Odette's Secrets

Odette Melspajz (married name Meyers), a young Polish Jew, lives in Paris with her mama and papa at the start of World War II. Her mama and papa left Poland for a safer home in France as Hitler started to gain power in Europe. In November 1939, her papa joins the French army to fight against the Nazis but is captured and kept prisoner in a death camp, leaving Odette and her mother to try and survive on their own as Germany invades France and then rounds up foreign-born Jews to be sent to the prison camps in Poland. How will they avoid being arrested? What secrets must young Odette keep to outlive the war?"Odette's Secrets" by Maryann Macdonald is an exceptional book. Classified as children's fiction, the novel is based on the true life of Odette Melspajz Meyer as she tries to survive World War II. Macdonald's ability to bring Odette to life through a fictionalized first person point of view is nothing short of miraculous - readers young and adult will be pulled into Odette's story from her first words to her last ones. The depth of research, attention to details, and heartfelt respect used to write such a remarkable book is evident in Macdonald's work. Actual black and white Melspajz family photos sprinkled throughout the book are a charming addition to the story. What's even more unique is how Macdonald uses a poetry format but actually writes the story in prose - a format she chose when she learns that Odette Meyer loved to read, especially poetry, and that reading poems kept her going when things looked bleak for her mother and her. The format adds to the tempo of the story (I read it in one sitting - I didn't want to put it down).There's a reason "Odette's Secrets" is a Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List Book - it's absolutely award-worthy. Highly recommended for young readers and adults.

From the first page, this dear little girl, Odette, draws you into her world. You sit beside her in the darkened cinema and see the flash of jack-booted Nazis flash across the screen. You feel the splinters of glass beneath your shoes, surveying the broken shop window with her and her mother. Through the use of free-verse poetry, Odette's joys, and fears are vividly and perfectly expressed. It all feels so real. You fully comprehend why a child's concern for the loss of her doll can be on a level equal to her bewilderment of peoples' hatred of Jews.Odette is aware she is a Jew. But her family is secular; in fact, "Mama and Papa don't believe in religion". Soon, though, the reality of her situation cannot be ignored. At 7 ½, she is made aware that she is no longer `really' French--that is, not as she used to be. She is not allowed to play in the park, go to museums and cafes. With much trepidation, she wears a yellow star on her clothes, which invites abuse from other children, as well as from adults. Her life has been turned upside-down.Odette's world is full of secrets--secrets that protect and allow her to survive. It seems a lot for a little girl to handle, but Maryann MacDonald's wonderful and sensitive writing helps you understand Odette's inner strengths, as well as from whom and where they were derived. Truly, this book is a page turner. You don't want to put it down; you need to know--what will Odette's fate be?Based on the true story of Odette Meyers, the author thoughtfully includes the tale of how she discovered and came to write Odette's Secrets, and a timeline of events in Odette's life. And scattered throughout--and perfectly placed--in the book are photos of the people who figure so greatly in the narrative. Although written primarily for pre and young teens, it will speak to adults on a very personal level; evoking their own childhood memories. I love this book.

In a free-verse poetic style, Maryann MacDonald tells the story of a little Jewish girl growing up in Paris during World War Two. Told from the girl’s point of view, we learn how her life changes when the Nazis invade the city. Her father is arrested and sent to a work camp, and her mother joins the French Resistance. We learn the secrets Odetta must keep to remain safe throughout that difficult time.Based on the true story of Odette Meyers, who survived the Holocaust, the author captures the family’s history and also includes photos which helps bring the book to life.Initially, I wasn’t sure how the poetic writing style would work, but I was pleasantly surprised. It flowed beautifully, and I found myself seeing the world through Odetta’s eyes, which were first innocent and then were forced to grew up way too quickly.

When Odette's father is taken to a Nazi work camp, her mother does whatever she has to do so she and her daughter can survive. Living in German-occupied Paris is impossible when they are Jewish, so they move. Hiding in the countryside pretending to be Christian is not an easy thing. There are ignorant villagers, the truth ready to bubble over, and issues of money and necessities. This is such a powerful story. The loss of homes, livelihood, and loved ones is a horrible thing to experience. Being in Odette's head during this short read was riveting, but not easy. If you enjoy historical and verse novels, read this book.

During WWII my father was in a prisoner of war camp before being liberated by French freedom fighters. This book transported me back to what it might have been like living during this time. I especially appreciated the free verse style of writing which was new to me, but totally fitting for this story..

Beautiful story of a young girl and the courage it took to understand and live through the evil around her. Easy to read. I would recommend for those who enjoy reading about the holocaust. I am not sure if this story can be read in the public school setting. It contains many references to religion. :-(

This is a story told in brief, almost poetic description, from the point of view of a young girl. She is a Jewish girl who goes into hiding in the French countryside when France is under Nazi rile. She is hiding openly -- but with a new identity, hence her secrets. This would be a good introduction for children to a study of prejudice and its effects.