The violin hung, as art, on the living room wall. Nightly, the young family listened to papa's beautiful violin music, sometimes dancing if the tune was lively, sometimes sitting and reflecting when it was slow and sorrowful. The son aspired to learn and master the instrument, that is, until the Nazis knocked on doors confiscating musical instruments, furniture, candlesticks and other possessions.

"The violin waited in silence. It's body filled with dust, and its ribs opened at the seams." Refurbished by a luthier, the violin "feels familiar, like a melody remembered from long ago."

Violin of Hope is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book presenting the tale of one such violin seized by the Nazis during the Holocaust. On an elementary children's level, hope might be restored with doses of loving care. Once cracks, dents and strings were replaced and the wood was polished, the violin "carries the touch and playing style of the previous owner...walking in their footsteps [making] their voice heard."

The back cover of author Ella Schwartz's heartfelt book discusses The Violins of Hope, a travelling orchestra formed using refurbished Holocaust instruments. Concerts are performed worldwide and educational projects are promoted. The orchestra uses instruments owned by Jews before or during WWII. Many of these violins were donated by or bought from ancestors including a violin played in the Auschwitz Men's Orchestra.

A highly recommended children's historical fiction picture book.

Thank you Lerner Publishing Group | Kar-Ben Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for letting me read this book! This was such a beautifully handled topic, and the illustrations are so original and thoughtful. Initially, I worried that perhaps the topics behind this story were too sensitive for young readers. While this story may be a children's book, there is still so much hardship and suffering carried by the descendants who were left to carry these memories of what their families were forced to endure. However, as with most children's books authors, the story is captivating and riveting.


I applaud the author and illustrator for such an in-depth story on a musical instrument that got caught up in an unfortunately true event.

I thought this was a cute story. I love the thought of the family somehow finding the violin again. Gives it a hopeful tone.

I received a free copy of, Violin of Hope, by Ella Schwartz, illus by Juliana Oakley, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a beautiful story about a violin, and its journey, The illustrations are beautiful. I enjoyed this book.