“music will give you strength”
her mother reassured her
“it will be your best friend for life.”
books
A STORY OF LOVE, FAITH, AND PERSEVERANCE
Based on the life of Holocaust survivor Lisa Jura, The Children of Willesden Lane is the cornerstone offering of the Hold On To Your Music Foundation. When Lisa was a 14-year-old girl in pre-World War II Vienna, her parents were forced to make a difficult decision. Able to secure passage for only one of their three daughters aboard the Kindertransport, they chose to send Lisa to London, believing her talent would give her the strength to survive an uncertain future. Lisa made her way to a Jewish hostel on Willesden Lane in London. Her music became a beacon of hope for other displaced children.
Through hard work and determination, Lisa is accepted to study piano at the Royal Academy. As she supports herself and studies, she makes a new life and holds on to her dreams of reconnecting with the family she was forced to leave behind.
A memoir of courage, survival and the power of music to uplift the human spirit, The Children of Willesden Lane is Mona Golabek’s inspiring tribute to her mother, Lisa, and available in multiple versions for readers at every level.
Illustrations copyright © 2021 by Hachette Book Group, Inc. Artwork by Sonia Possentini.
THE CHILDREN OF WILLESDEN LANE
BEYOND THE KINDERTRANSPORT:
A MEMOIR OF MUSIC, LOVE AND SURVIVAL
By Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen
Published in 2003, this is the original version of Lisa Jura’s story. The book delivers a message of the power of music to uplift the human spirit. This is the true story of how one teenage refugee persevered against all odds to survive and realize her dream, inspiring generations to follow. The book is also available in German, Italian, French, Polish and Hungarian.
If interested in purchasing a physical or ebook classroom set,
contact Jackie: jackie@holdontoyourmusic.org.
THE CHILDREN OF WILLESDEN
A TRUE STORY OF HOPE AND SURVIVAL DURING WORLD WAR II
By Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen
Adapted by Emil Sher
Published in 2017, Lisa’s powerful story is brought to life in this award winning Young Reader edition. This book was adapted from the original book and is appropriate for readers ranging from age 10 to 14 years old. It is also available in Spanish, Hebrew and Hungarian.
If interested in purchasing a physical or ebook classroom set,
contact Jackie: jackie@holdontoyourmusic.org.
LISA OF WILLESDEN LANE
By Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen
Adapted by Sarah Robbins
Illustrated by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov
This timeless story of hope is now available to even younger readers in the chapter book. Mona Golabek’s mission to transform historical testimony into youth empowerment led to the creation of this shorter, illustrated format appropriate for readers ranging from age 8 to 11 years old.
If interested in purchasing a physical or ebook classroom set,
contact Jackie: jackie@holdontoyourmusic.org.
HOLD ON TO YOUR MUSIC:
THE INSPIRING TRUE STORY OF THE CHILDREN OF WILLESDEN LANE
By Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen
Adapted by Emil Sher
Illustrated by Sonia Possentini
A true story of courage, survival and determination, this compelling tribute to a gifted young girl has already touched the lives of many around the world in the original book, The Children of Willesden Lane, published in 2003. Now, the Hold On to Your Music picture book retells this story to inspire a new generation. With brilliant illustrations to accompany the poignant text, this picture book is available in both hardcover and paperback editions.
If interested in purchasing a physical or ebook classroom set,
contact Jackie: jackie@holdontoyourmusic.org.
