Where Does Hope Live?
A True Story of Real Courage, "Harboring Hope" by Susan Hood
In honor of the 80-year anniversary of the heroic acts of the people of Denmark who in October of 1943 saved the lives of over seven thousand Danish Jews from Nazis Germany, I wanted to share this powerful nonfiction story. While World War II is a hard subject, it’s one that needs to be shared with future generations both as a warning and a way of highlighting the selfless acts of citizens and soldiers who fought for freedom and basic human rights.
Harboring Hope is the true story of 22-year-old Henny Sinding and how she saved approximately 300 Danish Jews and refugees from Nazi Germany over the course of one month, aided by her father’s tiny lighthouse tender boat, the Gerda III, and her community. Written in a way that is honest about the fear and plight of Europe during World War II without going into details about the atrocities of concentration camps and death marches, this book allows independent readers or families to peek into life during the war without becoming instantly overwhelmed by its horrors.
Written in free verse, Harboring Hope is easy to read and fast-paced. It reads like the best fiction and uses form and ample alliteration to create a gripping and approachable piece that is fun to read even for those who do not usually read poetry (like me). Harboring Hope is written for grades 3 and up, but I think older children and adults will enjoy this wonderful read as well.
Along with checking out a copy of Harboring Hope, I encourage you to do your own research into the heroic acts of the Danish people during World War II. This link to the History Channel is a great place to start your exploration:
https://www.history.com/news/wwii-danish-jews-survival-holocaust
You can also learn more about the Gerda III and the special exhibit at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City which is currently holding a special interactive exhibit:
https://mjhnyc.org/exhibitions/courage-to-act-rescue-in-denmark/
https://mjhnyc.org/exhibitions/gerda-iii-at-the-mystic-seaport-in-connecticut/
- Leah Reinsager, Children's Library Associate, Pratt Library