The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman by Kathy Stinson. Illustrated by Marie Lafrance   picture book Grades 1-4

This picture book, The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman by Kathy Stinson takes place in Germany immediately after WWII, and some details might be difficult for younger or more sensitive readers. Marie Lafrance’s illustrations mimic the hopeful, yet somber, and quite heavy, tone of the book. The author describes the family’s hardships – the children in the story are very hungry and their father was shot for refusing to fight during the war. This book highlights the children’s visit to a book exhibit set up by Jella Lepman, and the positive impact on their lives of being able to hear a read aloud again even though their town’s library was destroyed in the war.  At the end of the book there are additional pages, with photographs, explaining the historical background, and her legacy.  Inspiring and educational read aloud, but touches on complex and difficult issues.