Book details
Finding Sophie
Description
Selected by the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association as one of the PSLA YA Top Forty Fiction Titles 2003Nominated in the fiction category for the 2004/2005 Red Cedar Book Awards (British Columbia's Young Reader's Choice book award)Sophie Mandel was only seven years old when she arrived in London on the first Kindertransport from Germany. She has grown up with a friend of her parents, a woman she calls Aunt Em, and despite the war and its deprivations, she has made a good life for herself in England with her foster mother. She has even stopped thinking about the parents she left behind. Now the war is over, and fourteen-year-old Sophie is faced with a terrible dilemma. Where does she belong?In this, the third book about the characters introduced in Good-bye Marianne and Remember Me, Irene N. Watts explores the themes of friendship, family, and the nature of love. Finding Sophie is sure to become a favorite.
Age
10-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
138 pages
Why to read
- Historical Insight: 'Finding Sophie' provides readers with a deeper understanding of the experiences of Jewish children during World War II, particularly those who were part of the Kindertransport. This historical context is not only educational but also emotionally impactful.
- Character Development: The protagonist, Sophie, is a well-crafted character whose journey from Germany to England and her subsequent challenges offer readers a chance to see her growth and resilience. Following her story can be both inspiring and enlightening.
- Cultural Understanding: Through Sophie's experiences, readers gain insight into the cultural differences between her life in Germany and her new life in England. This can foster empathy and a greater appreciation for the challenges faced by refugees and immigrants.
- Engaging Narrative: Irene N. Watts is known for her compelling storytelling. 'Finding Sophie' is no exception, offering an engaging plot that keeps readers invested in Sophie's fate and eager to turn the page to discover what happens next.