Jason and the Money Tree by Sonia Levitin

Then father tells them they must go to Switzerland for safety immediately and here the majority of the book takes place as the three girls and the mother are separated from each other as they are looked after by different refugee helper families. The reader learns what it was like in Germany for the Jews in those early days as their rights were slowly being taken from them. Lisa, Ruth (the older sister), little Annie and mother must now fend for themselves until the time comes.

Their father has decided that they will leave for America, so he goes first in order to get a job, a place to live and earn enough money for the tickets for boat passage for the others. The story is told from Lisa's point of view, the second oldest girl of three, perhaps 11 years old. This is a gentle, quiet story that is suitable for younger children (as a read loud) since it deals with the very early days of Hitler's Germany, making one aware of the need for escape in those early days and how fortunate were those who did manage to leave Germany before the atrocities began. Reason for Reading: read aloud to the 10yo as part of our history curriculum. I am sure that if you do read it, you will not be able to put it down, as I wasn't and you will fall in love with the family, particularly the children and you will root for them. This is also a great book for people who love Historical novels about this subject.Īlthough it is YA, as with many YA books, this can be read and enjoyed by anyone at any age. If you want to lean more about this horrible period of time and have not read much about it, this is a good book to start with. The characters are developed and the story.this is a family escaping to America during that horrible time.will have you on the edge of your seat. This book, because it is a children's and YA book, is fast ,easy reading as well as being extremely well written. It is perfect for anyone who wants a book on this subject but does not want alot of violence included.

Another reviewer described it as 'quiet' and I would agree. I love Historical Fiction but do not tend to read many books on WW2. The subject matter has always been difficult for me honestly. It is a fine, extremely well written book suitable for most ages. I read this book as a young girl about a family escaping Germany as things started to get bad.

Jason and the Money Tree by Sonia Levitin