Pat Black-Gould
Author and Clinical Psychologist
The Crystal Beads
A Star of David necklace or a rosary? Lalka, a young girl, must reject one of these and accept the other without understanding why. Lalka is confused as to why her mother gives her crystal beads (a rosary) in exchange for her most prized possession--her Star of David necklace, a precious gift given to her by her father before he died.
But the year is 1939, and Lalka's mother knows Poland is no longer safe for Jews. So with the help of her neighbor, she teaches her daughter new songs and prayers. When she feels the child is ready, the mother makes the heartbreaking decision to leave the little girl at a convent where the brave nuns take the child under their wing and continue her Catholic education. But when the Nazis question her, will the training be enough? When forced with a difficult decision, will Lalka follow her heart or follow her mother's directions? And will her choice be enough to save her life?
This beautifully illustrated Gold Medal award-winning book is inspired by a true story and told from a child's perspective. The story is one of sacrifice and bravery and highlights the hidden children of the Holocaust. Readers will witness how people can come together, despite differences, when it really matters.
Although a children's book, The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey is designed for ages 8to adults It contains two study guides. One is for children, parents, and teachers. The other is for adults who may gather in places of worship, book clubs, and small groups. Discussion topics include themes of compassion, empathy, and diversity.
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Illustrator, Ekaterina Royz
Ekaterina Royz is an artist, illustrator, and educator who teaches drawing to children and adults. She collaborates on educational projects on a wide variety of subjects, including the Holocaust, for young people in Israel, Russia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Since 2017, she has lived in Israel, where she repatriated from Siberia. The subject of The Crystal Beads is close to Katya’s heart. The Holocaust personally affected her family. Her grandfather, Efim Royz, was born in Ukraine, in the Jewish town of Derazhnya, into a large family. In the summer of 1941, Nazi troops occupied Derazhnya. The Royz family was one of the few who fled before the Nazis arrived. Numerous relatives and friends stayed, hoping everything would be okay. The Nazis established the Jewish ghetto in the town. On September 20 and 21, 1942, the German Sonderkommando shot over 3,500 Jews. Fortunately, Katya's great-grandfather, great-grandmother, and their children reached Siberia despite incredible difficulties, ensuring everyone's safety.
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Accolades for Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey
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"A poignant story of bravery, sacrifice, and love. The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey teaches the history of the hidden children during the Holocaust, evokes compassion through beautiful language, and leaves readers to consider what connects us rather than what divides us."
— Jennifer Rosner, Author, National Jewish Book Finalist, The Yellow Bird Sings, Once We Were Home
"Concerned parents often ask if children can handle the subject of the Holocaust. The answer is yes, if its story is told with subtlety and grace, as is true in The Crystal Beads and where tragedy is redeemed by love."
— Rabbi Mark W. Kiel, New York
“This is a moving adaptation for children of a fine story written for adults, which was originally published in Jewish Fiction .net. It is fascinating to see how this adult story has been successfully transformed into a meaningful and interestingly illustrated children's book. Black-Gould's hope is that this book will serve as a tool for teaching children tolerance, compassion, courage, and respect for diversity. I share her worthy hope.”
— Dr. Nora Gold, Prize-winning author of Marrow, Fields of Exile, and The Dead Man; Editor-in-Chief, Jewish Fiction .net
