The Secret Buttons by Ellen Shapiro presents a measured yet deeply affecting portrayal of wartime displacement, seen through the perspective of two young Jewish sisters. Anni and Rosie are forced to leave their home in Austria and travel alone to England as the threat of war rapidly closes in. Cut off from their parents and surrounded by instability, the girls must adapt to an unfamiliar world where fear and suspicion shape everyday existence. Shapiro captures the quiet anxiety of exile while sustaining a current of resilience and hope.

Shapiro is particularly effective in depicting the sisters’ daily efforts to adjust. A new language. Wartime shortages. Teasing and mistrust from others. These challenges unfold alongside the children’s attempts to maintain a sense of normalcy. The burden placed on Anni becomes increasingly clear. Her maturity is tested in moments of real danger, including a tense scene in which she must question a Nazi soldier and depend entirely on her instincts. As Anni and Rosie help support their household and reconnect with Jewish traditions such as Passover and Shabbat, those rituals gain heightened meaning in exile. Memories of life before the war appear throughout the narrative, offering contrast and emotional depth. Their gradual fading reflects adaptation rather than loss, suggesting survival without forgetting.

Caterina Baldi’s illustrations further enrich the novel. Opening each chapter and woven throughout the text, the artwork adds warmth and visual texture. Period details emerge through subtle choices in clothing, food, and setting. These images reinforce the emotional atmosphere while underscoring the care and research behind the story.

Inspired by a memory from the author’s mother, The Secret Buttons succeeds as both historical fiction and a broader reflection on courage, identity, and displacement. By placing young girls at the center of the story and allowing them to confront fear with intelligence and creativity, Shapiro delivers a moving and empowering narrative. The result is a meaningful, hopeful read that affirms young readers’ capacity to face even the most daunting circumstances.

Pages: 210 | ASIN : B0F5ZCPHXH