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Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor Book, 2015

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Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor Book, 2015

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Author: Jennifer Elvgren

Illustrator: Fabio Santomauro

Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing (2014)

Elvgren, J. (2014). The Whispering Town (F. Santomauro, Illus.). Kar-Ben Publishing.

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Author: Jennifer Elvgren , Illustrator: Fabio Santomauro

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Instantly access The Whispering Town plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

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It is 1943 in Nazi-occupied Denmark. Anett and her parents are hiding a Jewish woman and her son

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Peace

In The Whispering Town, no one fights with weapons or anger. Instead, the townspeople use quiet courage and kindness to stand up to injustice. They help their neighbors by whispering directions so a Jewish family can escape safely. This shows that we don’t always need to shout or fight to make a difference being calm, brave, and helpful is also powerful. Even a small voice, like a whisper, can be strong when used for good.

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Social Justice

Anett, the young girl in the story, knows that hiding the family is dangerous, but she still helps. Her whole town does, too. They are not helping to be heroes they help because it’s the right thing to do. This shows real justice: when people protect others who are treated unfairly. The story teaches children that standing up for someone even when it’s risky can make the world more fair and kind.

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Global Community

The book takes place in Denmark, but its message is for everyone, everywhere. People from different backgrounds come together to help a family in danger. The townspeople don’t just think about themselves they think about the lives of others. That’s what it means to be part of a global community. The story reminds us that no matter where we live or what language we speak, we all share the same human values like kindness, bravery, and love.

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Equity

The family in hiding is Jewish, and they are being treated unfairly just because of their religion. But Anett and her neighbors know that all people deserve to live in peace, no matter who they are. They don't see the family as "different" they see them as people who need help. This story shows young readers that fairness means treating everyone with respect, care, and safety, no matter their background or beliefs.

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Ellen G. Cole notes that the book showcases how “whispers and quiet courage turn resistance to Nazis during the Holocaust in Denmark into a heartwarming story of supportive action.” She emphasizes the community's collective effort to protect their neighbors, illustrating the themes of solidarity and bravery.

https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/book/the-whispering-town?

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This review commends Elvgren for presenting a powerful historical story through the eyes of a child, making it accessible to young readers. The illustrations are noted for their deep shadows and fine lines, effectively portraying the community's strength and the story's emotional depth.

https://wakingbraincells.com/2014/06/19/review-the-whispering-town-by-jennifer-elvgren/?

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Fats Suela highlights the book's portrayal of love and compassion during a time of oppression. She points out that the story is based on real events in the Danish village of Gilleleje, where approximately 1,700 Jews were helped to escape to Sweden, reinforcing the book's historical significance and its message of collective action.

https://gatheringbooks.org/2016/07/07/hushed-tones-and-quiet-courage-finding-refuge-in-the-whispering-town/?

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The Whispering Town by Jennifer Elvgren delivers a powerful message: no one is too small to make a big impact. Even though Anett is just a young girl, her quiet courage and thoughtful actions help save a Jewish family from danger. She doesn’t need to be loud or powerful she simply needs to be caring and brave. That kind of message is incredibly important for children to hear.

As a future educator, this book speaks deeply to my heart. It reminds me that children have the power to make real change. Sometimes they just need someone to believe in them and show them the way. Anett’s story shows how kindness, courage, and teamwork can overcome fear and injustice. She worked with her family and her whole town to protect people who were in danger not because they were forced to, but because they believed it was the right thing to do.

This story also teaches that community matters. Everyone in the town plays a part. The baker, the librarian, the neighbors all of them help. It’s a lesson that shows how small acts of goodness, when shared, become something truly powerful.

As an educator, I want to help children see their voices and choices matter, no matter how young they are. Just like Anett, they can stand up for what’s right. They can be helpers, friends, and leaders even in small ways that make a big difference.

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The Whispering Town is a great example of how children’s books can teach important life lessons, especially about social justice. In class, we’ve talked about how books can help children understand fairness, kindness, and how to care for others. This story does all of that in a way that’s easy for kids to understand but still very powerful.

One big idea is empathy. This book helps young readers imagine what it feels like to be in danger or to have to hide to stay safe. It also shows how it feels to help someone, even when it’s scary. That helps children build understanding and compassion for others who may be different from them.

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Children's literature can be a tool for teaching social justice. This book lets kids think deeply about fairness and how to treat others.

Empathy development: It invites readers to imagine what it’s like to be in danger and to help others.

Critical thinking: Kids must think about right and wrong, and how even small choices matter.

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The Whispering Town is a powerful picture book based on a true story from World War II. It tells the story of a young girl named Anett who lives in Denmark. Her family is secretly hiding a Jewish family in their basement to protect them from the Nazis. While the family waits for a boat to take them to safety in Sweden, Anett and her neighbors quietly help by bringing food, books, and support. When the night comes for the family to escape, the townspeople “whisper” directions from one house to another so the family can find their way in the dark.

The story shows how bravery, kindness, and teamwork can make a big difference—even when it comes from someone as young as Anett. With simple but moving words and bold illustrations, this book teaches children about standing up for others, doing the right thing, and using peaceful ways to resist injustice.