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jgurniak's review against another edition
5.0
WWII is one of my favourite periods to read about and this book is just as good as all the others I've read.
hollyxbear's review against another edition
5.0
I find it so fascinating and nauseating that Canada refused to allow so many Jewish people to come into their country during World War II. It was not as though they were killing people outright but they were causing people to have no other choice but get sent away to death camps. One thing that also caught my attention was "If Day". I had never heard of something so intense and shocking to convince people that the war was bad. It was much more intense then a protest or a fundraiser. It showed what was happening to so many people. I do think that during "If Day" they should have rounded up the Jews and showed the reality that they were living in as well. This book was eye opening to the realities of life in World War II. and I am so glad to have read it.
halfling_stories's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
Minor: Violence
pandamamareads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Actually almost cried by the end of this book. For such a quick read it's pages are filled with some pretty powerful events, stories and questions. These books are amazing in their own right, they allow teachable moments. Things that should continue to be taught so that we can see it from all sides. I am glad I read this one.
soulwinds's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and War
twirlyskirt4's review against another edition
5.0
Unlike many of the other Dear America/Dear Canada books, this book dealt equally with historical narrative and philosophical dialogue, in a way which I found realistic and accurate, especially for a pre-teen living during World War II.
As a Jew, I grew up learning about the horrors wrought upon European Jews by the Axis powers, and the role of non-Jewish French people in the Holocaust. Yet while the background of Devorah's story was not unfamiliar, it was refreshing to read the letters between Devorah and her cousin in order to see what Jewish life was like in occupied France.
However. While, as a US native, I'm familiar with the role of US men, women, and children in the war effort, I had NO idea of the kind or degree of hard work that Canadians - Jewish, Gentile, young and old - did toward the war effort. I had certainly never heard of "If Day," and wouldn't have even given a thought to the efforts of the residents of Winnipeg and the Canadian Jewish Congress. But thanks to this little book, I have a wider understanding of how that war was, truly, a World War.
As a Jew, I grew up learning about the horrors wrought upon European Jews by the Axis powers, and the role of non-Jewish French people in the Holocaust. Yet while the background of Devorah's story was not unfamiliar, it was refreshing to read the letters between Devorah and her cousin in order to see what Jewish life was like in occupied France.
However. While, as a US native, I'm familiar with the role of US men, women, and children in the war effort, I had NO idea of the kind or degree of hard work that Canadians - Jewish, Gentile, young and old - did toward the war effort. I had certainly never heard of "If Day," and wouldn't have even given a thought to the efforts of the residents of Winnipeg and the Canadian Jewish Congress. But thanks to this little book, I have a wider understanding of how that war was, truly, a World War.
spinesinaline's review against another edition
3.0
I read this as a MYRCA book. Not one of my favourites from the list but Carol Matas is a terrific author and it's always interesting to hear a different perspective on the Holocaust. Guarantee that anything by Carol Matas will be worth the read.
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