The Secret of Gabi's Dresser By: Kathy Kacer

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"The Secret of Gabi's Dresser" was inspired by real events in history and Kathy Kacer's mother's experiences during World War 2.  When adult Gabi's grandchildren visit her, they listen attentively to the story Gabi tells about her childhood and the importance of the dresser her family brought from Czechoslovakia to Canada.  As a child, Gabi lived a happy life in a farming community in Czechoslovakia.  When the Nazis invaded her country, things changed for Gabi and the other Jewish families.  Eventually, Gabi wasn't even able to attend school. When the Nazis came looking for Gabi, her mother made the difficult decision to leave the family farm and go into hiding.  This book would be an informative and interesting read aloud in grades 5 and up.  Although the story touches on difficult topics, it does so in a gentle way.  The book would help initiate solid classroom discussions about this time in history and discrimination in general. This book would be enjoyed by fans of historical fiction.