The Lily Pond

Bibliography
Thor, Annika, 1997. THE LILY POND. New York, NY: Random House Children's Books. ISBN 9780385740401.

Plot Summary
Taking place during World War II, Stephanie and her sister, Nellie, evacuated Vienna, Austria to live with foster parents on a Swedish island. While her parents stay behind in Nazi-occupied Vienna, Stephie has the opportunity to enroll into school and continue her studies; not many Jewish children had the luxury of doing so at this time. The school is located on the mainland, so Stephie will be staying a family she previously met last summer. Looking forward to seeing the son, Sven again, Stephie begins to think everything is slowly falling into place, despite juggling all of the emotions and heartache the war has brought on. One place she always finds solace in the hardest of times; the lily pond. 

Critical Analysis
As the sequel to A FARAWAY ISLAND, readers are able to follow more of the Steiner sisters journey into their lives in Sweden. More specifically, readers are learning about Stephie's opportunity to attend school on a scholarship away from their foster parents, Aunt Marta and Uncle Evert. A very rare opportunity for a Jewish refugee child during this difficult time in the world. Thor writes about the hardship the sisters face as they are forced to leave behind their home and parents, as Nazi's have taken over their homeland. Despite the difficult times and wanting to give up initially when arriving to Sweden, Stephie continues to dream and hopes to follow into her father's footsteps and become a doctor. Knowing young readers face unimaginable situations, such as the Jewish families during World War II, Thor is encouraging readers to find strength, continue dreaming towards a better future, and build relationships with trustworthy people.  There are many moments where Stephie's character undergoes embarrassment, frustration, isolation, and fear. Yet, somehow, she remains brave, witty, and determined. Although this story is fiction, it includes historical elements as Thor includes handwritten letters from the point of view of the Steiner parents, as they update Stephie of what is taking place in Vienna and the directions of the war. Historical fiction readers will appreciate this young perspective on the outcomes of the war, separating innocent families and continuing to dream during a difficult time.

Review Excerpt(s)
- Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book
- ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book
- Parents' Choice Silver Award
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A good addition to World War II literature."
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "A compelling look at World War II-era Sweden, this distinguished Holocaust story will resonate."

Connections
- Historical fans will enjoy the Swedish and Jewish cultures expressed in the story. There are also war updates included in the parent letters to provide authenticity. 
- Historical fiction readers will appreciate this young perspective during the World War II/Holocaust era.   
- Similar book recommendations:
Lowry, Lois, 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. ISBN 9780547577098
Thor, Annika, 2009. A FARAWAY ISLAND. ISBN 9780375893704

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