied Austria (and her medical education) to become a domestic servant in England. And who became a PTA president and owner of a needlework shop in Inglewood, California.
Events
June 14, 2026
Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park
Dobbs Ferry, NY
Happy customers for MeiMei+Me baby dresses and my books!
Tuesday, April 7
Scarsdale Public Library
Scarsdale, New York
Discussion of The Secret Buttons with families with children grades 4 to 8
Saturday, March 28
Irvington Public Library
Irvington, New York
Thursday, March 26
The Warner Library
Tarrytown, New York
March 1 & 2, 2026
CUNY Graduate Center
New York City
Exhibition and meetings with teachers, tutors and educational therapists on the topics of teaching reading, writing and spelling.
Tuesday, February 24
4:00 – 4:30 pm
Private event
Congregation Sons of Israel, Briarcliff Manor, NY