The Sound of Freedom

Gr 4–7—It's 1935 in Krakow, Poland, and Anna Hirsch's young life is on the brink of immense change. Lately, she has been noticing more and more unkindness and downright cruelty in Krakow towards Jewish citizenry like her own family. Anna witnesses the violent beating of the local butcher and Anna and her father are almost attacked at his music school. Anna sees only one way out. If her father is accepted in Bronislaw Huberman's new orchestra that will be based in Palestine, it would ensure safe passage for the Hirsch family out of Poland. Kacer's novel examines a little-known historical event preceding the Holocaust. Huberman was a real musician who founded the Palestine Philharmonic (as it was then known). Kacer, whose own parents were survivors of the Holocaust, writes a fictional account of a family saved by Huberman. The story is somber from the beginning as the author does not shy away from showing violence and hatred. But amidst a backdrop of despair, Anna and her family have hope, and their love for each other is a beacon of light. Kacer includes an author's note and a short bibliography encouraging more learning about Huberman.