Synopsis

Based on the true story of two sisters sheltered from the Nazis by a group of Catholic nuns during World War II.

Mama had always told twelve-year-old Susan that there was no safe place for a Jew, especially in German-occupied Hungary in 1944. Susan is skeptical and afraid when she and her little sister, Vera, are sent to a convent to be kept “safe” from the Nazis. Susan and Vera find their lives transformed and soon discover the true nature of courage when they are sheltered by a group of nuns who risk their lives to protect them.

 

“Guardian Angel House” was the nickname given to a convent operated by the Sisters of Charity in Budapest that sheltered over 120 Jewish children in German-occupied Hungary during World War II. This book tells the story of author Kathy Clark’s mother and aunt, who were sheltered there by the nuns.

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Includes historical photographs and notes about the author’s family and the Hungarian convent that became known as “Guardian Angel House.”

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Awards

• An Ontario Library Association Red Maple Honour Book in 2010.

• Included in “The Best Children’s Books of the Year” from Bank Street College of Education; Historical Fiction category, 2010, ages 9-12

• Included in the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s “Best Books for Kids and Teens” , 2010 edition

• Recipient of the City of Ottawa Arts Council Grant, 2005

 

Reviews

"The book is well told and fast paced. Young readers, especially girls, will admire the characters and find the book suspenseful and easy to understand, yet also very educational." - The Canadian Jewish News

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"A touching tribute to the Righteous Gentiles of the Guardian Angel House and a highly readable introduction to the Holocaust." - School Library Journal

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"A moving story with roots in fact, Guardian Angel House is a great way to teach young readers about the Holocaust through fiction." - The Midwest Book Review

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​"A story of mutual respect and understanding at a time of terrible persecution. It is the faith and heroism of the nuns and children that really shines through." - Catholic Fiction Review

 

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