The Whispering Town by maddie ritz

Jane Addams Award: Honor Book, Younger Children (2015)

maddieritz16 — 2025-05-27 21:43:55 UTC

Written by Jennifer Elvgren

Illustrated by Fabio
Published by Kar-Ben Publishing (2014)

maddieritz16 — 2025-05-27 21:49:09 UTC

During WWII in Denmark, young Anett's family hides a Jewish mother and son in their cellar. As Nazi soldiers patrol the town, Anett gathers community support to help the family escape. Whisper by whisper, the neighbors guide the refugees to safety in the darkness toward a boat bound for Sweden.

maddieritz16 — 2025-05-27 21:54:46 UTC

The Whispering Town fits the Jane Addams Award bcause it teaches important ideas like standing up for others, helping people who are treated unfairly, and working together as a community.

Peace and Social Justice

maddieritz16 — 2025-05-27 21:57:38 UTC

Anett and her neighbors don't fight the Nazi's with weapons. They use whispering and teamwork to help a Jewish family escape. It shows that peaceful actions can make a big difference, even during a scary time like the Holocaust.

"They Whisper to each other- one house to the next- to keep the family safe."

Equality For All

maddieritz16 — 2025-05-27 21:59:44 UTC

This story reminds us that everyone deserves safety and kindness, no matter their religion or background. Anett never asks if the family deserves help. She knows it's the right thing to do.

"It's dangerous to be Jewish now," her mother explains- and they help anyway.

Global Community

maddieritz16 — 2025-05-27 22:01:09 UTC

Even though this takes place in a small village in Denmark, it connects to a bigger world. The story shows how a few brave people can make a difference for others. That kindness connects us across borders.

My Thoughts

maddieritz16 — 2025-05-27 22:04:35 UTC

I think this book does a great job of showing young readers how bravery can be quiet and kind. The whispering is a symbol of how people can help others without being loud or violent. It really fits the award's goals of peace, justice, and community.

Jane Addams Peace Association. (n.d.). Award Criteria. https://www.janeaddamschildrensbookaward.org

Kirkus Reviews:

maddieritz16 — 2025-05-28 21:41:57 UTC

"A quiet but powerful introduction to the Holocaust for young readers."

Kirkus Reviews. (2014, March 19). https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jennifer-elvgren/the-whispering-town

Booklist:

maddieritz16 — 2025-05-28 21:43:04 UTC

"Conveys both the horror and humanity of the time period... understand yet moving."

Booklist via Lerner Publishing. https://lernerbooks.com/shop/show/13210

School Library Journal:

maddieritz16 — 2025-05-28 21:45:47 UTC

Recognized the book's ability to "introduce young readers to collective resistance in a sensitive way."

Availible via CLCD or school library databases.

maddieritz16 — 2025-05-28 21:53:15 UTC

Elvgren's book aligns with themes in our readings about how literature can teach children empathy and activism. Like Bishop's concept of "windows and mirrors," The Whispering Town lets children see courage and compassion in others and themselves.

Bishop, R. S. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives, 6(3).