To Hope and Back:
The Journey of the St. Louis
About the Book
The story of the St. Louis, an ocean liner carrying over 900 Jews fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe that was turned away at every port – including Canada’s. An ocean-liner carrying Jewish passengers can find no safe harbor...
The story of Lisa and Sol is set against the tragic true history of the St. Louis. Denied entry from port after port, the captain was forced to return his Jewish passengers to Europe, where many died in the Holocaust. Through the eyes of Sol and Lisa we see the injustice and heartbreak that were caused by the prejudice and hatred of so many.
Resources
Inspiration Gallery
Take inspiration from student work & learn how teachers are sharing To Hope and Back within their classroom. Share your own classroom work with the Liberation75 community by emailing evelyn@liberation75.org.
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About the Author
Kathy Kacer has won many awards for her writing, including the Silver Birch, the Red Maple, the Hackmatack, and the Jewish Book Award. In 1999 she wrote her first book in Second Story Press' Holocaust Remembrance Series for Young Readers, The Secret of Gabi's Dresser. Since then she has penned over 25 other books for young readers.
A former psychologist, Kathy now travels the world speaking about her books and the need to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive. She also addresses adults about how to teach sensitive material to young children. Kathy Kacer lives in Toronto.
Interested in having Kathy Kacer speak to your class? Contact us for information about the Liberation75 2026/2027 Speaker Tour:
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